Hello Habit

New Student Orientation is a tradition as old as Villanova itself. But back in the first half of the 20th century, first-year students, often referred to as Frosh and Yearlings, were introduced to some customs different from today. For example, they helped move upperclassmen into their residences (it’s the reverse now) and donned beanie-like caps known as “dinks.” Sophomores would take new students under their wings, teaching them the “V for Villanova” fight song in the fall and competing against them in an annual tug-of-war in the spring.

One thing that hasn’t changed is the value placed on school pride and community. To instill a welcoming and respectful atmosphere, first-year students were encouraged to practice the “hello habit,” which simply meant greeting Villanovans as they passed on campus. Writing in a 1931 edition of the student magazine The Owl, one upperclassman shared why the tradition should be upheld, saying, “It constantly reminds us that we are all fellow students and instills in us a valuable spirit of friendship and cooperation that goes a long way to the further advancement of the college.”