Don’t bother with an umbrella.
Wind
Have you ever been unable to open a door or hit the side of a building because of a little wind? If you have, you definitely go to SUNY Oswego. Umbrellas are simply pointless as soon as you walk out the dorm, turning inside out or just flying out of your hands. Invest in a poncho and a solid winter coat—you’ll be doing yourself a favor.
Awful Winters
Yes, the legends of Upstate New York winters are true—and brutal. Trucking to class in a snowstorm and trying not to slip on ice is an Olympic sport here. This is the time when the Blue Route becomes your best friend. Master tip: get the Centro Bus app on your phone to track arrival times for the bus (LIFESAVER). But yay for snow days!
The Bars
There’s something magical about waking up in the morning to see people doing the walk of shame. From Alley Cat to Ferris to Raven, us Oswegonians know how to party better than any SUNY school. And after a night out on the town, you’ll probably find yourself ordering a Tomcat from Wonzone’s Calzones at one o’clock in the morning. By the way, if you choose to go to D.P. Dough instead of Wonzone’s, there is something wrong with you.
Hockey
We have one true holiday on campus—and that’s the Whiteout game. Our hockey games are basically one big party that anyone can come to, and that’s when our Laker spirit truly shines. If you aren’t screaming at the top of your lungs and shaking your keys, you’re doing something wrong. Puck Flattsburgh—always.
Al Roker
SUNY Oswego’s mascot isn’t a wheel—it’s my man Al Roker. If we had a god to worship on campus, it would be this gem of a human. Whenever he visits or even mentions Oswego, everyone gets revved up and tries to get a glimpse of him on campus. Also, be sure to pay your respects to Mr. Roker at his shrine in Marano Campus Center.
Lake Ontario
Oswego might be a little state school, but we are extremely privileged to be living on a Great Lake. Whenever I feel stressed or bored, walking down to Flatrocks and taking in the view immediately reminds me how blessed I am. We do have the best sunsets in the whole world, period (and shoutout to the yearly brave souls in the makeshift Walmart rafts who attempt to sail to Canada).