Duke University

The Blue Devil mascot appears to pump people up at all the basketball games. Since he can't talk to mock (and what's a basketball game without jeering?), he wears a headband with some little witticism about the other team. He also runs over to the band and bangs the bass drum during tip-off.

After Duke beats UNC in a home game (which, of course, Duke has been known to do), Duke students run over to West Campus to light stuff on fire—namely, dorm benches and old newspapers. Pledging frat brothers may be charged with the task of guarding the frat bench from marauders looking for more firewood, but there is still plenty of wood left to go around. Duke administration has taken the precaution of getting fire permits, designating bonfire pits, and having firemen on hand before the burning times, which somewhat diminishes the fun and spontaneity of West Campus burning through the night, but does increase safety.

This little tent community has become highly organized in recent years, and Duke administration rather likes to have it to point to as an example of Duke's “coolness.” Duke students still line up to get into it, though. It requires registration, scheduling, tent checks, and sitting for long hours in the bitter cold. However, there are some perks—free pizzas, meeting the basketball players, and some pretty darn good basketball seats.

On the last day of classes, Duke, like some other colleges, has a band come in to do a concert before finals begin. The bands are usually quite good, and it's a great chance to go hang out and relax with friends before you have to bury yourself in your room and glare at them if they interrupt your studying.

A tradition that is much enjoyed on East Campus. The Sunday night before exams begin, freshmen line up on the quad to get into the Midnight Breakfast. Inside is a mixture of desserts and breakfast food, as well as (usually) some free T-shirts. This is definitely a tradition worth taking part in.

There is a statue of a man on East Campus sowing seeds. The Sower is an old Duke tradition. At a time when women students were permitted only three dates a week, and those were carefully defined, students could stroll about certain areas of campus without it counting as a “date.” The Sower acquired the role of cupid as couples began placing pennies in his hand and claiming a kiss from their partner if the pennies were gone upon return. Although unnecessary today, it is not uncommon to still discover pennies in the Sower's hand.