Whether or not you were excited about your high school or hometown, you probably know some people who were. Just about every high school has students that display their school pride very outwardly and very often. Well, it’s the same in college—but the intensity is taken up several steps. And so is the popularity.
In high school, it’s often a pretty small crew of kids that’s really into supporting the school or the city. In college, that’s not so much the case.
First of all, the number of people that are really stoked on the school is greatly increased. Why?
It’s hard to say. Maybe because very few people get to choose which high school they go to, and they feel a stronger sense of ownership of their college. Or because college sports are a much bigger deal than high school sports.
Whatever the reason, you’ll find out pretty quickly (especially if you go to big sports games, like football, basketball, or hockey) that school spirit is a pretty serious thing in college. You’ll see people with their faces and bodies painted, wearing all kinds of clothing of your school’s color, and a range of other crazy things. You also might be surprised at just how loud a crowd of students can get (especially if the game is later in the day and people have had a chance to have a few drinks).
Sounds like a pretty good deal, right? And you want to get involved?
Fortunately, it’s easy. Showing your school pride is as simple as wearing a school shirt around campus. You can even find free clothes with your school’s logo on it if you look around enough. Many on-campus events include giveaways where you can pick up lanyards, water bottles, t-shirts, bandanas, and other things. If not, go to your book or clothing store and pick up a shirt. Simple.
If you want to take it up a notch, it’s time to get creative. What can you wear that’s your school color?
Scarves are great unless it’s really hot out. Wearing shoes in your school’s color is another good way to add some color, too.
Once you’ve adorned yourself with as many crazy, school-colored things as possible, there’s only one thing left to do.
Get a group of your friends together, get to the game, and get loud!