UCSD - University of California - San Diego

09/22/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/22/2026 08:25

Surprising, Quirky and Totally Triton: Fall Traditions at UC San Diego

Published Date

September 22, 2026

Article Content

The quiet anticipation of the first day of school. The smell of a new backpack. Freshly organized folders. Whether you're a student, faculty or staff member, fall quarter at UC San Diego carries a particular kind of energy - it's that feeling of a fresh start, shared by thousands of new and returning Tritons.

Yet it's the moments between the lectures and the labs that define the student experience. These moments are anchored by campus traditions - unique rituals that turn a group of individuals into a community. Best of all, they are often quirky, sometimes surprising and definitely worth showing up for. As unconventional as UC San Diego likes to be, we have a remarkable number of traditions that have stood the test of time and are part of our shared campus experience. Here are some favorite fall quarter traditions:

The Triton UnOlympics have evolved over time from grand entrances and choreographed dances on RIMAC Field to picnic-style games, trivia and a college chant challenge, all in the hopes of becoming the next keeper of the coveted "Golden Shoe." (Photos by Erik Jepsen, UC San Diego; UC San Diego Recreation; and Revelle College)

Triton UnOlympics

September 23, 2026

Since 1979, UC San Diego's undergraduate colleges have come together for an afternoon of spirited competition, good-natured silliness and well-rehearsed spectacle at the Triton UnOlympics. The event lasts only a few hours, but students spend the summer plotting, practicing and planning, all in hopes of becoming the next keeper of the coveted "Golden Shoe" trophy.

Hosted each year during Week Zero, the first UnOlympics began simply enough: egg tosses, tug-of-war, sack races, water-balloon relays, and a pie-eating contest. Over the decades, our famously overachieving student body found ways to one-up each other - first with themed entrances, then with full-scale choreographed dance performances drawing from the pop culture of the day. "Top Gun." "Pirates of the Caribbean." "Fortnite." The competition has evolved over time, moving from RIMAC Field to LionTree Arena, and now includes a chant challenge to showcase college and UC San Diego pride. All eight colleges earn points by competing in various picnic-style games, answering trivia questions, and even participating in a basketball pop shot challenge - making a layup, 3-pointer and half-court shot all within one minute. And yet, as much as the games have changed, the goal remains the same: Capture the Golden Shoe (and keep it from fellow competing colleges… at least until next year).

For more than 20 years, the Battle of the Kings, the annual men's water polo match between UC San Diego Tritons and Loyola Marymount University, has been a Week 1 campus tradition. (Photos by Erik Jepsen, UC San Diego)

Battle of the Kings

September 23, 2026

Bragging rights are on the line at Canyonview Aquatic Center for one of the most electric athletic events on campus: Battle of the Kings, the annual men's water polo match between the UC San Diego Tritons and Loyola Marymount University. Expect to see a sea of blue and gold, white-bearded students, golden crowns and tridents raised to the sky for this royal showdown between King Triton, ruler of the sea, versus LMU's lion, king of the jungle. It's a hard-fought regional rivalry dating back over 20 years and a core Wednesday night Week 1 tradition for new and returning Tritons.

Pro tip: Arrive early, as the venue will fill to capacity. The first 1,000 students in attendance receive a commemorative golden crown. New this year is a watch party that will be held across the street from the pool at Warren Field for students who are unable to gain admission due to venue capacity.

Meet the Beach invites new students to gather for fun in the sun near the Ellen Browning Scripps Memorial Pier. (Photos by Erik Jepen, UC San Diego; UC San Diego Recreation)

Meet the Beach

September 26, 2026

There is no greater introduction to life as a Triton than this one. Now in its 18th year, Meet the Beach invites new students to gather at the beach near the Ellen Browning Scripps Memorial Pier for an afternoon of sun, surf and warm sand beneath your toes. Activities include beach volleyball, Zumba and frisbee; surf lessons, boogie boarding and kayaking; and even tours of the Scripps pier. You'll find students soaking up the sun, trying something new, striking a pose with new friends at the photo booth, and even watching the World-Famous Surfing Dogs catch some waves!

Common Read

Now through June 2027

This year's Common Read is "Against Breaking: On the Power of Poetry" by Ada Limón.

Now in its third year, the UC San Diego Common Read program selects a single book for all incoming first-year, transfer and graduate students - a shared experience to build community and be inspired. Current members of the UC San Diego community are also invited to read along and attend campuswide events throughout the year.

The 2026 Common Read is "Against Breaking: On the Power of Poetry" by Ada Limón, the 24th poet laureate of the United States, 2024 Time magazine "Woman of the Year," and a 2023 MacArthur Fellow. This slim but powerful book presents poetry as a healing force, a call to action and a celebration of our shared humanity. "An Evening with Ada Limón," a conversation with the author at the Epstein Family Amphitheater, is scheduled for October 22.

The two previous Common Read selections were "Talking Across the Divide" by Justin Lee and "American Like Me: Reflections on Life Between Cultures" by America Ferrera.

Each fall, the Día de los Muertos Festival honors the Mexican tradition of remembering and celebrating loved ones who have passed with a warmth and spirit that draws hundreds of participants. (Photos courtesy of Muir College)

Día de los Muertos Celebration

October 27, 2026

What began in 2009 as a small group of House Advisors gathering outside the Muir Residential Life Office to see their culture represented has grown into a beloved campus tradition at Muir College. Now in its 16th year, Muir College's annual celebration has inspired other areas around UC San Diego to host their own Día de los Muertos festivities, honoring the Mexican tradition of remembering and celebrating loved ones who have passed with warmth and spirit.

Each fall, the celebration draws hundreds of students and campus community members together for an evening of mariachi music, folklórico dancers, traditional cuisine and hands-on activities such as marigold flower-making, luminary lights and face painting. An ofrenda, or communal altar, invites the entire campus community to contribute personal mementos to honor those they have lost. Through music, art, food and shared memories, the Día de los Muertos Celebration remains a cherished campus tradition that celebrates the lives of those who came before us and the vibrant sense of community that brings us together.

The UC San Diego Bookstore Costume Contest continues a tradition showcasing campus creativity. (Center photo by Erik Jepsen, UC San Diego; Costume photos courtesy of the UC San Diego Bookstore)

UC San Diego Bookstore Halloween Costume Contest

October 30-November 3, 2026

The annual UC San Diego Bookstore Halloween Costume Contest has evolved over the last 25 years from a parade of costumed contestants on Price Center Plaza to a fully digital competition judged by the campus community on social media. The spirit, however, remains the same.

On Friday, October 30, all members of the campus community are invited to get creative and have costumes photographed by a team of ghosts and ghouls at the Bookstore. The next day, all entries will go live on the Bookstore's Facebook and Instagram pages - and the voting begins. Winners will be announced on November 3, and prizes for first, second and third place go to the costumes receiving the most votes.

The annual Homecoming brings students, alumni, faculty and staff to campus to celebrate our traditions and reconnect as a community. (Photos by Erik Jepsen, UC San Diego)

Homecoming

November 5-8, 2026

UC San Diego's annual Homecoming brings together students, alumni, faculty and staff to celebrate campus traditions and reconnect as a community. This year's celebration coincides with a major milestone: the grand opening of the Triton Alumni and Welcome Center, the campus's first-ever dedicated space for alumni, a tribute to UC San Diego's 268,000+ alumni worldwide, as well as an interactive space for new students, families and visitors. Homecoming will offer a week of events showcasing Triton pride, spirited athletic events, alumni reunions and even a two-day block party. As part of the annual celebration, alumni are invited to share their favorite campus memories and photos in a Living Time Capsule, which will be showcased at the grand opening of the Triton Alumni and Welcome Center.

What fall campus traditions are you looking forward to? Tell us at [email protected].

Read more news about: Alumni

UCSD - University of California - San Diego published this content on September 22, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on September 22, 2026 at 14:25 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]