Beneath the elms of our dear old Trinity we have traditions that are truly unique to our experience. From the 2 a.m. rides on the drunk bus to getting your perfect chapel pic, we wouldn’t trade Trinity College for any other place. Our four years here have made Trinity our home. As with any home, there will be ups and downs. Yet, the memories and special moments that take place there makes it home. These special Bantam bonds never leave us, even years after we graduate.
Here are 10 signs that prove that you’re a true Trinity Bantam.
1. You’ve taken your #basic picture at the Chapel
One of the best parts about Trinity is the Chapel. In the center of campus, the Chapel stands as a beacon for students. The beautiful gray stone, the bell tower and its historical importance to the college make it a staple on tours and on our Instagram feeds. On the first perfect day after a long cold winter, every Bant flocks to the quad and attempts to take that perfect Chapel photo. “Chapel pictures have been overdone for a reason,” said Trinity College junior Becca Dedert. “They’re a school tradition and it’s a beautiful background for pictures.” Not only is it a tradition, but also a Trinity rite of passage, one that I didn’t achieve until the spring of sophomore year.
2. You know when and when not to step on the Long Walk Plaque
Everyone knows that plaque. Yes, the one located on the center of the Long Walk that you walk over for matriculation and graduation. That same plaque will hold you back from graduating in four years if you step on it. At least that is what we’ve been told. It doesn’t matter whether or not I believe this Trinity superstition. Either way, I’m still not going to try it. True Bantams understand. Do you?
3. You spend all your dining money at Peter B’s
Located in the lobby of the library, Peter B’s serves as the prime coffee shop for Trinity students. Seriously, it repeatedly saves me from falling asleep at the library. While coffee will always be my go-to, the pumpkin bread and other treats make studying much sweeter. “I [spent] my last dollars on a piece of pumpkin bread from Peter B’s. No regrets,” said junior Tessa Reading. However, I wouldn’t recommend waiting in line if you’re running late to your 9 a.m. class. Since it’s so popular, true Bantams know to head to The Underground Coffeehouse instead for a faster morning pick-me-up.
4. You can’t resist shopping at Vineyard Vines
Even if you weren’t aware of the brand before coming to Trinity, the whale logo quickly becomes one of the most recognized symbols around campus. Not all Trinity College students grew up with the brand, but on campus it doesn’t matter. Even the strongest of us have occasionally felt the pull towards that always smiling whale. “I like Vineyard Vines because whales are my favorite animal. I don’t mind seeing them everywhere around campus,” said junior Maddy Kirton. Bantams just can’t resist this expensive brand, no matter how hard they try. You know you can’t.
5. TrinAir has let you down in your moment of need
Regardless of your major, the frat or sorority you’re in or if love salmon shorts or not, we all have fallen victim to the constant disaster that is TrinAir. This highly temperamental Wi-Fi network somehow manages to stop working even in the library. The worst part? All the emails we’ve received about the improvements. Yeah, sure it’s been improved. Fingers crossed our Wi-Fi doesn’t crash during finals. “TrinAir sucks. It always fails whenever I really need it not to. It couldn’t use it in my room unless my laptop was plugged into the internet cable,” said junior Patty Gaitan. Lots of college students may have their fair share of Wi-Fi problems, but they probably don’t beat TrinAir’s issues.
6. Frat shoes that are only for when the sun goes down
You know those perfect, beautiful, almost sparkling pair of white sneakers you bought? Yeah…those are going to stay that way for one or two nights out. They’ll never see the light of day again. And probably for good reason. I’ve been caught wearing these shoes around campus, and over time it serves as a clear indicator that I’ve fallen down at A.D. and stepped in puddles of Natty Lite. Whenever we spot someone rocking their damaged white sneakers it brings to light the questionable decisions that led to those shoes.
7. You’ve taken the drunk bus back to your room after a night of partying
For some Bantams, walking back home after a night out is not in the cards. That’s when the drunk bus comes in handy. It circles around campus but once it reaches Vernon Street we all climb on and wait for our stop. Depending on how much you’ve had, it could be an angel leading the way or a demon prolonging torture. Not only does the bus guide you home, but it also provides a fun opportunity to overhear a bunch of wonderful conversations.
8. You’ve stopped to question our Campus Cannons
Given as a gift from the city of Hartford for the Trinity men who served in the Civil War, the cannons near lower long walk face our rival Wesleyan. Since they were the main armaments on the U.S.S. Hartford, they represent a Bantam’s perseverance and fighting spirit seen during games, tournaments or even arguments with friends back home. During the spring, and often late at night, cannon pictures come a close second to Chapel pictures. At least according to Dedert. “The Chapel is far more emblematic of Trin than the cannons,” Dedert said. Don’t you just love having so many historical staples on campus that you can’t decide on the best one?
9. You always get Trinity Today emails in your inbox
Every morning, even during the summer, we are greeted by the Trinity Today emails. It gives a basic run down of everything happening on campus, regardless if you wanted to know or not. Topics include the different panels that occur during common hour, what movies are playing at Cinestudio and even when lunch is being served. As annoying as it can be when they clutter your inbox, they have come in handy when your friends drag you to yoga on Crescent. Despite its persistence, you know you can’t live without your Trinity Today email. Come on, you can admit it.
10. Your only joy during finals week is Midnight Breakfast
The best (and maybe only) good thing to come out of finals? Having your professors, deans, and even President Berger-Sweeney serve breakfast while you take a break from the never-ending papers and exams. Bantams can choose from nearly every kind of breakfast food, from eggs and tater tots at the omelet station to strawberries at the fruit bar. My favorite will always be the French toast sticks. The best part besides the food, of course, is the nice break that it brings to a stressful week. “Midnight breakfast is my favorite event of the semester. It’s such a nice break from intense studying and something to enjoy before finals start,” said senior Christy Chan. With Midnight Breakfast you can catch up with friends and forget about the work waiting for you back at the library. What sounds better than that?
