Hope College

What are the popular events and traditions at Hope College?

Hope College has several documented traditions in which students take an active role. The Pull is a longstanding contest between first-year and sophomore teams across Holland's Black River. The Nykerk Cup is another class-year competition, centered on performances such as song, play, and oration.

These events are more specific to Hope than a generic campus festival: they create recurring roles for participants and supporters across class years. Other annual or recurring programming includes New Student Orientation, Spring Fling, and Dance Marathon. Dance Marathon combines a student-organized event with fundraising for children's health care.

Students may also encounter performances and seasonal events, including the college's Christmas Vespers tradition. Participation is a choice rather than an academic requirement, and event formats or schedules can change; the current campus calendar is the best guide to what will take place during a particular year.

What are the student housing and dining options at Hope College?

Hope College offers college-operated undergraduate housing, including residence halls and other residential options. Campus housing is a substantial part of the undergraduate experience, but the existence of housing should not be mistaken for a guarantee of a particular building, room type, or placement date.

First-year applicants should review the current housing process, including any residency rules, application steps, and deadlines. Returning students may have different options, including apartment- or cottage-style arrangements, depending on eligibility and availability. Students seeking to live off campus should check how that choice affects both college policy and their financial-aid budget.

Campus dining includes meal-plan options and dining facilities such as Phelps Dining Hall and Cook Dining Hall. Plans can differ in access, flexibility, and cost, so a student should compare the plan required or available for a chosen residence with their actual eating schedule. Dietary needs are best discussed with dining services before selecting a plan or accepting a housing assignment.