Class of 2026 bucket list

April 29, 2026

As our Commencement exercises approach, we created a Class of 2026 bucket list for our graduates to pursue before earning their degrees.

Students toasting glasses of champagne at the graduation class toast

Participate in Class of 2026 class toast on May 4

An annual Quinnipiac tradition, graduating students are invited to a classwide toast just a few days before Commencment to celebrate their incredible achievements and toast to the future with their fellow graduates.

Learn more

Students enjoying a pizza at a New Haven Pizza restaurant

Complete the New Haven pizza crawl

Experience some of the best pizza in the world at Frank Pepe's Pizzeria Napoletana, Sally's Apizza, Modern Apizza and Bar New Haven — among others.

Play spikeball on the Quad

Invite your friends to the Quad for a fun game of spikeball. It's a great way to enjoy the warmer temperatures, sweeping views of Sleeping Giant and reminisce with friends. Best of all, spikeball is just one of numerous rental options that are available at our Recreation and Wellness Center.

Individual selecting merch to purchase at the Quinnipiac Bookstore

Buy alumni merch

Head to our brand new bookstore for some alumni merch, and wear it with pride. You earned it!

Enjoy a picnic on the Quad

Pack some snacks and head to the Quad for a picnic. Whether it's between classes or on a quiet weekend afternoon, the Quad is always a great place to unwind and connect with friends.

Students walking along the Commons Bridge

Visit your first-year residence hall

A tradition so many of our students love: returning to their first-year residence halls for a photo. It's a great opportunity to reflect on how much they've grown.

Students talking and sitting around the fire pits

Reminisce around the fire pits

With the weather warming up, now is the perfect time to sit around a fire and enjoy your final days on campus.

Student taking photos in their cap and gown in front of the Q statue

Take graduation photos on campus

"Take a photo it will last longer," has never been more true for graduates about to write their next chapter. With so many photogenic spots across our campuses, the hardest part will be choosing which to smile in front of.

Students participating in a glow-in-the-dark spin workout class

Take a workout class

Be prepared to cross the Commencement stage strong and confident by taking your favorite fitness class one more time — or consider trying a new one. Whether it is yoga, Spin or strength-training, they're free to all students.

Student enjoying ice cream at a local creamery

Get frozen yogurt or ice cream

Because everyone needs a sweet treat, head off campus to one of the many tasty ice cream spots or just walk over to the Bobcat Den for soft-serve ice cream.

Students taking a selfie with President Marie Hardin at Men's Ice Hockey Yale Game

Take a selfie with President Hardin

Take a photo with President Hardin before you take you final walk across campus. She's super active at a variety of events throughout the university and is easy to spot. Be sure to tell her about your experience, and connect with her on Instagram and LinkedIn.

Students embracing and walking along the Quad

Walk on the grass

There's no rule against walking on the grass, and yet the urban legend that it's not allowed persists. Enjoy a nice casual stroll across our beautifully manicured lawns, and be sure to thank one of our passionate facilities members if you see them on your way.

A wide shot view of students sitting in Starbucks

Get Starbucks

Starbucks is served in both the Carl Hansen Student Center and School of Business at the Waking Giant Café. This means the global roasts, cold brews, crafted cappuccinos and lattes you crave will be available whenever the mood strikes you.

Group of students taking a photo with Boomer the Bobcat

Take a selfie with Boomer the Bobcat

Capture a moment with Quinnipiac’s favorite Bobcat. He may be walking through the Quad, cheering on our Division I athletic teams or at a major event.

Student and family members enjoying the view from the castle on the Sleeping Giant

Hike Sleeping Giant State Park

Take in the views from the top of the state park that lives just across the street from the Mount Carmel Campus. You can see both the Mount Carmel and York Hill campuses from the peak!

Student participating in intramural flag football

Go to an intramural game

There's no shortage of opportunities to experience the thrill and the fun of taking the field with your classmates in a competitive environment. Go long for the winning catch in a game of flag football, skate with your team and slap the puck toward the top shelf in a hockey game, or spike the ball over the net and onto the hardwood in the finals of a volleyball tournament.

Student taking photo of the Arnold Bernhard Library during the annual Quad lighting

Take a picture of Arnie

As the centerpiece of the Mount Carmel Campus, the clock tower of the Arnold Bernhard Library is a classic feature of the Quinnipiac experience. Take a photo of the contemporary building — either on your own or with your fellow graduates.

Student and professor collaborating on a project

Connect with your professors

You've had many wonderful professors here — connect with a few on LinkedIn or visit them in-person. Thank them, learn from them and stay in touch after your graduation.

Students collaborating together in the demonstration kitchen

Take a cooking class at RecWell

Prepare for life after college by learning new culinary skills. Take advantage of the cooking classes in the demonstration kitchen at the Recreation and Wellness Center on the Mount Carmel Campus.