1. Do a Hack-a-Thon
There’s a reason that ideas start here. Subjecting yourself to a hackathon is a classic UWaterloo staple.
2. Bomber Wednesday
Sure, some people may say that UW doesn’t know how to party, but Bomber Wednesday is a surprisingly good time. Wear whatever, drink some jäger bombs, listen to some fun tunes, and try not to require the services of the onsite Campus Response Team.
3. Be an OWeek Leader
The rumours are true – being an OWeek Leader really is so much more fun than being a participant. Even if you don’t consider yourself an outgoing person, it’s impossible not to feel confident in that brightly program-coloured t-shirt.
4. Sex Toy Bingo
This one is just a guaranteed laugh. Besides, you might get more use out of those prizes than you think…
5. Elora Gorge
Located only a half hour away from Waterloo, Elora Gorge is the perfect combination of beautiful nature and super fun cliff jumping.
6. Become a Golden Hawk for a Day
Would highly recommend that you choose Laurier Homecoming to be this day. Hey, if you can’t beat’em, join’em.
7. Rush a Sorority
Maybe you’ll find your soul sisters. Or maybe you’ll just leave with some funny anecdotes and your stomach full of baked goods. Trust me when I tell you that those sorority girls know how to bring their A+ food game.
8. Sing Karaoke at Chainsaw
Popular options include Bohemian Rhapsody, Wasn’t Me, and Mr. Brightside. Get up there and sing your heart’s song.
9. Read Poetry by UW Alum, Rupi Kaur
The poems are heartstring-tugging relatable, plus you know that you’ll get that aesthetic Instagram shot out of it.
10. Attend a Showing of the Rocky Horror Picture Show
Make sure you do your research beforehand to optimize this experience. And don’t be afraid to go all out – dress up, bring lots of toast, and do the Time Warp until you feel like you’re going to pop a hip.
11. Pull an all-nighter in the SLC
This one may not be any fun to go through, but you’re not a true Waterloo student until you’ve taken a study break at 4am to buy an International News Coffee with a splash of milk, sugar, and the salty residue of your own tears.
12. Get a Milkshake from the ML Diner
The ML Diner is debatably UW’s greatest hidden gem, and it’s claim to fame is its deliciously thick chocolate milkshakes. Easily the best milkshake in the entirety of the Waterloo Region.
13. Participate in 12 Barz
Things might get a bit meta here, given that 12 Barz presents it’s own whole checklist that you’ll need to work through while slinging shots and dancing to Jingle Bell Rock. I applaud your bravery if you’re able to cross off “Call Your Parents”.
14. Do a Term Abroad
This one may be a little more difficult to complete, but I promise it’s worth it. Going on a term abroad is an experience that is incomparable to anything else, and the fact that it’s usually weighed on a Pass/Fail basis means that there’s endless opportunities for travel and other adventures.
15. St. Patrick’s Day
Ask anyone what the single UW experience you NEED to have is, and I guarantee they will tell you Ezra Street on St. Patrick’s Day. Go green or go home!
16. Bust Casting
If you’re a female-identifying person who believes in body positivity and is feeling particularly brave, then this is the event for you. Bust casting is an opportunity to literally let it all hang out – and then make a plaster mold of it as a memorable keepsake.
17. Ride The Bull at Dallas
Go on a Friday if you’re like me and consider country music to be a literal purgatory. They play Top 40 on this night, plus the occasional Shania Twain track, which I don’t think anyone can complain about.
18. Contemplate Dropping Out
Walking across the stage to receive your degree will only feel that much sweeter with the knowledge that you once spent an hour crying in your academic advisor’s office.
19. Phil’s
Because nothing says “Best Night Ever!” like getting pushed around in line for 2 hours so that you can go into a dark, sweaty basement and get pushed around for another 2 hours, but with a pitcher of watered down whisky sour in your hand.
20. Have an Altercation with the Geese
This could be the last item you ever check off of any bucket list, but if not, than you know you’ll be walking away with a great story (and possibly a bit of physical/emotional scarring).