Ah, September. School is back in session, fall is lingering around the corner, a PSL is my drink of choice (until Starbucks releases the Apple Crisp from their claws), and jealousy forms in the bottom of my heart because I do not go to a large Southern University where school spirit is a requirement for admittance.Â
Now, this is not a UB dis. I love my school. I could not imagine myself anywhere else; that does not disregard my longing to go to a school with immense school spirit. My main question here is why is school spirit lacking so immensely at UB?Â
Is it because we have a large commuter population (like Meghan) who just come to school for class? Is it because we do not attend a Big Ten university where sports are top of everyone’s priority? Is it because we are labeled a research institution and people take that very seriously? And I get it, truly: It can be hard to make your school spirit your entire personality when half the year you are trekking to class in sub-zero temperatures. I, too, do not really care if the color of my coat is in the theme of UB Blue, as long as it gets me to class! But besides uniting a college campus to face winter, as cheesy as that may sound, the people yearn for community. So to start the year off right, I want to tell you a little bit about College Colors Day.
Falling annually each September, College Colors Day encourages students and fans to unapologetically wear your school colors- this year’s theme, “Make Your Loyalty Impossible to Miss” takes it to the next level! You chose your school for a reason, be proud!! Here are some ways to amp up your spirit, all the way in Buffalo New York:
- GearÂ
This is something that the UB student body does very well. Everywhere I go on campus I see multiple people rocking UB merch. This is the first step to embracing school spirit. Be proud of your school!Â
- Attending Sports GamesÂ
Okay, I am guilty of not doing this, but like I mentioned above, some of us work full time, or have really demanding majors, so it is a bit hard to fit sports into the schedule. I actually planned to take a couple of days off work to support the football team and the women’s basketball team. These games are fun, and an effortless way to promote school spirit, as well as meet new people and make new friends. UB is a community and these events promote that.Â
- Spirit DaysÂ
Other universities participate in Spirit Days throughout the semester. Whether it is dressed as your future occupation or simply wearing your favorite UB gear, it is a straightforward way to connect with each other as well as support the university.Â
“But why should I care?” Well for one, the same reason college kids should care about anything – free stuff. UB alone is known for giving out t-shirts, scarves, glow wands and more at football games. And this year College Colors Day themselves is teaming up with brands like DICKS and Fanatics to send fans to the 2027 Football National Championship.
Attending a University with outstanding spirit sounds incredible. This does not have to be a mandate by our student president; this can start with us. So what, we do not have outdoor sports year round? Rock your UB gear more often, sport your friends on teams, attend club events, or make it your own, and take September 4th as an invitation to show your school spirit all year round!