Kent State University is a place where unique traditions and memorable moments shape the student experience. The scurry of squirrels, late-night food trips and the adrenaline rush of finals week are just a few things only Kent State students understand.
The campus is filled with shared experiences that create a deep sense of belonging. Here are 10 things every Golden Flash knows all too well.
1. Squirrel Sightings That Feel Oddly Personal
They’re not just squirrels; they’re furry embodiments of campus energy -- and they’re watching you skip class. If you’ve been at Kent State long enough, you know campus is the squirrels’ territory just as much as it is yours. The unofficial mascot has made an everlasting impact on the Kent State community, inspiring events and organizations such as the Black Squirrel Festival and Black Squirrel Radio. They may not let you pet them (please don’t try) but the campus dwellers will gladly steal your lunch leftovers.
2. Late Night Snacks at Insomnia Cookies
After a late night downtown, a freshly baked cookie from Insomnia Cookies offers the perfect sweet treat to end the night. Whether you’re splitting a box of delicious cookies with your friends or grabbing a cup of ice cream, it can be delivered right to your building. The best part: Insomnia Cookies is open until 3 a.m. on the weekends, so you have plenty of time to satisfy your cravings, even if you follow a vegan or gluten-free diet.
3. Fake Patty’s Day
Every Kent State student knows St. Patrick’s Day is just a warm-up for Fake Patty’s Day. As hundreds of students scatter throughout Kent in their best green clothing, they start the festivities early and turn off-campus spots into full-blown block parties. Police presence is high, the sidewalks are packed and the group plans start before sunrise. During the semester, it can be hard to stay in touch with your friends, but Fake Patty’s Day gives you a guaranteed chance to catch up with them.
4. Selfies with Flash
The tradition of taking selfies with Flash, the golden eagle Kent State mascot, is basically a rite of passage. Only Kent State students truly understand the excitement and occasional awkwardness of chasing down a costumed bird for a quick selfie that ends up all over your social media. Getting that photo is a must, whether it's at a basketball game or randomly spotting Flash on campus. It’s not just about the picture -- it’s a symbol that you’re officially part of the Flashes family.
5. Fork in the Road Mac n’ Cheese
Getting out of class and seeing Kent State’s food truck, Fork in the Road, parked outside serving hot sandwiches, burgers and mac n’ cheese is an amazing feeling. What’s even better, though? Hearing the Design Innovation Hub has the delicious mac n’ cheese on their lunch menu. Pairing it with pulled pork, chicken, chorizo or lobster elevates Fork in the Road’s cheesy goodness, making it a filling and tasty meal. The mac n’ cheese is engraved in students’ palates and is so mouthwatering that you might take home an extra serving for later.
6. Shopping Sprees at Acorn Alley
Acorn Alley is the gem of downtown Kent, and if you go to Kent State, you’ve definitely spent a little too much time and money there. The cozy, small-town vibe mixed with a trendy selection of items and clothing makes it easy to lose track of time as you wander from store to store. You tell yourself you’re “just browsing,” but somehow you leave with a new candle, a Kent State hoodie, a bag of specialty popcorn and a plant you didn’t know you needed. Of course, no shopping spree at Acorn Alley is complete without a coffee from Tree City Cafe.
7. Midnight Runs to Rosie’s
Rosie’s Diner, located inside the Tri-Towers, is the go-to late-night spot for anyone pulling an all-nighter, leaving a social gathering or just in need of some comfort food. The line might be long, but the memories (and the fries) are always worth it. The endless snacks, milkshakes and buzz of tired students in pajamas all hit different after midnight. Rosie’s isn’t just a place to eat, it’s a core part of the Kent State experience. If you’ve never craved mozzarella sticks or a breakfast sandwich at 1 a.m., are you even a Kent State student?
8. Library During Finals Week
As every semester comes to an end, students cram to finish their assignments and study for exams. The Kent State University Library can get crowded with everyone looking for empty seats to sit and focus. Luckily, the library offers a variety of study environments ranging from private study rooms to chill lounge areas, and you can check the availability of study rooms online. Additionally, Kent State just added nap pods in the library for students to recharge in between taking notes or tutoring sessions. When you find yourself losing focus while pulling an all-nighter, the library is open until midnight or 2 a.m. during finals week.
9. Picnics at Manchester Field
The unpredictable nature of Ohio winters makes students wonder when they will see the sun again. When they finally do, you can catch them taking advantage of the weather by laying out on their blankets on Manchester Field. The smell of freshly mowed grass and feeling the sun on your skin brings students to the field for picnics where they listen to music and make summer plans. From playing football to getting a tan, picnics at Manchester Field are a great way to catch up and de-stress with friends.
10. Pickup Basketball at the Rec Center
Walk into Kent State Recreation and Wellness Center any night of the week and you will hear the echo of basketballs before you even hit the courts. Pickup basketball is where friendships are formed, rivalries are born and students play until the lights turn off. The energy is high and the games are fast-paced, making it a great activity to exercise and blow off some steam. Win or lose, you walk off sweaty, sore and somehow already planning to come back tomorrow.
These ordinary moments are what knit students together and define what it means to call Kent State home. Late-night snacks, squirrel sightings, intense games at the Rec Center and sunny afternoons all shape the student experience in unforgettable ways. These little things spark laughter, build friendships and create a shared identity, showcasing the unique spirit of being a Golden Flash.