The Summer before entering college, I binged watched an ungodly amount of college flicks. The sheer amount of insanity, drama, and randomness got me extremely excited for the next four years and, although I knew that my college experience probably wasn’t going to be as crazy as the plot lines of “Legally Blonde” or “Pitch Perfect”, I still wanted to have a few highlights that make it seem like it was.
Here are a few things you can do to add some core memories and amplify your experience here at SMU:
- Go Boulevarding
SMU’s tailgating experience is anything but standard. Every home football game, the student body, professors, and alumni all unite on the expansive quad in front of Dallas Hall. 
Here, student organizations, sponsors, and alumni set up tents and “boulevard.” We keep it classy, with guys usually pairing collared shirts with khakis and girls with skirts or sundresses.
- Study Abroad
SMU Abroad offers experiences that allow students to discover new places and make friends from around the world. 
If you need an excuse to travel, you have one – gain college credits and expand you global perspective in the process. Look through the SMU Abroad page for more details!
- Studying in Fondren Library
During finals week, Fondren transforms into an overnight lodge for students. You’ll find study groups slugging coffee and CELSIUS® like there’s no tomorrow. 
I met some of my best friends there while bonding over the fact that we were all stressing out over exams in Fondren at 3 a.m. Link to Fondren Library
- Join clubs and/or Greek Life
A great way to build community on the Hilltop is to join student organizations. Student groups are the perfect place to engage with other mustangs. Everyone is trying to meet new people, bond over a similar interest, and be part of a community. 
We have a place for all interests including sports, student government, and an active Greek system. The more time you invest in a club, the more likely you are to get some amazing memories. Hop on over to SMU’s connect page and try out an activity you’ve always wanted to try!
- Go to Café Brazil
Open 24 hours and a short walk from campus, Café Brazil makes it the perfect place for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. With a vast menu, there is something for everyone.
(Be sure to check out their chicken, bacon & waffles!) The quaint daytime café turns into a lively, action-packed agglomeration of students at night. Come for the food; stay for the atmosphere.
- Hang out on Dallas Hall Lawn
There is a ton of space on the lawn suitable for all sorts of student activities. 
On days when the temperature reaches the perfect 70 degrees and the sun gently shines down on the lawn, I highly recommend getting your friends and setting up a game of spike ball, grabbing a picnic blanket and setting up a charcuterie board, or tossing a frisbee. SMU’s Program Council also throws many events on the lawn. Good for the soul and body; a little fresh air never hurts.