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University life isn't just about studying. It's about late-night snacks, new friendships, and strange traditions passed from one student group to the next. Across Asia, universities are full of rituals that make campus life unforgettable - and sometimes, a little weird.
These traditions may seem odd to outsiders, but for students, they are a rite of passage. Whether it's dancing in public in the middle of the night or wearing costumes to class, these customs bring people together. They create memories that stay long after the graduation cap is thrown. Between deadlines, exams, and intense class schedules, students in Asia find unique ways to blow off steam. Some look for ways to manage their workload through the best paper writing services , while others take part in time-honored traditions that are equal parts fun and puzzling. Let's explore eight of the most bizarre student traditions found in universities across Asia!
1. The Water Fight at Chulalongkorn University, Thailand
Every year, first-year students at Chulalongkorn University take part in a massive water fight. What starts as a simple orientation ritual quickly turns into full-scale soaking chaos. Buckets, hoses, water guns - nothing is off-limits. This tradition is part of the university's "rub nong" (freshmen welcoming) activities. It helps break the ice between seniors and freshmen. It also happens around the Thai New Year, Songkran, which is famous for public water fights. So students get double the reason to splash.
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2. Pajama Parade at Ewha Womans University, South Korea
In one of Seoul's most famous women's colleges, students celebrate the end of finals in pajamas. They wear them to class, in the cafeteria, and even outside. Some wear cartoon onesies, others go with classic sleepwear and slippers. This tradition is not just about comfort. It's a symbol of survival - proof that they made it through the exams. Students laugh at each other's outfits and take group photos, turning stress into something to smile about.
3. Hair-Shaving Ritual at Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT)
At many IIT campuses, particularly IIT Madras, first-year students go through a curious rite: shaving their heads. The idea is to eliminate vanity, form bonds, and start college life with a clean slate - literally.
Some students do it willingly. Others take part as a group, turning it into a moment of unity. While it might sound strange, many say it's one of the most freeing experiences of their time in school.
4. Duck Walk at the University of the Philippines
In the University of the Philippines, there's a tradition where students do the "duck walk" - squatting and waddling like a duck - across the campus. It's usually a punishment from student organizations for late attendance or missed meetings, but it's also done just for laughs during festivals. This quirky form of movement has become so iconic that alumni even joke about it years after graduation. It's painful, funny, and oddly memorable.
5. Overnight Queueing for Classes in Japan
At some universities in Japan, students camp overnight to secure spots in popular classes. While online systems are slowly replacing it, some courses still require physical presence on registration day. So, students line up hours - even a full day - in advance.
They bring snacks, blankets, and folding chairs. For some, it's a bonding experience. For others, it's just a test of endurance. But one thing is clear - students will do whatever it takes to get the class they want.
6. Hell Week at De La Salle University, Philippines
Hell Week is the unofficial name for finals week at De La Salle University and other campuses in the Philippines. It's not just about tests - it's a time filled with stress, panic, and very little sleep. To survive, students have created their own mini-rituals.
Some wear the same "lucky" clothes every day. Others light candles in chapels or start group study marathons. While the name sounds terrifying, many students actually bond during this time. Misery, after all, loves company - especially when you're trying to pass Advanced Calculus.
7. Banana Costume Run at National Taiwan University
One of the strangest - yet beloved - traditions at National Taiwan University is the Banana Run. A student dressed as a giant banana jogs across campus during major events. No one knows exactly when it started or why. It just became a thing. Sometimes other fruit costumes join in - strawberries, grapes, even durians. The Banana Runner appears at sports day, graduation, and other school-wide events. Students cheer, take selfies, and play along. It's pure silliness, but it brings joy and color to the academic setting.
8. The "Declaration of Love" Day in China
On May 20th (5/20), Chinese students take part in what's called "I Love You" Day. In Mandarin, "five-two-zero" sounds similar to "I love you." So this day has become an unofficial Valentine's Day, especially on campuses.
Students leave notes, give gifts, and sometimes even confess their feelings publicly - through speeches, songs, or flash mobs. Some even rent billboards or LED signs around campus to declare their love. It's dramatic, over-the-top, and very popular.
This tradition is not exactly academic, but it's a reminder that university life includes bold gestures and emotional risks, not just textbooks and tests.
Why These Traditions Matter
At first glance, these traditions might seem pointless or silly. But they serve an important role. University is hard, full of pressure, deadlines, and personal change. These customs give students a way to let go, connect with others, and laugh in the middle of all that stress.
They also create stories. Years later, alumni don't always remember what grade they got in Organic Chemistry, but they will remember the night they marched in pajamas or shaved their head with thirty other freshmen. These moments build identity and belonging.
Bizarre But Bonding
In the world of higher education, especially in Asia, student traditions are more than just habits. They are reflections of culture, humor, rebellion, and relief. Some are meant to welcome, others to challenge. Some are just there to be weird.
But all of them have something in common - they show how students make school life their own. Even the most serious universities have their lighter sides. That balance of hard work and light-hearted fun is what makes the university experience so rich.
So next time you think about college traditions, don't just picture parties or sports games. Somewhere in Asia, students might be waddling like ducks, queuing for classes, or running around in banana suits - and loving every second of it.