Located on the outskirts of campus, Good Time Donuts is the late-night donut hotspot for students. Most of the time it’s open well past the hours listed online. In need of a study break? Grab a donut. Late-night shenanigans? Grab a donut. Headed back home from a night out? Grab a donut. If you see the lights on around 3am, it’s probably open and students are definitely making a quick stop.
If you see male students running around late at night, you’re probably witnessing the Durfee Hall residents carrying out their welcome-back-to-campus tradition: making a run for it through campus in their underwear—yes, really.
Hope students have become so obsessed with the squirrel action on campus that they even sell plush versions in the bookstore.
It’s not an abnormal thing to get engaged. But at Hope College, it seems as if half the student body is engaged or planning to be in the near future.
This is one of the oldest collegiate traditions in the nation, dating back to 1898. It’s not just a simple game of tug-of-war; it’s an all-day event. The teams are divided by freshmen and sophomore classes, namely Odd vs Even Years. They’re coached by upperclassmen who participated in years past. The competitors lie in pits as “pullers,” while teammates called “moralers” coach them through chants and synchronized efforts. The team that pulls the most rope by the end of the day wins. This is a fiercely spirited rivalry.
As the academic rigor strengthens, students may seek to get off campus in search of a new environment to study. This means taking over downtown coffee shops. So, if you’re looking to find a spot to settle down and work, it may be more difficult once classes are in session.
Ever see someone walking around casually at 11pm? Yup, it’s probably a Hope College student. Sometimes there just isn’t enough time in the day for a walk. So, we take one at night or go for a late-night Meijer run.
Doesn’t matter if it’s February—if the sky looks even remotely sunset-y, someone will convince the group to drive to the beach “just for a few minutes.”
It’s not Italy, but you’d be surprised how many students zip around town on Vespas or mopeds. They’re the unofficial “cool kid” vehicle—easy to park downtown, easy to cruise to class, and perfect for making a dramatic entrance outside the dining hall. Rumor has it a particular frat is known for riding these around campus.
Caffeine—it’s the college student’s holy grail. Hope College students know the pain (and pleasure) of hitting up the campus Biggby multiple times a week. Sometimes to the point where we’re left with a few cents at the end of the semester.
Most of us will choose to drive to class, especially after a heavy snowfall. It's much too cold for the five-minute walk from Dimnent to Martha Miller. (Especially seeing the heated sidewalks aren't included across much of campus.) The only problem? Having to dig out our car from its parking spot. It's a chore in of itself.
If you ever see a large group of people dressed in vibrant orange and blue, you're probably following behind a herd of Hope College students headed to an athletic event. From football to basketball to volleyball games, we're assuredly in attendance donning the classic Dutchmen colors.
Sierra Ozolins is a West Michigan native, currently a student at Hope College. As an athlete, she is passionate about fitness—from running to weightlifting. With a interest for politics and lifestyle, she is intrigued how local culture, community, and everyday events shape the world around her—often with an iced coffee in hand and her dog by her side.
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