College Bucket List: 12 Things to Do Before You Graduate from Sacred Heart University

College is full of new experiences – inside and outside of the classroom. Want to make the most of your four years at Sacred Heart University? Here is your guide to the SHU experience–read more to learn the 12 must-do things to check off your bucket list before Commencement.

1. Take in a Theatre Arts Show

Fresh from performing at the world-famous Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland, SHU’s Theatre Arts Program is on The Princeton Review’s 2024 list of top 25 college theaters in the nation. From intimate staged readings of student-penned works to wildly popular musicals and an annual A Christmas Carol performance with Cheers and SHU alum John “Cliffy” Ratzenberger as Scrooge, the play’s the thing at the Edgerton Center for Performing Arts.

2. Go Bowling at the Valentine Health & Recreation Center

Fitness is king at the Valentine Health & Recreation Center, which sports a popular HD golf simulator, suspended track, 40-foot rock climbing wall and 18-bike spin room. Looking for a fun night out with your besties? Head to the lower-level bowling alley, featuring LED widescreen monitors and six lanes for open recreation, special events and leagues. You might even catch one of our 2023 Northeast Conference women’s champs picking up a spare!

3. Head to the Beach

In addition to its leafy suburban vibe, Fairfield boasts five miles of prime shoreline along Long Island Sound, making it the perfect spot to play a little volleyball and relax with friends to the soothing sound of seagulls and surf. Fairfield’s Penfield, Jennings, Southport, South Pine Creek and Sasco beaches are just a quick car ride away – or check the shuttle schedule, which includes free sandy forays in its travels on select dates.

4. Get Festive at Spring Fest, Fall Fest & the President’s Gala

Pioneers love campus-wide festivities planned by the Student Events Team (SET). Kick off autumn with food trucks, inflatables and giveaways at Fall Fest and enjoy the final weekend of spring semester with Spring Fest Carnival, featuring rides, food, games and more. Don’t forget to dance the night away at the President’s Gala. President John J. Petillo himself hosts this dress-to-impress celebration of the new academic year.

5. Order a Milkshake at JP’s Diner

Speaking of the president, cap off a long night with an early-morning stop at JP’s Diner, the first on-campus diner in New England. Named for President Petillo, who is a regular, this ‘50s-style throwback serves up mouthwatering burgers, patty melts, cheesecake and what many believe is the best milkshake around. Grab your straw and head over–they’re open until 3 a.m. on weekends!

6. Attend a Hockey Game at the Martire Family Arena

Opened in 2023, the Martire Family Arena is fast becoming the place to go for a lively evening of Division I men’s and women’s hockey, nationally ranked Club Figure Skating, concerts, galas and more. Located on bustling West Campus, the arena boasts stadium-style seating for 3,600, concessions featuring top regional craft beers and a pro shop with plenty of team T-shirts and gear. Go Pios!

7. Chill Out on the Amphitheater Steps

Whether it’s studying for a midterm, gabbing over lunch, watching a band or dance performance or just catching some rays, the amphitheater steps between Chapel Quad and Pioneer Village are the place to be. When the sun goes down, grab your Bluetooth and head out to listen to some tunes and wind down with friends after a busy day.

8. Catch a Movie at the SHU Community Theatre

Remember when you and your friends first belted out “Let It Go” from Frozen? Well, you can do it again at the SHU Community Theatre, a century-old landmark that’s home to live performances and beloved classic films in downtown Fairfield. SHU students can snag free movie tickets and enjoy sing-along nights, world premieres and first-run favorites like Barbie and Oppenheimer. Just grab your popcorn funds, hop on the free SHU Shuttle and look for the neon marquee!

9. Cheer for Your Faves at Greek Sing

With more than 30% of the undergraduate student body pledging a fraternity or sorority, Greek Week is a highlight of everyone’s calendar. And the signature event is Greek Sing, a large-scale lip-sync and dance routine competition held in the Martire Family Arena, where friends and family can cheer on their favorite performances before the year’s winners reign supreme.

10. Red’s or Dead’s – This Pub’s Got Creds

Red’s is the place to go for a frosty mug or trivia showdown any day of the week, but, come Halloween, this campus pub transforms into Dead’s, a super-spooky incarnation featuring devilish drinks and ghoulish gourmet treats. Punch the elevator’s down button or take the stairs at McMahon Commons and join in the costumed fun–if you dare!

11. Play Bingo at the Edgerton Theatre

Think bingo is a sleepy way to pass the time? Hardly! Held each month in the Edgerton Theatre, wildly popular bingo nights draw hundreds of Pioneers vying for top prizes like TVs and coffeemakers. But get there early: Organizers sometimes run out of their 750+ boards 20 minutes before the 10:10 p.m. start time!

12. Snap a Photo with Big Red

Whether you take a seat next to his steely likeness outside the William Pitt Athletic & Convocation Center or catch up with the live version at Campus Field, a basketball game or softball at Pioneer Park, be sure to get a few shots with everyone’s favorite Pioneer, Big Red! Take one during the first week of your four years and another at the end for bookended memories.

Want to make sure you’re not missing out on the fun? Check out all the goings on through Student Life. Not a SHU student yet? Schedule your campus visit today!