As the year winds down and seniors begin to count down the days until graduation, many scramble to complete the tasks they have set for themselves when they came to the University as freshmen. The following is a selection of these tasks, or “bucket list items,” that can be completed on campus.

1. Ring the bells at Altgeld Hall

Unbeknownst to many, students have the opportunity to ring the bells at Altgeld Hall. Every weekday between 12:30 to 1:00 p.m., visitors can climb the steps to the top of the hall and take a tour of one of the most musical places on campus. During the tour, anyone is allowed to ring the bells or play a tune such as “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” to be heard across campus.

2. Ride the Rail

Legends offers this daunting task to customers 21 or older who strive to complete the “Ride the Rail” challenge. To complete the task, customers must drink three glasses each of 15 different types of beers, ranging from Woodchuck Draft Cider to Coors Lite. This particular bucket list item often takes months, or even semesters, to complete. For Anna Wirth, senior in LAS, the challenge took an entire academic year.

“There’s just a ton of different kinds (of beer), and honestly it was kind of expensive to buy so many beers,” Wirth said.

Once the 48 beers are consumed, whether in a day, a week or the course of a couple semesters, the “Rail Riders” will receive a free t-shirt and their names will be put on a plaque next to the bar’s pool table.

3. Rub Abraham Lincoln’s nose in Lincoln Hall

Legend has it that if students rub the nose of Abe Lincoln’s bust before an exam, they will have good luck and high grades. Though this may not be true, many students on campus feel it doesn’t hurt to try. The recently refurbished bust sits in the front entrance of Lincoln Hall and has received thousands of nose rubs in the past few decades. For seniors, this is their last chance to complete the age-old tradition and get a last dose of good luck before they enter the real world.

4. Enjoy the campus night life

Many students, including Susan Jean, senior in Engineering, have spent the majority of their time at the University focusing on schoolwork or studying at the library. As a result, they may want to make the most of their last few days at the University by participating in the campus’ night life.

“I’m a pretty conservative person, but this is my senior year,” Jean said. “I want to make the most of it before I have to be a ‘grown-up.’”

Even those who have gone out frequently in their four years here may decide to frequent the campus bars and partake in KAM’S “Country Night,” The Clybourne’s “Wine Night” or Joe’s Brewery’s “Eighth-Grade Dance Night.”

5. Explore the underground tunnels

Although this activity is not condoned by the University, a few daring students have set out to explore a series of underground steam tunnels that connect most buildings on the Quad.

“My dad went to school here many, many years ago and he says that he and his friends explored them all the time,” said Marcus Sanders, junior in ACES. “He visited a few weeks ago and he told me that apparently they keep them locked up now.”

6. Eat at Fat Sandwich Company

With all of the dining options available on Green Street and its surrounding area, it may be easy to overlook many restaurants outside this area. Fat Sandwich Company, located at 502 E. John, however, is not one to forget. Boasting some of the greasiest and best “drunk food” on campus, this restaurant is one place on campus that all seniors should visit, at least once. Menu items here range from the “Fat Magnum” sandwich, which consists of two cheeseburger patties, chicken fingers, mozzarella sticks, bacon, egg, mayo and ketchup to the infamous “Big Fat Ugly,” which consists of 25 different ingredients.

7. Visit the University of Illinois Arboretum and Krannert Art Museum

Near the edge of campus, the University’s arboretum and art museum may be easily forgotten. The Arboretum, located at 1800 S. Lincoln Ave., is a 57-acre “living laboratory” that displays various plant collections, according to the arboretum’s website. The arboretum is open to the public. The Krannert Art Museum, located at 500 E. Peabody Drive, is open to the public Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. The museum displays art from across the world, and tours are available on certain days.

8. See a concert or play at the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts

Located at 500 S. Goodwin Ave., the Krannert Center has performances scheduled almost every night of the week, including plays, operas and orchestras. Student tickets are discounted to $10, and the center also has a cafe and “Krannert Uncorked” wine tastings almost every Thursday.

Jolie can be reached at [email protected].