Does College Have Homecoming?

While Homecoming is often associated with high school, many colleges and universities also celebrate this tradition. In college, Homecoming is a major event that brings together students, alumni, faculty, and the broader community to celebrate school spirit and foster connections across generations. The event typically centers around a Homecoming football game, but it also includes a variety of social events, traditions, and activities that make it a unique and exciting part of campus life.

In this article, we’ll explore whether colleges have Homecoming, what Homecoming looks like at the collegiate level, and what students can expect during this special time of year.

Table of Contents

What is Homecoming?

Homecoming is a long-standing tradition in both high schools and colleges across the United States. The event is typically held in the fall, often around the time of a major football game, and serves as a way to welcome back alumni to their alma mater. The term “Homecoming” refers to the idea of former students “coming home” to celebrate their school and reconnect with current students, faculty, and fellow alumni.

Key Elements of Homecoming:

Football Game: The Homecoming football game is often the centerpiece of the celebration, where fans gather to support the home team.
Parades: Homecoming often features a parade showcasing school clubs, organizations, and athletic teams.
Dances and Parties: Many schools host formal or semi-formal dances, parties, or concerts as part of the Homecoming festivities.

Alumni Events: Colleges typically host events specifically for alumni, such as reunions, tailgates, or special recognition ceremonies.
Royalty and Crowning: The tradition of crowning a Homecoming King and Queen is common in both high schools and colleges, though not all schools participate in this.

Do Colleges Have Homecoming?

Yes, many colleges and universities hold Homecoming celebrations! Just like in high school, Homecoming is a major event in college, filled with school spirit, traditions, and activities. However, there are some differences between high school and college Homecoming, particularly in terms of scale, events, and audience.

Differences from High School Homecoming:

More Focus on Alumni: In college, Homecoming often places a greater emphasis on welcoming back alumni. While current students still participate in the festivities, Homecoming is a time for former students to reconnect with their alma mater.
Larger Scale: College campuses typically host larger events that involve not only students and alumni but also faculty, staff, and members of the local community.
More Events: College Homecoming is usually more than just a dance and a football game. It can include a wide range of activities like parades, tailgates, campus tours, conferences, and even homecoming concerts featuring live bands or DJs.

What Happens During College Homecoming?

While the specific events and traditions of Homecoming vary by school, there are some common elements that most colleges include in their Homecoming celebrations.

1. The Homecoming Football Game

The football game is usually the highlight of Homecoming week. Colleges schedule one of their regular season football games as the official Homecoming game, and it draws large crowds of current students, alumni, and community members. The game is often a high-energy event, with fans packing the stadium to cheer on their team.

Tailgating: Before the game, it’s common for students and alumni to gather for tailgating—a pre-game party held in the parking lot or other campus spaces. Tailgating often includes food, drinks, music, and games.

Marching Bands and Cheerleaders: The school’s marching band and cheerleading squad usually perform during the game, adding to the excitement and showcasing school spirit.

2. Homecoming Parade

Many colleges organize a Homecoming parade, which often takes place on the day of the big game. The parade is a fun and festive event that features floats, marching bands, student organizations, and local businesses. In some cases, the parade routes through the town or city surrounding the college, making it a community-wide event.

Student Organizations: Various campus groups, such as fraternities, sororities, and academic clubs, often create elaborate floats for the parade, reflecting school spirit and creativity.

3. Homecoming Dance or Concert

While Homecoming dances are more commonly associated with high school, some colleges also hold dances or concerts as part of their Homecoming celebrations. These events might be formal, semi-formal, or casual, depending on the campus culture.

Social Events: Instead of a traditional dance, some colleges opt for concerts or themed parties featuring live music or DJs. These events provide students with an opportunity to relax, have fun, and celebrate with friends.

4. Homecoming Court and Crowning

The tradition of crowning a Homecoming King and Queen is still alive in many colleges. Students vote for their peers to represent the school as part of the Homecoming Court, and the winners are crowned during the Homecoming football game or at another major event, such as the dance or parade.

Court Members: The Homecoming Court may include a variety of representatives, such as a King, Queen, Princes, Princesses, and other titles, depending on the school’s traditions.

5. Alumni Reunions and Events

For alumni, Homecoming is a time to return to campus, reconnect with old friends, and reminisce about their college days. Many colleges host reunions for specific graduating classes or groups, such as Greek life organizations or academic departments.

Alumni Tailgates: Some schools host special tailgates just for alumni, offering an exclusive space for former students to gather.

Campus Tours and Lectures: Colleges often offer campus tours, open houses, or special lectures during Homecoming so that alumni can see how the campus has evolved and learn about new developments.

6. Homecoming Week Activities

At many colleges, Homecoming isn’t just a single day—it’s often a week-long celebration filled with various activities leading up to the main event. Some of the activities might include:

Pep rallies to build excitement for the football game.

Competitions between student groups, such as float-building contests or spirit week challenges.
Charity events, such as fundraisers, community service projects, or donation drives.

Why is College Homecoming Important?

Homecoming is more than just a fun event—it’s a time for the entire school community to come together, celebrate traditions, and express pride in their institution. Here are some reasons why Homecoming is important in college:

1. School Spirit

Homecoming is one of the biggest displays of school spirit during the academic year. It gives students, alumni, and faculty a chance to rally around their school, show support for their sports teams, and celebrate what makes their college unique.

2. Alumni Engagement

One of the key purposes of Homecoming is to engage alumni and encourage them to stay connected to their alma mater. Many schools use Homecoming as a way to build relationships with alumni, encourage donations, and foster a sense of lifelong loyalty to the school.

3. Community Building

Homecoming fosters a sense of community both on campus and beyond. It’s an opportunity for students, alumni, faculty, and even local residents to come together, creating strong ties between the school and the surrounding community.

4. Tradition

Every college has its own Homecoming traditions, and participating in these events helps students and alumni feel connected to the institution’s history. Whether it’s a time-honored parade, a pep rally, or a crowning ceremony, these traditions provide a sense of continuity and belonging.

Conclusion

Yes, college does have Homecoming, and it’s often a major event filled with school spirit, exciting activities, and opportunities for students and alumni to connect. While Homecoming in college may differ from high school in scale and focus, it remains an important tradition that brings together the entire school community.

From football games and parades to formal dances and alumni reunions, college Homecoming provides a memorable experience for everyone involved. Whether you’re a current student or an alum returning to your alma mater, Homecoming is a time to celebrate your school with pride and enjoy the festivities.