Top 15 things to experience as a first-year student

June 09, 2023

Quinnipiac and the local area have so much to offer. Here are 15 activities first-year students can engage in to enhance their time here at Quinnipiac.

Explore Sleeping Giant State Park

Two female students sit atop Sleeping Giant State Park overlooking Quinnipiac.

 Take advantage of the beautiful state park located directly across the street from the Mount Carmel Campus. On a nice day, you can explore one of the park’s more than 30 miles of trails and hike to the top for breathtaking scenery either by yourself or with some friends.

Attend a Quinnipiac sporting event

Quinnipiac fans cheer on their bobcats as mens ice hockey plays Yale in the 17th annual Heroes Hat hockey game, Friday, Feb. 8, 2019, at the People’s United Center.

Quinnipiac is home to 21 Division I athletic teams. Help cheer on one of the teams to victory from the student section at one of our many athletic facilities, including the M&T Bank Arena. Tickets are free to all Quinnipiac students, so make sure to reserve your tickets online by visiting here.

Shop and eat in New Haven

Downtown New Haven skyline right after sunset

New Haven is only a short 15-minute drive from our campuses and has plenty of places to shop as well as great restaurants to enjoy. Gather your friends, explore the area and maybe find your new favorite spot.

Get involved

Hundreds of students on the quad during an involvement event.

If you are looking to expand your circle, join one of the 140+ student-run clubs and organizations. Attend the annual engagement fair to learn more about the various opportunities offered, or check out our student life page here. If you don't find one that suits your interests, you can always create your own!

Get active in the new Recreation and Wellness Center

Exterior view of the new Recreation and Wellness Center

Our new Recreation and Wellness Center on our Mount Carmel Campus offers state-of-the-art exercise equipment and group exercise classes like yoga, indoor rock climbing and Spin. When you're done, you can visit Shake Smart for a wide selection of nutritious food options like smoothies, acai bowls and juices.

Take in the view

A corn hole set sits on the Quad for students to enjoy

Gather on the Quad with friends or walk around one of our three beautiful campuses and take in the stunning scenery that we are lucky enough to call home. On a nice, sunny day, you can join other students playing lawn games or soaking up the sun.

Visit the Bobcat bookstore

People shopping at the Quinnipiac bookstore for shirts

 Pick up some new Quinnipiac merchandise to wear around our campuses or to one of the many sporting events to show your Bobcat pride. If you are feeling generous, there is plenty of gear available for family and friends too, making the bookstore the perfect spot to spend your free time.

Try out York Hill’s delicious, freshly-made pizza

 Take the shuttle up to the York Hill Campus to enjoy its renowned pizza. Made right in front of you, you are able to personalize your pie and create the perfect meal for lunch or dinner.

Bake or cook in your on-campus kitchen

Students cook in their residence hall kitchen with their friends

Gather your friends and head to the kitchen in your residence hall. If you need ingredients for your recipe, you can head to the Bobcat Den and purchase food supplies with your meal points.

Explore the library

Check out a book, do some work or relax in the Arnold Bernhard Library. The library also holds many tools students can utilize to help achieve academic success like the Learning Commons for peer tutors, the One Stop office for student solutions involving enrollment, financials and parking or the technology help center.

Host a movie or game night

Students play a card game in their common area

Transform your residence hall into a movie theater or game room by utilizing one of the many common areas that each residence hall provides. Gather some friends, or even invite new faces, and turn on your favorite movie or play a game.

Taste test the food trucks

 Stop by one of the weekly food trucks on the Quad to try new, delicious items. Hours vary each week, so keep an eye out for the food truck schedule on the university's events calendar.

Attend an RA event in your residence hall

Student make gingerbread houses in their residence hall

 Every resident assistant hosts several events throughout the semester that are open to students in their respective hall. Keep an eye out for posters on the bulletin board in your building as there may be a pizza party, movie night or holiday favorites hosted by your RA.

Get soft serve at the Bobcat Den

 There are various food options at Bobcat Den, including the popular soft-serve ice cream station. Indulge in a late-night snack with friends and enjoy a variety of flavor options.

Take a picture with the Bobcat

Student takes a selfie with the Bobcat statue on the Mount Carmel Campus

Don’t miss out on one of Quinnipiac’s most beloved traditions, snapping a picture with the Bobcat statue. Located right by the Bobcat Den, it’s hard to miss. Gather your friends and capture the moment, creating memories that will follow you through your college journey.