Between ASU's four campuses, it can seem hard to make sure you do everything you want to before graduation. Some ASU students and alumni reflect on the events and traditions they think everyone should do at the University.
Here is a bucket list of ideas for you to finish before receiving your diploma.
See the many colors of 'A' Mountain
It wouldn't be an ASU bucket list without listing "A" Mountain. Meghan Remington, a 2009 ASU alumna with a degree in recreation and tourism management, said although the mountain is very visible from the Tempe campus, sometimes students often miss out on the hike.
However, she said there's more to the mountain than just the hike. The "A" has layers of paint capturing traditions throughout the years. Remington said it is fun to look out for the white and gold painted every year and the hints of red left over from UA if they were able to make it up to the "A" that year.
"It's such a magical place," Remington said. "It's also where my husband proposed to me. So, for me, it's one of my favorite places."
Students can find the mountain on the southeast corner of Mill Avenue and Rio Salado Parkway.
Finding the not-so-secret secret garden
Although the garden is widely known amongst ASU students, Remington said finding the secret garden comes with a mix of challenge and fun.
Remington said when she was living in the dorms, it was a fun adventure for her and her friends.
"It was so much fun to go through the little underground doorway," she said. "I love that it's something special, even though it's not much of a secret, and it still is just difficult enough to find that it still feels pretty flipping secret if you don't take the time to really look around and find it."
Warm welcomes from Solera
For students at the West Valley campus, Sedra Shahin, West Valley student body president, said the Solera Experience is a must-do tradition.
Solera is an event for incoming freshmen and transfer students to become acquainted with the campus through various activities, such as boat racing, according to the ASU Welcome page.
During Solera, Shahin, a junior studying business administration, business law, and business public service and public policy, said students participate in activities and traditions meant to help foster connections. Shesaid students participate in the "Golden Tradition" where they are given gold shirts to wear while they walk through the Paley Gates surrounded by faculty and staff cheering them on.
Shahin said it's bad luck for students to walk out of the gates before they graduate. When it's the student's senior year, she said they have a Paley Gates graduation ceremony where the student then walks out of the gates.
"You feel so supported on campus and they show that from the second you walk in until the second you walk out," Shahin said.
Rocking out at West Fest
Shahin said all students are welcome to attend one of the biggest welcome events on the West Valley campus — West Fest.
Every year the concert serves as a large club fair, which gives students an opportunity to connect with clubs and organizations, Shahin said. Last year, American singer-songwriter Mark Ambor performed at West Fest, she added.
"We're all about community and making sure that our students feel supported," Shahin said.
Exploring specialized research programs
Tiffany Rasho, a senior studying forensic psychology, said students should utilize unique research opportunities and extracurricular activities offered on or outside of their campus.
Rasho said opportunities such as CSI week, a week-long immersive experience on crime scene investigation, offers great opportunities to try new things and make connections.
"I feel like a lot of students might think that they're compartmentalized into their own little major," Rasho said. "There's resources throughout every college and every campus for everyone."
Try something new
Remington said ASU is one of the best places for exploring opportunities and trying something different.
Although joining the marching band was never something she thought she would participate in, she said by trying something new, she made lifelong friends and met her husband.
"I got to have some of the best experiences of my life," Remington said. "Look for something that captures that spark."
Edited by Senna James, Abigail Beck and Katrina Michalak.
Reach the reporter at alillest@asu.edu and follow @allylillestol on X.
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Allison is a sophomore studying journalism and mass communication. This is her first semester at The State Press. She has also worked at Arizona PBS and Blaze Radio.
