SLU Traditions Every Billiken Loves
From the moment you step onto campus as a first-year student, you become immersed in exciting annual traditions that form the backbone of student life at SLU. Here is a glimpse into some of the traditions that make life as a SLU student memorable:
Welcome Week
The SLU experience begins with Welcome Week, a series of events that serve as the perfect introduction to life on campus. Some Welcome Week highlights:
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Outdoor Movie:
The week kicks off with a movie night, where students gather to watch films on the quad – a perfect opportunity to meet new people and enjoy free popcorn.
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PaintSLU:
A SLU favorite, this event is a campus-wide paint and water fight that brings students together for a messy but joyous tradition. There’s music, dancing and lots of color.
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Billiken Block Party:
At the Welcome Week block party, students celebrate the new school year with food, a silent disco, karaoke, crafts and more!
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Mass of the Holy Spirit:
A tradition for Jesuit universities that dates back to 1548, this mass represents a meaningful beginning to the academic year. Students of all faiths are welcome!
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Billiken Soccer:
Attend a high-spirited SLU soccer game that brings the entire campus together! New students will get their first taste of SLU school spirit.
Homecoming and Family Weekend
Fall at SLU means Homecoming and Family Weekend, a fun couple of days when families come to visit, alumni return and there’s an amazing mix of games, campus events and tailgates. It's always exciting seeing multiple generations of the Billiken community coming together to celebrate SLU!
Christmas On the Quad
The first week of December marks one of SLU’s most beloved and magical traditions: Christmas on the Quad. Students, faculty, and community members gather for an evening of Christmas carols, hot chocolate and the lighting of the campus Christmas tree. This tradition offers a much needed escape from the intensity of finals season, providing a moment of celebration and reflection.
Student Government Association (SGA) Wellness Week
Wellness Week reflects SLU’s commitment to cura personalis, or care for the whole person. This weeklong series of events includes visits from therapy dogs (including our very own campus Duo Dog, Woody), petting zoos, free food, meditation sessions and many more activities that bring joy and stress relief to students. A favorite wellness event across campus is goat yoga, which serves as a unique and entertaining opportunity for stress management.
Sahana is a senior at Saint Louis University studying computer science. She is originally from Chesterfield, Missouri.