Campus does not lack for interesting events and activities, many of which we only get a glimpse at while walking between classes. Keep an eye out for these quirky goings-on — rain or shine, students know how to keep themselves busy and entertained.

Humans Vs. Zombies

Fear not if you see students running around with large, brightly colored Nerf guns — these are merely hunters. What are they hunting? Zombies, of course. The University of Oregon’s Humans Versus Zombies game is serious business. Zombies run around with brightly colored bandanas on their heads, attempting to get at the humans, who wear their bandanas on their arms and defend themselves with a variety of Nerf pistols. Don’t be surprised to find Nerf ammo in the weirdest of places on campus.

Slacklining

What’s the point of having so many huge trees on campus if we can’t string up a rope between two of them and test our balance? Slacklingin is something you’ll definitely see whilst meandering campus, and the agility of the individuals participating will make you want to give it a try. With only about a yard to fall and fellow walkers to cheer you on, the benefits far outweigh the risks. Just be sure to get up and try again.

LARPing

Occasionally, a medieval war will break out on one of the UO lawns. Individuals with self-made armor, foam swords, intricately decorated shields and fierce battle cries might be sprinting toward each other in impassioned display, seeming to come right out of one of Tolkien’s fantasy novels. This is the Belegarth Medieval Combat Society, and they exist to recreate Dark Age battle conditions in an adrenaline-fueled, costumed game that’s much safer than its historical counterpart.

Protests

Welcome to your liberal arts university, where someone, somewhere is always protesting something — and that’s a good thing. Student organizations and individuals make sure to take advantage of the freedom to speak out against practices, institutions, organizations and traditions. Students will be sure to see protesters set up with signs, chants and resolute faces to speak their minds. In a constantly evolving world, students do their best to take part in facilitating progress and adding to the public discourse.

Holi, the festival of colors

Spring brings flowers, sun, warm weather and giant puffs of explosive color. That last one is thanks to the Hindu Festival of Colors, or Holi, put on by the Students of the Indian Subcontinent. To celebrate spring, students throw colorful powders and water at each other and into the air, creating a variable tornado of pastels, rendering the participants — most of whom wear white — unrecognizable at the end. The event is fun, chaotic and beautiful and brings to campus a rainbow burst of Indian culture.

DuckLife is the Emerald’s magazine for incoming freshmen, made available during IntroDucktion. This story has been reprinted from the magazine in its original form.