Key Takeaway
- Homecoming happens every fall when students, faculty, and alumni gather on campus to show school pride through traditions like football games, pep rallies, and other signature events.
- Many colleges have their own unique homecoming traditions—including boat burning ceremonies and box car derbies—to energize students leading up to game day.
- Colleges like the University of Florida, BYU, Clemson University, University of Miami, University of South Dakota, Texas State University, Virginia Tech, and the University of Central Florida all have notable homecoming traditions.’
There is so much to experience in college, and for many, homecoming is one of the most anticipated events! Every fall, alumni are welcomed back to campus by current students and faculty to celebrate this special tradition.
From football games to parades, concerts, and other festivities, homecoming is all about showing school pride and celebrating the school. In this blog, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about college homecoming, and we’ll highlight some of the most unique homecoming traditions across the country.
What Is Homecoming in College?
College homecoming is an annual tradition that takes place in early fall, in which alumni return to their alma mater. This celebration dates back to 1910 when the University of Illinois hosted a parade alongside a football game that was targeted toward alumni. Since then, homecoming has evolved into a week-long celebration with themed days, concerts, parades, and a home football game that many look forward to.
Why Is It Important?
Though homecoming began as a way to invite alumni back to campus to celebrate their school pride, it has grown into a major event for both current and past students. It is more than just wearing your school colors and attending a sporting event—it’s about pride, tradition, and being part of a lasting legacy.
For students, it’s a chance to connect with their campus and feel like they’re part of something meaningful. And for alumni, it’s a time to catch up with old friends, reminisce, give back to the university, and even network with current students.
9 Amazingly Fun College Homecoming Traditions
You can expect to see some common homecoming traditions at most colleges, like the big home football game, exciting pep rallies, a game day parade, alumni dinners, and concerts that keep the celebration going all week long. But then there are the unique traditions—the ones that make each school’s homecoming extra special.
Just like the traditions you might have grown up with, these are meaningful to the students and alumni who experience them. Here are some awesome homecoming traditions you might want to know about:
1. TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY | Soap Box Derby
Texas State University holds a week of celebrations and events across the campus, bringing together students, faculty, and alumni. They have a campus-wide office decorating contest where all faculty and staff are encouraged to deck out their offices in Texas State University pride or any way they see fit to celebrate the homecoming weekend. There’s a TXST’s Got Talent Show, a spirit parade, a pep rally, and more, all leading up to the weekend’s football game.
But their most notable tradition is the Soap Box Derby. Held since 1967, it’s loved by all Texas State University fans and supporters. Students can build their own cars and enter the race that begins at the top of a hill and is launched from a large ramp. Soapbox cars are inspected before the race by officials and are required to go through test drives to make sure the student-built cars are safe to race.
2. UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI | Boat Burning Ceremony
The University of Miami’s longest-standing homecoming tradition is the Boat Burning Ceremony. This tradition started in 1956 and is still one of the most cherished. The night before the big homecoming game, students gather at Lake Osceola for a boat-burning ceremony and fireworks. The legend has it that if the mast falls before the boat sinks, then the school will win the game the following day.
They also hold special alumni events and have a ‘Canes lounge where alumni can go, meet other alumni, eat and drink, and have a front-row view of the fireworks and boat burning. The whole campus comes alive with celebrations, music, lights, and fireworks.
3. UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, RIVERSIDE | Bonfire
The University of California, Riverside, has a giant, student-held bonfire before the game the next day. It’s a celebration of their team and normally includes the burning of the opposing team’s mascot to get school spirit up and to get the students excited to root for their school.
On top of a huge bonfire, they also have fun celebrations the whole week and have held carnival-style events with live music and special guests.
4. VIRGINIA TECH | Game Ball Run
Virginia Tech’s homecoming celebration is filled with parades, spirit rallies, and fireworks. However, one of their most awesome homecoming traditions is the Game Ball Run. This tradition started in the 1970s and is essentially what it sounds like. The football game ball is run around campus by Ranger Cadets for a total of 100 miles. It ends with the ball being run into the stadium for the start of the homecoming game. The whole crowd patiently awaits its arrival and cheers when it enters the stadium.
Not only does this tradition result in the community and student body filled with school spirit, but the night before there is a parade that starts at Lane Stadium and walks through town. The day ends with a spirit rally and fireworks.
5. UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA | GaTor Growl
Another Florida school with a crazy awesome homecoming tradition is the University of Florida and its Gator Growl. It’s one of the largest student-run pep rallies. There are celebrity concerts, school spirit chants, fireworks, and more.
Some of the other fun events that they have for homecoming include a fun run, the Gator Gallop, and a festival with free goodies, activities, and vendors. They also hold a Homecoming Leadership Pageant to recognize student leaders who will then become the University of Florida’s homecoming court.
6. BRIGHAM YOUNG UNIVERSITY (BYU) | Light the Y
This tradition has taken place since 1924 and is one of the oldest traditions on campus. Every year, thousands of students and faculty hike and light the ‘Y’. You can either shuttle to the trailhead or hike, although most choose to hike!
7. CLEMSON UNIVERSITY | Tigerama
Tigerama is a student-run pep rally held in the football stadium and showcases many of Clemson’s student organizations. The second half of the night is a concert. This event typically draws thousands and each year, Tigerama raises over $30,000 for the school and scholarships.
8. SOUTH DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY | Hobo Week
Celebrated for over 100 years, Hobo Week is one of the most iconic homecoming celebrations. Throughout the week, students participate in various events, including a month-long beard-growing competition, a talent show, the Hobo Day 5K, and “Paint the Town,” where students paint local business windows to show school spirit.
9. UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA | Spirit Splash
Spirit Splash is one of the most anticipated and exciting events at UCF. It’s even been voted one of the top college traditions in the country. Thousands of students rush into the Reflecting Pond (one of the most recognizable spots on campus) to catch rubber ducks and T-shirts. According to other Knights, this isn’t an event you want to miss–some start to gather as early as 6 am!
Homecoming is a special time of the year when parents, alumni, and students all come together and celebrate the university. Whether you are a first-year student or a returning alumni, homecoming is a chance to show that school pride never fades. Plan to attend some events and join in on the old (and sometimes new) traditions. Each college has its own unique traditions to pass down, and you might be surprised at how exciting they can be. Get ready to cheer—“Go, team!”
Is a lively homecoming important to your college experience? Try College Raptor’s College Match tool to discover schools that offer what you’re looking for.
