30 ways the Class of 2030 can make the most of their first year

By Sophia DiBona '28 September 24, 2026

Two students walking across the Quad.

There are many ways to get involved at Quinnipiac and endless opportunities to explore. Here is just a brief list of ways to unleash your ambition.

1. Go to an athletics game

A crowd of Quinnipiac students wearing Quinnipiac merch cheer on their hockey team.

With 22 Division I teams, 23 club sports and multiple intramural options, there's so much to cheer about. All sporting events are free for our students and a great way to show your Bobcat pride.

 

2. Hike the Sleeping Giant

Our Mount Carmel Campus rests right across from Sleeping Giant State Park, enabling our students to get active while connecting with nature. Explore the more than 30 miles of trails with friends — while enjoying spectacular views of our Mount Carmel and York Hill campuses, Long Island Sound and the surrounding area.

 

3. Celebrate the new semester at Fall Fest

Fall Fest, hosted by Quinnipiac's radio station, WQAQ-FM, and the Student Programming Board, provides free activities, games, merch and music. This year, student artists AK and Take 800 open, and local band Kids that Fly will play their music in front of the Arnold Bernhard Library. Attend Fall Fest on October 11 from 1 to 4 p.m. on the Mount Carmel Campus Quad.

 

4. Take a fitness class at RecWell

Free classes such as yoga, Pilates, SPIN, strengthening and sculpt are offered nearly every day at RecWell. Whether you want to try something new with your friends or want to stay active on campus, fitness classes are a great way to feel good and take care of yourself. Visit the RecWell Programs page to schedule for a class.

 

5. Participate in at least three SPB events

The Student Programming Board (SPB) hosts weekly engaging events for all students. Most events include giveaways, food, merch and, always, great memories. Follow SPB on Instagram to be updated on new events.

 

6. Explore Hamden, North Haven and the surrounding area

Three Quinnipiac students are walking in downtown New Haven, right behind Frank Pepe's, holding a fresh pizza.

Hop onto our free shuttles and explore the surrounding areas near Quinnipiac. Shuttles take students to different locations and towns throughout Southern Connecticut. Treat yourself to New Haven apizza or take a trip on our shopping routes to the multiple options in neighboring towns. Visit our Shuttle page to plan your next adventure.

 

7. Attend the Undergraduate Holiday Dinner

A university tradition: a dinner assortment of carved roast beef, roasted turkey, pasta, vegetables, salad, dessert and much more served for undergraduates by faculty, staff, administrators and, of course, Boomer. Join us on December 3 and have a meal with friends before winter break. Watch your inbox for RSVP information.

 

8. Enjoy live entertainment

Quinnipiac offers a variety of live performances for students all across our campuses. Every other Thursday at 9:30 p.m., join Q30-TV in the Carl Hansen Student Center Piazza for the live comedy sketch show "Quinnipiac Tonight," or attend Quinnipiac's student-run theater organization Fourth Wall for their performance of "Love/Sick," with show dates being announced soon.

 

9. Shop at the Bookstore

Our new, two-story bookstore, located near North Lot, has everything you need to show off your Bobcat spirit, along with a variety of activities to do and books to read during your free time. Clothing, snacks, toiletries, and, most importantly, textbooks, are also available for purchase. Stop in today to look around and see the new merch designs.

 

10. Attend the Quad Lighting

Join us to kick off the holiday spirit by lighting up the Quad on Tuesday, November 10, starting at 4 p.m. Hot cocoa and snacks will be provided to keep students warm as we head into the chilly winter months.

 

11. Attend events hosted by your RA

Three Quinnipiac Residential Assistants cheerfully make cotton candy for residents for their first night back.

Your Resident Assistant is here to support you and provide some joy during stressful times, especially during midterms and finals weeks. Keep an eye out for your RA's weekly newsletters and attend events they host to meet new people in your hall and build a relationship with Residential Life.

 

12. Say hi to Tator and George

Who doesn't love seeing some furry friends around campus? Give Tator and George some belly rubs on your way to class!

 

13. Compete in the annual pumpkin-carving contest

Happening on the Echlin Tator Lawn on Thursday, October 15 from 5:30 to 7 p.m., the annual pumpkin-carving contest gives students a creative outlet to celebrate Halloween. Student participants will be entered into a raffle prize and will have a new decoration for their rooms.

 

14. Climb the rock wall

Located inside RecWell, the 27.5-foot-tall rock climbing wall is a great way for students to get active. Can you make it to the top?

 

15. Make something in the Design Lab

The Design Lab, located in CCE-043, enables students to unleash their creativity. Students can make customized gifts for free and use equipment like 3D printers, heat presses, vinyl for shirts, embroidery and engraving machines.

 

16. Go to Bobcat Weekend events

A Quinnipiac student finished the Roaring Start 5K and runs through the inflatable bobcat's mouth with confetti flying in the air.

Bobcat Weekend, happening October 2-4, has a plethora of events for Bobcats and their families. One standout event is the Roaring Start 5K on Saturday, October 3, starting at 9 a.m. on our North Haven Campus.

 

17. Go on the Tree Walk

Did you know that Quinnipiac's Mount Carmel Campus is a tree campus? Quinnipiac offers a Tree Walk, a trail that allows students to walk by and learn about different types of trees using the Tree Walk Map.

 

18. Go to a professor's office hours

Get connected; attend your professor's office hours. Getting to know your professor is a great way to stand out in your classes and may even open up doors for future opportunities.

 

19. Create a Handshake account

Handshake is your one-stop place for finding jobs or internships during your college career. Sign up for a Handshake account to be notified about new job and internship opportunities, along with career events happening around campus.

 

20. Try a club or intramural sport

Want to be a part of a team? Looking to become more active? Join a club or intramural sport today to expand your community and continue (or start) playing your favorite sport!

 

21. Apply for an on-campus job

Whether you have Federal Work-Study or not, there are plenty of job opportunities waiting for you here at Quinnipiac! Deepen your understanding of your desired field or learn something completely new! Some jobs have less required hours per week, allowing you to still prioritize your academics.

 

22. Go to Heritage Kitchen once a week

Located right below Sushi Do in the Carl Hansen Student Center, Heritage Kitchen rotates its menu weekly, featuring local cultural vendors for students to try out.

 

23. Have a game night by checking out games at the library

Did you know that you can check out board games at the library? Stop by the circulation desk in the library to choose from a wide variety of games to play with your friends.

 

24. Visit On the Rocks Pub & Grill

A Quinnipiac student plays pool while dining at On the Rocks Pub & Grill.

In the Rocky Top Student Center on our York Hill Campus, you will find our restaurant, On the Rocks Pub & Grill. Open Wednesdays and Thursdays from 6 to 10 p.m., stop by to enjoy live music, pool games and great food with friends!

 

25. Attend a talk about a topic you're interested in

Quinnipiac hosts a plethora of panels and teach-ins about various subjects, from the future of AI lectures to athletic panels with coaches. Mostly during Common Hour, these discussions are open to every student and all are encouraged to attend.

 

26. Listen to WQAQ-FM (98.1 FM)

Support your fellow Bobcats by listening to WQAQ, 98.1 FM, Quinnipiac's very own student-run radio station. Students can host their own radio show open to the general public. Take a listen while you walk to class!

 

27. Try a food truck on the Quad

Want to try new foods from local businesses right from Quinnipiac's campuses? On the Quad and in the parking lot behind the Hill residence halls, order from local food trucks and find your next favorite meal!

 

28. Go to a Common Hour event

Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12:30 to 1:45 p.m., students have a break from classes and are encouraged to attend different events to build their sense of community. Various events are offered every Common Hour — a great thing to remember if you are looking to meet new friends.

 

29. Get ice cream from the Bobcat Den

Who doesn't love a sweet treat? Located next to the sandwich station in the Bobcat Den, order yourself some chocolate, vanilla or twist ice cream in a cone or cup. Choose from a variety of toppings that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

 

30. Put a blanket out on the Quad

Quinnipiac students sit on a blanket on the Quad on during a springtime sunset in front of the Echlin building.

Take advantage of this warm weather while it lasts! Having a picnic or outdoor study session on the Quad with your friends is the ultimate way to build stronger friendships while being out in nature.

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