One of St. Thomas’ best qualities is its wide variety of student events. But because Tommie Link lists off hundreds, yes, hundreds, of activities for students to go to each week, it can be daunting to weed out which ones are actually worth attending. Here are some of what I consider “must-go-to” events that will hopefully make those student activity fees worth every penny.
Fall Events
Headphone Disco
During past Welcome Days, students have packed the Upper Quad and jammed out to music — silently? Yes, you read that right. Each person receives a pair of headphones and tunes into one of three channels where different music plays. It’s a great opportunity to meet new people and make some new connections. Historically, a lot of new students attend.
What’s the Scoop on Homecoming?!
Free ice cream? Say less. In the past, this event has brought free Ben & Jerry’s ice cream to students looking to learn what’s happening with Homecoming events.
Homecoming
There are many events that precede Homecoming, but Purple on the Plaza has always been one of my favorites. Students gather in front of ASC to play yard games, listen to music, eat free food and snag some Tommie merch before the big football game. While the student section is usually cleared by halftime, be sure to go to the first two quarters of the game, for tradition’s sake.
Winter Events
European Christmas Market
Have you ever wanted to feel like you’re in a Hallmark movie? If yes, then this off-campus side quest at the Union Depot in downtown St. Paul is a must for you. With over 50 vendors, it’s an ideal spot to snag a Christmas gift if you don’t make one first at the create[space]. There are also a variety of food options and great spots to take pictures for your Instagram feed.
Tree lighting
St. Thomas holds a nostalgic tree lighting ceremony around Christmastime each year. The ceremony opens with an address from President Vischer, followed by the campus a cappella groups singing some carols, and it closes with Tommie helping to light up the massive tree in ASC.
Spring Events
St. Thomas night with the Twins
Even if you’re not much of a baseball person, I think anyone can get behind some free St. Thomas merch and a hot dog. The Twins and St. Thomas collaborate on merch — in past years, jerseys or baseball hats — which you can get if you pay for a ticket.
Tommie Fest
One of the spring semester’s biggest highlights is Tommie Fest, featuring free food trucks and live music. This event is a great way to wrap up the semester with your friends.
Throughout the year
Bingo with Gus
While bingo might feel a bit out of your age bracket as a first-year college student, long-time bingo host Gus makes it worth your while. His out-of-pocket commentary, plus the tantalizing pile of sweet prizes, makes this a fun setting to meet new people in your first weeks on campus.
Any cultural dinners
There are a plethora of cultural clubs here at St. Thomas, many of which host some kind of cultural dinner at various points throughout the year. They are a great opportunity to eat some delicious food and widen your social circle.
Free Tea Thursdays
Every Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., you can enjoy free, hot, loose-leaf tea at the JRC Greenhouse. Each week, they offer two new teas — one herbal and one caffeinated. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for their schedules posted around campus so you can try all the fun flavors.
STAR organizes many worthwhile off-campus events, so be sure to keep tabs on them in addition to this list!
Grace Woelfel can be reached at woel8456@stthomas.edu.
