The Swarthmore experience is unlike that of any other college, which is perhaps best illustrated by its eclectic campus traditions. Marking your time here are these moments of whimsy and “Wow.”
![students at first collection with candles](/sites/default/files/styles/feature_callout/public/assets/images/FirstCollection_Guide_1530x1020_0.jpg.webp?itok=ayX4TmNQ)
First Collection
‘The Graduate’ Screening
The weekend before fall classes begin, students flock to Parrish Beach for the annual showing of this 1967 movie classic. Veteran Swatties know to yell and clap at certain points throughout the film, like whenever Ben Braddock (Dustin Hoffman) is asked about his “future” or when Mr. McGuire praises “plastics” as the wave of the future.
![Students compete in Crum Regatta](/sites/default/files/styles/feature_callout/public/assets/images/Regatta_Guide_1530x1020.jpg.webp?itok=UOV_LgV7)
Crum Regatta
One of the most distinguishing traditions of the College—for its uniqueness and its ridiculousness—the Crum Regatta draws many students equipped with paddles and “boats” to the Crum Creek. The 500-meter race through shallow waters itself is unappealing; what makes the Regatta a worthwhile event is the variety of floating devices that students design to dominate the fierce waters of the 3-foot-deep creek.
![halloween](/sites/default/files/styles/feature_callout/public/assets/images/181029_pumpkin_a.jpg.webp?itok=s_pK1zXr)
Mary Lyon Halloween Party
![Students in costume at pterodactyl hunt](/sites/default/files/styles/feature_callout/public/assets/images/DactylHunt_Guide_1530x1020.jpg.webp?itok=pAs_gp1T)
Pterodactyl Hunt
![Students take part in Primal Scream in dining center](/sites/default/files/styles/feature_callout/public/assets/images/Primal-Scream-pane-dc.jpg.webp?itok=avpK0mZR)
Primal Scream
![Winter formal in sharples dining hall](/sites/default/files/styles/feature_callout/public/assets/images/WinterFormal_Guide_1530x1020.jpg.webp?itok=5_95enBX)
Winter Formal
Swatties go glam for this annual event, usually held in late January. Sponsored by the Office of Student Engagement, the Winter Formal features hors d’oeuvres, live music and student DJs, and one of the biggest dance parties of the semester. Past themes have included a masquerade party, casino night, and a Harry Potter-esque Yule Ball.
![Student dressed as carrot sits at table](/sites/default/files/styles/feature_callout/public/assets/images/traditions-screw-2.jpg.webp?itok=LJXvpzSz)
Screw Your Roommate
During this much-anticipated Valentine’s Day tradition, friends secretly match each other up with dates, good and bad, who then have to find each other by wearing clues to their identity. Costumed pairs range from the traditional (Romeo & Juliet) to the creative (dog & fire hydrant) to the downright nerdy (supply & demand curves).
![Red pieces of paper held by ninja](/sites/default/files/styles/feature_callout/public/assets/images/NinjaGrams_Guide_1530x1020.jpg.webp?itok=mjsRGzpq)
NinjaGrams
Every Valentine’s Day, hordes of ninjas emerge from the darkness of McCabe Library’s basement to become the stealthiest valentine-delivery system in the world. One of Swarthmore’s most beloved and popular traditions, the NinjaGram campaign is a massive student undertaking in which unsuspecting Swatties are ambushed with handmade valentines and ninja-themed comedy.
![Ameet Soni at Bathtub Debate](/sites/default/files/styles/feature_callout/public/assets/images/BathtubDebates_Guide_1530x1020.jpg.webp?itok=5ICE7DMy)
Bathtub Debates
Spring LARP
McCabe Mile
A quotation is read, a book slams shut, and they’re off! So marks the beginning of the McCabe Mile, an annual race at McCabe Library. Started in the 1970s by a few Swatties in desperate need of a study break, the race features 18 laps (or 1 mile) around the basement stacks. The winner receives a roll of Scott toilet paper.
![Students compete at Battle of the Bands](/sites/default/files/styles/feature_callout/public/assets/images/BattleBands_Guide_1530x1020.jpg.webp?itok=VMnLyiY3)
Battle of the Bands
Held on campus as part of Swarthmore’s Spring Arts Celebration, this annual showcase of Swarthmore’s musical talent features sounds from across the genre spectrum—from rock to hip-hop to more eclectic varieties. The top acts in the epic Battle land a spot on Worthstock’s music lineup—performing in one of spring’s largest and most anticipated events.
![Large group of students at outdoor concert in Worth courtyard](/sites/default/files/styles/feature_callout/public/assets/images/LSE_Guide_1530x1020.jpg.webp?itok=LpUBVNnG)
Large Scale Event/Worthstock
Each spring, after classes end and before exams begin, the Large Scale Event (LSE) committee hosts Worthstock, a music show in Worth Hall’s grassy courtyard, where students can relax, watch live bands on multiple stages, and eat kielbasa. That same weekend, the committee hosts its signature event, LSE, bringing a nationally recognized musical act to campus.
![Students pose at Last Collection with candles](/sites/default/files/styles/feature_callout/public/assets/images/LastCollection_Guide_1530x1020.jpg.webp?itok=gkpz_c6O)
Last Collection
A Swattie’s time on campus ends the way it began—with a ceremonial Collection in Scott Amphitheater. Featuring guest speakers from the faculty and the graduating class, as well as an emotional candle-lighting, this Commencement Weekend event ensures that the flames ignited during students’ four years at Swarthmore continue to burn long after they leave the College.
![Student receiving rose on lapel at commencement](/sites/default/files/styles/feature_callout/public/assets/images/RosePin_Guide_1530x1020.jpg.webp?itok=hB_uK6HM)
Rose at Commencement
The morning of Commencement Day, staff members from the Scott Arboretum assist graduating seniors with selecting blooms from the Dean Bond Rose Garden to wear on their gowns. The garden, established to memorialize Elizabeth Powell Bond, Swarthmore’s dean of women from 1890 to 1906, displays more than 200 different types of roses.