By Ella Cobb

As a senior who will graduate in December from MTSU, I feel like I have collected a list of things that are a “rite of passage” to do before you become an alumnus. With that in mind, I enlisted the help of some of my classmates to create “The Ultimate MTSU Bucket List.” This list will take you all over campus and into different departments and organizations.

#1: Go to a football game (Bonus points if it’s the homecoming game)

Personally, I feel there is no better way to immerse yourself in the true blue student spirit than to attend a football field and sit in the student section. Students can attend any home sporting event for free with their Blue ID. Students and others can join in on the tailgating activities before the home football games as well. Student organizations have tables set up with activities and free snacks. It is a great opportunity to socialize and make new friends. 

#2: Try MTSU Creamery’s chocolate milk

Our agriscience students and faculty are known for their very popular chocolate milk. MTSU has a farm a few miles from campus called the Guy James Farm. Our dairy cows produce the milk, which is later taken to campus, where the milk is processed and turned into milk, which is sold around campus and in the Murfreesboro community. Some students believe it is the best chocolate milk they have ever tasted. You need to try it and let everyone know what you think. 

#3: If you are a new student, attend Convocation 

Convocation will take place on Saturday, August 24th this year. It is a ceremony to mark the start of the academic year hosted by President Sydney McPhee. The keynote speaker is Firoozeh Dumas, author of “Laughing Without An Accent: Adventures of a Global Citizen.” Students will take the True Blue Pledge and it symbolizes the beginning of your MTSU journey. Students can meet other people and take a group picture with your class. 

#4: Join at least one of MTSU’s 200+ student organizations

Joining a student organization is one of the easiest ways to meet students with common interests. MTSU offers a lot of organizations that cover a variety of student interests and involvement. If you want to join an organization, you should visit the Center for Student Leadership and Involvement (CSIL) on the third floor of the Student Union. They will be able to connect you with an organization that fits your needs. If you cannot find an organization that fits your needs, all you need is five students and a faculty advisor to make your own student organization. 

#5: Eat at McCallie’s in the Keathley University Center (KUC)

If you have not tried McCallie’s Dining Hall yet, you should. It is buffet styled. There are several different food stations. A station is available that caters to the eight major food allergies. So, this is the safest place for students with difficult food allergies to eat. McCallie’s is located on the second floor of the Keathley University Center (KUC). 

#6: Eat at The Farmers Market 

In the Student Union, the Farmers Market is our second all-you-can-eat-style dining hall. The chef prepares an entree with your choice of sides every day. All the food is locally sourced. There is a salad bar, sandwiches, soups, and ice cream. 

#7: Go to the Homecoming parade

On homecoming, Saturday, September 21st, the Student Government Association and Alumni Association will host the annual homecoming parade. It will be held that morning starting on East Main Street at Maney Avenue. Student organizations and local organizations will build floats and walk in the parade. Come show your true blue pride!

#8: Spend time at the Recreation Center

MTSU’s Recreation Center offers many programs and amenities that some may not know about. There is racquetball, basketball, volleyball and pickleball courts inside. There is an indoor soccer facility, a rock-climbing wall and an indoor and outdoor pool. There’s an aerobic room, functional fitness room, cardiovascular room, weight room and so much more. The Rec Center offers free group fitness classes for students. They also host a program called Freshmen Fit & Well. Freshmen are connected with a personal trainer, receive wellness education and resources, and more for $42 for 8 weeks. Students can also join Middle Tennessee Outdoor Pursuits (MTOP) on outdoor adventures they host. Students can rent equipment or bikes from them as well. 

#9: Take a picture at the horseshoe

MTSU believes our horseshoe is a sign of good luck for our students and alumni. The blue horseshoe is located between Peck Hall and Walnut Grove. Our own concrete industry management students built the horseshoe. The students buried a 1911 penny heads up underneath as a symbol of luck. Take a picture with the horseshoe sometime. There is no other spot on campus that is more true blue than the horseshoe. Don’t wait until you graduate to take a picture there. 

#10: Study in all four floors of the library

The James E. Walker Library offers a variety of study rooms and areas. On the first floor, you can study in the computer lab, common areas and the campus Starbucks. On the second through fourth floors, you can rent private study rooms or study in common areas. Students can rent study rooms meant for one to six students. There is always seating, a desktop and a whiteboard in every study room. The third floor is silent for days when you need to work alone in the quiet. There is free printing, too. 

#11: Visit the Makerspace

On the second floor of the library, students can utilize the Makerspace. The Makerspace has a podcast studio, recording studio, laser etcher/cutter, green screen room, presentation practice room, virtual reality equipment and more. There is also a Mac lab, and you can make your own buttons. Staff teach students how to use the equipment. It is a great place to embrace your creativity. 

#12: Go to a student production at Tucker Theater

Every semester, student organizations and departments perform productions in Tucker Theater. The first production of the season will open on September 26th. It is a play called Eurydice. October 9th through 11th, MTSU Theater and Dance students will perform at a One-Act Play Festival. The season’s musical, She Loves Me, will be run from November 7th through 11th. MTSU’s Fall Dance Concert will be from November 21st through November 23rd. Students can get into each event for free one time with their Blue I.D. 

#13: Go to the Spring concert

Every spring semester, S.P.A.R.E. (Student Programming and Raider Entertainment) hosts a big spring concert in Murphy Center to congratulate students on finishing the academic year. S.P.A.R.E. hires big artists to perform a free concert for students. Khalid, Phoebe Bridgers and Jack Harlow have performed in the last few years. It is typically right before finals week starts. It is a great way to take a break from studying and celebrate the end of the school year.

#14: Visit the Center For Popular Music 

MTSU has the Center for Popular Music in the Bragg Media and Entertainment Building. It is a very large music archive with music from multiple centuries. There are records, cassette tapes, concert tickets and more pieces of physical and digital media. 

#15: DON’T step on the seal (until you are graduating)

MTSU students believe that if you step on the seal between the James E. Walker Library and the Business and Aerospace Building, you will NOT graduate in four years. It could take you more than four years or less. You probably shouldn’t chance it, just in case. 

Student Voice content producer Ella Cobb is a senior majoring in digital marketing. The Student Voice is part of the MTSU Division of Marketing and Communications.