As Homecoming nears, Dartmouth is filled with excitement and anticipation for this year's bonfire, parties and activities. Such is not the case at all colleges, however -- Dartmouth's lively and elaborate traditions stand in sharp contrast to those at some other schools.
When asked about homecoming events at Harvard, a student activities administrator at that college said, "There really aren't any particular events other than the football game."
Harvard student Benjamin Tseng joked, "Wait, what's homecoming? Maybe I don't know because I'm antisocial. Or maybe I don't know because it doesn't exist here."
Homecoming events are virtually nonexistent at Princeton and Yale, too. Student events coordinators from these institutions expressed some confusion when asked about homecoming activities other than the football game.
Duke and Brown both have several involved homecoming activities, including celebratory dances, parties and alumni events.
At Cornell, homecoming centers mostly around the football game, but the weekend includes a variety of other activities.
"The alumni come back, and there are a lot of really fun events on campus," sophomore Janna Koretz said.
Columbia University's traditional "Ludy Bowl" is unique event that sets seniors and freshmen against juniors and sophomores in an annual homecoming football tournament.
Many colleges outside of the Ivy League also feature lavish homecoming events. Like Dartmouth, Colgate University's homecoming traditions include a large annual bonfire built by employees the night before the football game.
"During homecoming this year, many alumni returned, and people could be seen visiting all the residencies and public facilities," said Stanford student Yi-Ren Chen. "Before the football game, there was a parade of students following the football players into the stadium. And there was a lot of red everywhere!"
The University of California at Berkeley, Stanford's traditional rival, also incorporates alumni events into its Homecoming experience.
"It's a week of Cal festivities, with alumni organizations planning gifts and prizes for members of each class to win if they are actively involved," said Berkeley student Vikrum Aiyer. "It all ultimately culminates in one huge rally put on by the Cal Band-Rally Committee and the Spirit Squads to encourage student/faculty support for Cal before their homecoming game."