As spring term comes to a close and the senior Ducks head out into the “real world,” they reflect on the past four years and what it has meant to them. It’s no surprise that time in class, the reason most of us are here, isn’t a list-topper. Along with academics, however, college is a transition period from high school to adult life. It’s the first time students live on their own without parents telling them what to do. For some, that can be scary.    
“I was nervous to get out of my comfort zone and live with a stranger, but it was probably the best experience of my life,” said Neil Shetty, a University senior from Mercer Island, Wash. “I’ve never really thought about my favorite memory from college, but I would have to say living in the dorms was one of the best times.”
Shetty lived in Barnhart Hall, where he met most of the friends he has now.
“They’re the people I was with when I really grew up,” he said. “They’ll be with me forever.”
Most seniors agreed that living in the residence halls was an experience they wouldn’t want to repeat, but also one they wouldn’t trade. 
Ashley Beckers, a senior from Tigard, Ore., lived in Bean Complex and said that despite its small size, Bean was extremely fun.
“It felt like a family,” she said. “I can’t imagine not living in the dorms freshman year; my life would be completely different.”     
While bunk beds and Cheezy Grillers proved to be a senior favorite, one memory for many far surpassed the others: Duck football games.
Tailgates, the booming student section and Green Man all make up what many students look forward to on a Saturday afternoon in the fall. It’s not just the game that everyone looks forward to, but the entire experience.     
“Just the walk to Autzen Stadium is something I’ll always remember. It’s the only thing I’ll wake up for at 9 a.m. on a Saturday morning,” Beckers said with a laugh. She has tried to make it to every home game and plans to come back for a few next fall. “I just can’t let go
quite yet.”
For die-hard fans, the chance to get away and see the Ducks play is the ultimate experience.
“It’s hard to pinpoint a favorite memory in the last four years, but going to the Rose Bowl this past January is definitely up there,” University senior Tim Heitman said.
Next to football games, long weekends, especially in the spring, hold some of the best memories. Eugene is usually a barren city when Memorial Day weekend rolls around with students taking off for Shasta, Sasquatch Music Festival, Canada and a handful of
other destinations.     
“Sasquatch has been one of my favorite memories in the past four years,” Alex Bertoni, a senior from Boise, Idaho, said. Sasquatch, a three-day concert at the Gorge in Washington, draws thousands each year. Hundreds of college students make the trip to follow their favorite bands or just hang out with friends and enjoy the music.
“It’s not cheap, but it’s something I have to do every year. I love it,” Bertoni said.     
Residence halls, football games and holiday weekends all hold different memories for different seniors, memories they will keep forever. While they may have different meanings, the students all agree that the time they spent with their friends and the people they met along the way has been the best part.     
“It’s going to be a weird transition when I leave this place,” Beckers said. “I’m sad to go, but I have some great memories I’m taking with me. And I’m sure I’ll be back to visit.”
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