10 Things To Cross Off Your Bucket List Before Graduating

Going to university is a very big and eventful step in students' lives. For many, it's the first time you’re away from home, and you get a sense of responsibility and new beginnings. University is all about learning and trying new things, meeting new people and making memories. Here is a list of 10 things you must cross off your bucket list before you graduate to make the most out of your university experience. I hope this encourages you to enjoy our university to the fullest!

The Mattamy Athletic Centre (MAC) is definitely on the list of the coolest buildings we have on campus. It’s located at the historical Maple Leaf Gardens, and the Coca-Cola Court is where all the basketball and volleyball games are played. Not much compares to the excitement of the crowds and the energy on game days. Even if you’re not a sports fan, these games are definitely a fun event that every student must go to at least once during their time here.

Everyone knows our famous Student Learning Centre, with its unique architecture and cool floors. As a student you'll probably be inside on various occasions; maybe to study, see friends, pass through to get to class, etc. There are eight uniquely different floors, which each have a different theme like the beach, the forest, the sky, etc. Before you graduate, you must try studying at least once on every floor. Now I get it, we all have our favourite floor (shoutout floor 6), but you can't really decide unless you've tried them all.

We all know the famous Lake Devo, and no, it's not really a lake but more of a man-made pond, but we don’t focus on that. It’s located in the middle of Ryerson's campus and you’ll most definitely pass by it over the years on your way to classes. In the winter, it transforms into a beautiful ice rink where you will find people playing hockey and skating around. It’s the perfect winter activity to go with friends, a significant other or even by yourself! 

This one is pretty straightforward, but Orientation Week is such a thrilling and fun week of events! Everyone wants to meet someone, and it’s a great time to make friends and overall get an understanding of the school spirit. You will meet so many people this week, so I promise you, making three new friends will not be difficult at all. This is your opportunity to step out of your comfort zone and try new things, while getting to know your school and classmates!

This difficulty level is very VERY HARD! Successfully navigating Kerr Hall is a skill that's unheard of, and is often considered a myth as it seems like an impossible task. Finding your classes in this building often makes you feel like you’re in one of the Maze Runner movies (unfortunately minus Dylan O’Brian). Now, I don’t want to scare you, you will find your class, but you’ll only ever learn how to get there and back. To conquer all of Kerr Hall is a challenge for the strong and patient. By your fourth year, you’ll be able to find your way around, but I challenge you with the task of successfully being able to navigate all of Kerr Hall before you graduate. Good luck! P.S. If you do figure it out, please let me know as I might need help getting to class next semester (just kidding)!

Did you really go to university if you can’t go back home and flex the merch you bought? This is a fun and easy one for the bucket list, but wear your school merch with pride and take a selfie wearing it on campus. Bonus points if you send the photo to the family group chat because we all know mom will be posting it on Facebook soon.

I didn't find out about this gem on campus until mid-way through the first year, but Oakham Cafe (external link)  has great all-day breakfast, lunch and dinner. It's right in the heart of campus and who doesn't love breakfast food? Definitely, a must-try and is great after an 8 a.m. lecture!

The famous Balzac’s coffee (external link)  is located on Gould St., right in the middle of campus. You will always find students here no matter the time of day., especially when the weather gets nice. It's a great space to go and get your work done. Treat yourself to one of their many baked goods including their croissant, which everyone raves about!

This one is a bit more difficult as you can’t decide the location of your classes, but hopefully, if you get the chance, you can take a class that is located at the Cineplex on Yonge-Dundas (external link) . How many times in your life will you be able to say you took a class in a movie theatre? It’s definitely a unique experience! 

Last but not least, attending Toronto’s International Film Festival (TIFF) (external link)  is definitely on the bucket list! TIFF is well-known as one of the most highly attended film festivals in the world. Being home to one of the largest theatres in Toronto, our university hosts movie premieres every year, with red carpets and celebrity interviews right by our beautiful Quad. The festival attracts hundreds of filmmakers, producers, actors and set designers to premiere their upcoming films. In the past, students have spotted a number of celebrities on campus including Adam Sandler, Jennifer Garner, Leonardo DiCaprio and Daniel Radcliffe.

So, what do you think? Can you cross all these off before you walk across the stage at convocation? Good luck, and may the odds be ever in your favour!

xoxo, Eva Oseen