Hope College. Hope College holds a special place in all of their students' and alumni's hearts. Whether you are a returning student or an incoming freshman, these are 15 things you need to know to best embrace the Dutchman lifestyle.
Are you ready for...
1. Hope College athletics.
From football to track, our DIII athletics program has incredible heart. The Dew Crew is there no matter the weather or the event. Orange and blue take on a whole new meaning here; you bleed these colors on game day. Specifically, at any Hope vs. Calvin games. You don't even have to like basketball to like going to our games!
2. Holland's Dutch spirit.
"If you ain't Dutch you ain't much" doesn't apply here. When I first said I was going to Hope College, people often asked where that was. I would say in Holland, and they thought I was leaving the country. Needless to say, I learned to add Michigan into the mix eventually. Holland, Michigan's architecture revolves around Dutch influences. The people themselves, however, are so diverse and incredibly friendly.
3. Hammocks ... hammocks everywhere.
I am informing you now, don't say I didn't warn you, but "hammocking" is a favorite pastime of Hope College students. You will often see people "stacking" their hammocks high in the trees. It is actually pretty fun if I do say so myself. Now, if you don't want to invest in your own, become friends with someone who has a two-person hammock. You will thank me, I promise.
4. The Gathering.
Sunday nights at 8 o'clock, you have to be there. Hope College has this church service at night, so you can catch up on some much needed sleep before Monday rolls in. No matter if it is Trygve, Paul or one of the other chaplains providing a sermon, the messages are impactful. Even though the Gathering and Chapel isn't required at Hope College, our pews are packed.
5. A "good time" at Good Time Donuts (that joke has never been made before).
In all honesty though, you will find yourself saying that joke; it will get old, but people will still laugh. Right off of campus is this beautiful little donut shop. It is open at night for the Hope College students (and I imagine for others as well, but...) to walk right on over and have the most amazing 90 cent donuts they will ever indulge in.
6. JP's vs. Lemonjellos.
I, personally, am not a contender in this rivalry, but nevertheless, I cannot deny that it exists. Lemonjellos and JP's have the best coffee in town. This is a classic hot-spot for Hope College students to get away from campus and drink up some necessary caffeine. They both tend to be very crowded, so it is super hard to actually study at either of these coffee shops. So if your friends invite you to go study at either one, just know you are not going to get any work done.
7. Busy sidewalks, busy sidewalks.
Everybody either has a bike or a longboard. If you are a walker, I am so very sorry for the frequent bobbing and weaving you do to get around us with bikes or longboards. Although the campus is small, I promise you that having a bike or a longboard makes all the difference. Especially if you want to sneak in a quick 10 minute nap before class starts.
8. The major decision.
This is a part of every college, but the cool thing about choosing a liberal arts school is that you get to try out everything! There are so many opportunities to get involved with academic clubs, honors societies and research programs here (such as the Mellon Scholars shown in the photo below), you will not be disappointed.
9. The Pull.
I would have to say that the Pull is the most unique campus tradition I have ever witnessed. It is a competition between even year and odd year boys. Only sophomores and freshman can physically partake in the event itself. It is a huge tug-of-war battle across a river. These men train for a month alongside their female moralers to fight for the glory. It is truly a sight you have to see for yourself.
10. Nykerk.
O Nykerk, we love you! Nykerk is an even and odd year competition between sophomore and freshman girls. The competition is broken up into three parts: song, play and oratory. Both years have special traditions that they have to include in each part. The coaches are absolutely wonderful, and you don't have to be someone who was in show choir or theater to be a part of this unique tradition! Each girl or group of girls in these parts is given their own moraler as well. Song boys and play boys really know how to decorate a dorm room. Might I add that the odd year freshman girls won last year? '19 for life!
11. Pretending to do homework in the Pine Grove.
The Pine Grove is the best spot on campus to sit on your blankets or in your hammocks and embrace the beautiful Michigan weather. That being said, you will also get no work done here. If you want homework done, do it in the Kletz. If you want to avoid all of your responsibilities, the Pine Grove is great for spikeball, throwing the frisbee around or hanging around with friends.
12. Durfee Runs.
As a fair warning, I do not understand the logistics of Durfee Runs, but I know that you want to stay inside and away from your windows during them. If you hear a lot of men screaming, just know that you don't want to witness it. That is all I have to say about that.
13. The beaches.
You will fall in love with every beach you go to in Michigan, but I am convinced that the ones near Hope College are the best. If you have a chance as a freshman to make your way over to one, I would highly recommend it. Sunset is the most gorgeous sight to see looking at the lake.
14. President Knapp.
Pres Knapp is the best. He makes the campus come alive in every event he attends. He and his wife also eat at the Phelps dining hall once a week. So if you spot them, talk to them! They host lemonade or cookie or donut parties on their back patio often so the students can have a snack break.
15. The best friends you'll ever make.
I mean this when I say that in college, you will meet some of the best people. Don't be afraid to put yourself out there, but remember to put out there who you truly are. I promise that there are amazing people just like yourself who will be your perfect puzzle pieces. I can attest to this because the friends that I have made have been a huge blessing in my life.
