The Furman Bucket List – Things Every Student Should Do Before Graduating!

Hey everyone, my name is Margaret McCollum and I am here to share 10 things I believe you should add to your Furman bucket list!

 

1. Go on a lake walk

There is nothing better than a lake walk with friends! The path around Furman’s ‘Swan Lake’ is about 1.5 miles making it the perfect length to fit in between classes or a longer catch-up walk at the end of the day. I will often walk with friends at sunset – the way the sky reflects on the water, with the Bell Tower in the background is so beautiful. You may even see ducks and swans on a lake walk – definitely a must do in your time at Furman!

2. Ride the Ferris Wheel (or go down the Fun Slide) during the Homecoming Carnival

The Homecoming Carnival is one of my favorite Furman Traditions! Each year, the Furman University Student Activities Board (FUSAB) and Student Alumni Council (SAC) put on a carnival for students, alumni, and the Furman community with rides, food trucks, music, a
bonfire, and so much more. Getting on a ride at the carnival is definitely a must – I recommend the Fun Slide! The homecoming carnival is a must do as a student and it would be lots of fun to come back as a Furman alum as well!

3. Watch the sunset or sunrise from Bald Rock

About 30 minutes from campus, Bald Rock is one of the best scenic overlooks in the Upstate! After you cross the small wooden footbridge, you will reach the rock with great views of the mountains and the skyline. Sometimes my friends and I will bring dinner to enjoy while watching the sunset. Whether you go for golden hour or get up early for sunrise, Bald Rock is a must-do before graduation.

4. Support Furman Sports

Furman has eighteen Division 1 athletics teams, so there is always something to cheer for! Even if you’re not a sports person, the energy at Furman games is contagious — the crowd, the band, the school spirit, makes for such a fun time. Grab a group of friends, wear purple, and cheer on the Paladins! Cheering “FU All the Time” is certainly something you’ll want to do in your time at Furman!

5. Watch the Spring Concert

Every spring, FUSAB brings a big artist to perform at the Furman Amphitheater. The area turns into a mini music festival with food trucks and fun activities planned by FUSAB! Bring a blanket, dance with your friends, and enjoy the warm weather and great vibes. The Spring Concert is certainly a must-see before you graduate!

6. Volunteer with Heller Service Corps

Whether you’re tutoring local kids, spending time with seniors, volunteering at animal shelters, or participating in Heller’s big service events, there’s a way for everyone to give back. Serving through Heller Service Corps is a great way to meet people, build community connections, and make a difference in the Greenville and Furman communities.

7. Explore Downtown Greenville and Travelers Rest

There is so much to see, do, and eat just outside of campus! Whether you’re heading down the Swamp Rabbit Trail to Travelers Rest or driving into Downtown Greenville, you’ll find lots of local coffee shops, restaurants, and boutiques. One of my favorite things to do is go to a Greenville Drive baseball game — they’re our Minor League Baseball team, and the games are always so much fun. Exploring Greenville and Travelers Rest is so much fun and definitely something you’ll want to do in your time at Furman.

8. Take a MayX class (in Greenville or abroad)!

The May Experience, or MayX, is one of the most unique and fun opportunities Furman offers. It’s a three-week mini term after spring semester where you get to dive deep into a niche topic, travel, or do some hands-on learning in a way that’s totally different from the regular academic year. After my first year, I took an on campus MayX on Mediation and Conflict Resolution – we learned so much and even got to go on class field trips. This past year, I went to London on a MayX all about Breaking Codes and Winning Wars. Our class had so much fun exploring London and learning more about the rich codebreaking history. Whether you stay on campus or study away, a MayX is a must-do before you graduate!

9. Get a cookie from President Davis and Mr. Davis on Study Day

One of the sweetest Furman traditions (literally) happens every Study Day before finals — President Davis and her husband, Mr. Davis, hand out cookies to students inside the library. The cookies are homemade and so delicious – the perfect study day treat! The cookies are a must try during your time at Furman!

10. Jump in the fountains on the last day of class (LDOC)

This is by far my favorite Furman tradition — and probably our most iconic one! On the last day of class (LDOC) each spring, students jump in the fountains in front of the library to celebrate the end of the academic year and their time at Furman. Seniors bring swimsuits, pool floaties, and even kayaks. I can’t wait to jump in next spring! If you do one thing before you graduate, make sure it’s this.

These are just a few of the moments – big and small – that make life at Furman so special. Whether you’re watching the sunset from Bald Rock, singing along at the Spring Concert, or jumping into the fountains on LDOC, each experience adds to the story you’ll tell about your time here. Everyone’s Furman journey looks a little different, but that’s the fun of it. Your bucket list is yours to create! Try something new, say yes to the spontaneous stuff, and don’t forget to take pictures along the way.