As the culture and community of Taylor University is influenced by its students, so is the language used around campus. Students needing a TU glossary are not alone. Here’s a quick list of places and words to know.
Known to students as “The Stu,” the LaRita Boren Campus Center is home to major campus events and activities, the hub for late-night studying, and is a great place for lunch or dinner.
The Hodson Dining Commons is referred to as the “DC” and serves buffet-style (or cafeteria-style) meals seven days a week.
The “KSAC” is the athletic and recreational complex that houses several TU sports, the workout gymnasium called “The Well,” and a wing of classrooms. The acronym stands for the Kesler Student Activities Center and is pronounced “K-Sack.”
“Princess Parking” can be found in the front rows of residence hall parking lots. Grab a spot fast or face the walk from the Euler Science Complex lot.
“We always try to go for princess parking,” senior Alison Holder said. “If you can get it, that is the best. Even better if you can get ‘Presidential Parking,’ otherwise you’ll be in the depths of the parking lot.”
A notch above “Princess Parking,” “Presidential Parking” is always the closest to the door.
The freshman frenzy is a trap that many first-year students fall into when they begin dating someone early in the school year, but the relationship does not last.
“Determining the Relationship,” or DTR, means having that make-it-or-break-it conversation where would-be couples decide whether or not to put a label on it and make it official.
DTRs may occur more frequently before school breaks, typically on the Vayhinger Loop. While walking the loop is perfect for talking with friends, it is often used by couples too.
Getting a “ring by spring” is a common phrase at many Christian colleges, and Taylor is no different. It notes the craze of couples to get engaged before graduation.
Residence Life and Wing Life are an integral part of Taylor. Each residence hall plants you in a circle where students meet their floormates and brother or sister wings to do “Bro-Sis” activities together.
Pick-a-dates (PAD) are low-stakes, large group dating events that can be casual and just for fun or a chance to ask out someone special.
“BTO,” stands for “Back to Olson?” and is a common question or exclamation if a group is ready to return to Olson. While many say it in complete seriousness, the phrase is special for senior Emily Hartman.
“‘BTO!’ was always one that made us laugh our freshman year because it was half a joke and half serious, and so many said it too,” Hartman said.
Similarly, a “strollson,” or a stroll through Olson, is the perfect way to pick a room setup and see all the fun things gals in the hall are doing.
The lawn outside of Olson, “Olson Beach,” is known for having people out and about. One of senior Kayla Smits’ favorite times of the year is when people start to get outside.
“I love when it starts to get warm out in the spring and the lawn in front of Olson, Olson Beach, is filled with people throwing a football, playing spikeball, and doing homework. I love seeing that when walking back from class,” Smits said.
The “LTC” abbreviates the Life Together Covenant, which outlines the responsibilities and expectations for community life at the university. It is a document signed by students and faculty alike that encourages the community to practice godly principles, loving each other well with truth and grace. While the covenant is taken seriously, using the acronym can be a fun way to tease friends.
