The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the surrounding community have developed a variety of cherished traditions since 1867.
For those just stepping onto the University campus — and those stepping out — participating in some of the following beloved Illinois traditions is a great way to commemorate your time here.
Take a photo with Alma Mater
To document their growth throughout their years at the University, students will often take a photo with the ever-so-true Alma Mater on their first day of classes freshman year and on graduation day. The statue stands proudly in front of Altgeld Hall on Green Street for anyone who wants to snap a picture with her.
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According to the University of Illinois Alumni Association, Alma was unveiled in 1929 by the University’s own, Lorado Taft, making it a great way to commemorate the University’s decades of students.
Rub Lincoln’s nose
For good luck during exam season, students venture to Lincoln Hall to rub the nose of Abraham Lincoln just inside the Main Quad entrance. The bust, whose nose is yellow from students rubbing it, has been at the University since 1928, with a brief hiatus in 1979 when it was stolen.
“Honestly I rub his nose every time I take an exam,” said Krista Torres, junior in LAS, “I don’t know if it works. I feel like it does sometimes, I’m not risking it either way.”
Celebrate “Unofficial” St. Patrick’s Day
Here at the University, students depart from campus for spring break the week of St. Patrick’s Day. To rectify this, students have created their own holiday, “Unofficial,” in which they can celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Go out to bars and host apartment parties — but most importantly — remember to drink responsibly.
Have a kiss at the eternal flame
Hidden between the English Building and Lincoln Hall is a stone bench with a light post in the middle. Rumor has it that if you kiss someone at this eternal flame, your love will be, well, eternal. According to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, “A lover’s kiss brings eternal bliss.”
Find the eight pineapples located around campus
If you’ve ever looked at the top of Foellinger Auditorium and wondered to yourself “Why is there a pineapple on the roof?” you’re not alone. Many University students and visitors have located one of the eight pineapples around campus, leading to a goose chase to find the remaining seven. If you find yourself a day off during the semester, take a walk around campus and look for a pineapple or eight.
Scream “ILL-” until someone responds “-INI”
For University students and alumni, it’s a rite of passage to chant an “ILL-” in public at least once. If any fellow Illini are in the area, expect to hear an “-INI” in solidarity. Of course, if you even hear an “ILL-,” it’s your job to finish the chant.
Home of the drinking Illini
If you’ve ever been home for the summer or mentioned that you’re an incoming freshman and heard the phrase “drinking Illini,” it is referring to KAMS. The “home of the drinking Illini,” KAMS is a fan-favorite bar at Illinois. Be sure to stop by after a game or for a night out before your four years are up.
Sing and sway to “Hail to the Orange”
Of course, it wouldn’t be a University of Illinois traditions list without mentioning the famous “Hail to the Orange.” A staple at games and sometimes drunken nights out, getting up close and personal with your favorite Illini and singing “Hail to the Orange” while swaying back and forth is unavoidable at the University. Grab your closest members of the Illinois family and sing the awkward away, Illini!
While participating in traditions is fun, perhaps the most cherished memories created at the University are the ones that hit home and are a bit personal. So during your time here, be sure to make your own traditions too!
