We all have traditions that made our time at UofL truly special. We are thrilled to celebrate the UofL traditions that you helped create. 

You know you went to UofL if:

You never stepped on the Cardinal Bird, ever!

It's bad luck, no matter who you are. Many a rival have attempted to dishonor our esteemed icon, only to be handed a loss. 

You have had your picture taken with the Thinker.

The Thinker statue that sits in front of Grawemeyer Hall is the first large-scale bronze cast of The Thinker. French sculptor Auguste Rodin personally supervised the casting in Paris. It came out of the mold Dec. 25, 1903, and was completed in early 1904.

You didn't have to go the zoo to see albino squirrels.

Spot one of these fury friends and you may just be in for a bit of good luck. Some say free tuition. Others claim you will ace an exam. Either way, something good is coming your way.

You felt the nerves from your white coat ceremony.

It's a rite of passage. Getting in to the school of medicine or dentistry was one thing. This made it all the more real.


You have craved a run to Dairy Kastle.

Within walking distance of campus, this small restaurant draws large crowds from opening day in the spring through closing day in the fall. Some fan favorites include the Orange Cow, Fat Elvis, and Taco-in-a-Bag. Don’t forget: cash only!


You have kicked off UofL Football season at the Spring Game.

Our football season starts in April… just a few months before the real games! That doesn’t stop alumni, students, and fans from tailgating and cheering at Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium as the Cards inevitably get the "W" in this one.


A slow clap always leads to C-A-R-D-S!

In 1913 the Louisville Cardinal Bird was chosen to be the school mascot, and sometime after that the CARDS cheer was created. Now it’s one of the first things new students and their families learn when they come on campus.


You danced the night away to support pediatric cancer research.

raiseRED is the only student run organization to support the clinical and medical research efforts at UofL. The year of fundraising ends in an 18-hour Dance Marathon celebration, attended by hundreds of students.

You know to ONLY throw your “L” up using your right hand.

The combination of "U" and "L"  in American Sign Language, this sign is the symbol of pride for Cardinals everywhere. 

You don't laugh when someone says the word SAC.

The Student Activity Center opened its doors in 1990 and has been central to student life and campus involvement. Due for a major face-lift soon, it will continue to serve as a hub for student activity for decades to come. 


Semis getting stuck under a bridge was an almost weekly occurrence on Belknap Campus.

Nicknamed The Can Opener, this bridge claims numerous unsuspecting and absent-minded victims each semester. 


Getting stopped by a train was a legit excuse for being late to class.

We're a campus of planes, trains, and automobiles. Even though freshman can bring their car on campus, that doesn't mean they won't encounter an untimely locomotive obstacle.