Fantastic Fall: 12 Things You Can Enjoy on Campus This Fall

Fall is in full swing at McKendree! Now that midterms are over and Homecoming has passed, you might be wondering what else you can do here on campus. Guess what? There’s plenty of fun activities and events you can enjoy this semester! Take a break from studying and get into the fall spirit by taking advantage of these 12 things on campus:

Celebrate Brat-Toberfest

Kick off Halloween weekend right by celebrating Brat-Toberfest with your friends! Head on over to the Quad on Friday, October 29 from 4 to 6 p.m. for bratwursts and other delicious food. There will also be plenty of music, games to play, and an ice cream truck to give you a sweet fix!

Cheer on the Bearcats

Nothing says fall more than sports! Don your purple and get loud in the stands whenever you attend Bearcat football, soccer, volleyball, or hockey games this fall. Bring your friends, grab a snack, and cheer the Bearcats on to victory this fall! Not sure when the games are? Click here to view all the scheduled games!

Get Involved with Campus Activities

There are plenty of fun fall activities taking place near you! Say no to stress during National Stress Awareness Day on November 3 by visiting the Lair and other locations on campus for some relaxing events and stress tips. Come on out to win some great prizes at Bingo Night in the Lair from 7 to 9 p.m. on November 19 and December 3. Show up to the Turkey Bowl at St. Clair Bowl from 9 p.m. till midnight on November 19 for a fun bowling night and some exciting giveaways (including turkeys!). And keep your eyes peeled for a Christmas light tour at Our Lady of the Snows and loads of Finals Week events to help you take the edge off the stress!

Compete in Fun Tournaments

You don’t have to be on a sports team to take part in any tournaments on campus! Sharpen your skills or just have fun with your hallmates and friends by signing up for a few fun challenges at the intramural gym. The basketball skills challenge will take place from November 8 through 16, with a finale for finalists to compete in at the end. Join in the two-day indoor wiffleball tournament from November 9 through 11, or test your skills at the End of the Year Basketball Tournament from November 19 through 21. And don’t forget the much-loved midnight dodgeball tournament for Finals Week from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. on December 6 and 7!

Catch Some Amazing Shows at the Hett

There’s always something exciting happening at the Hett, and this year is no exception. Catch a movie, see a show, or listen to an intriguing lecture – all of which are free for Bearcats! You won’t want to miss unforgettable shows like Old Salt Union, The Traveling Salvation Show, the U.S. Air Force Band of Mid-America, and much more! Check out theHett.com for all of the details.

Decorate Your Dorm for the Season

Take a look at the walls that surround you – do they capture that fall feeling? Even just a little bit of seasonal décor can help you feel more festive, which in turn can improve your mood, help you focus more, and boost your creativity. You don’t even need to spend very much to decorate your dorm or apartment; even a quick trip to the dollar store can be exactly what you need to get into the spooky spirit!

Watch Spooky Movies with Your Friends

What’s better than watching scary movies? Watching scary movies with your friends, of course! Embrace all the Halloween vibes by grabbing your bestie or inviting your hallmates over for a scary movie marathon. Don’t forget the popcorn and snacks!

Indulge in Something Sweet from the 1828 Café

Looking for a tasty way to get your morning caffeine? Look no further than the fine folks at the 1828 Café, who are serving up some sweet specials this fall! Treat yourself to an apple crisp macchiato or sip and savor a quintessentially-fall pumpkin spice latte. Don’t forget to ask about other autumnal specials while you’re there!

Get Your Karaoke On

It’s Friday night and you need to let all the stress from your week out. What can you do? Two words: karaoke night. Head over to the Lair from 8 to 11 p.m. on the first Friday of the month for karaoke night! Grab your hallmates and friends to sing your favorites in groups or shine the spotlight on yourself!

Check Out the Fall Play

Come watch your peers as the McKendree University Theatre Department performs “Love/Sick” from November 5-7 at the Hett. The Friday and Saturday performances begin at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday’s matinee starts at 2:30 p.m. This is a show about love and the challenges that come with relationships. In the nine scenes that make up the show, you’ll see couples at different stages from “love at first sight” to a meetup long after the lovers have separated. Prepare to laugh (and maybe cry a little, too)! Admission is free for McKendree students!

Swipe Out Hunger by Donating a Meal to a Student in Need

Did you know that many students stress more about where their next meal is coming from than their classwork or teams? Take a stand against food inequities this fall and donate a meal to someone in need with the Swipe Out Hunger Initiative! Interested students can donate one of their meal swipes to another Bearcat in need. Reach out to Dr. Rev. Beverly Wilkes-Null to make a difference in a fellow student’s life!

Give Thanks at AmesGiving

Before you head home for Thanksgiving break, be sure to stop by Ames Dining Hall for a delicious “AmesGiving” meal with your classmates, friends, and the faculty and staff at McKendree! Grab your plate and prepare to enjoy a delectable feast, including carved turkey, ham, and all the fixings. This is one McKendree holiday tradition you won’t want to miss!

How will you celebrate fall at McKendree, Bearcats?