DePaul Traditions: Loop Duck Day

wo inflatable rubber ducks with students lined up behind them. “DePaul Duck Day” is written in white above. A pink rubber duck is in the right corner, while a duck stuffed animal is in the left corner.

One of the events I look forward to the most at DePaul’s Loop campus is Duck Day! Duck Day is a beloved Loop tradition at DePaul. Now at first I was definitely a little confused, I was like ducks? But once being reassured they were rubber ducks I was all for it.

Duck Day is where students get to choose from a bin full of rubber ducks and there is a number written on the bottom correlating to a prize. Prizes can include t-shirts, mugs, socks, and stickers! I absolutely love this event, I have started a rubber duck collection. Something about it makes you feel like a kid, I don’t know if it’s the aspect of “bobbing” for a duck, seeing what number is on the bottom, or even what your rubber duck will look like. It has such a fun carnival atmosphere. There is almost always a line and people will get there early to get one. These rubber ducks bring out the best in people. DePaul has even started releasing Duck Day shirts! It’s something that happens at least once a quarter and I suggest going to all of them. I haven’t missed one!  

An inflatable kiddie pool filled with clear plastic balls and rubber ducks.
Sienna smiling holding a pink rubber duck up.

At first I was worried that there wouldn’t be a lot happening in the Loop. Lincoln Park always seems to have something going on, and it’s the same in the Loop too. As a commuter student who spends 95% of the time in the Loop, I have found plenty of things to do. The Loop Life office hosts so many things from lemonade days, gaming competitions, stuff-a-plush, and of course duck days. I love coming home with rubber ducks and it seriously brightens the whole day. These events get better and better, with food, making a plush animal, t-shirts, and even custom totes! 

This is just one of many DePaul traditions, but it is my favorite. It’s a great quick break from classes and you come home with a rubber duck, which makes great room decor. Personally, this is an event I always mark in my calendar so I don’t miss this fun treat!

                                    ~Sienna

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