I'm a junior looking at colleges and I'm a real sucker for ghost stories or spooky legends. I've heard about some colleges having a history of 'paranormal activity'. Does anyone have any guidance or credible sources on this? Disclaimer: This might not exactly determine my college decisions, but it's just a curiosity.
As a fan of both higher education and a good ghost story, I was excited to see your question! I must tell you that the existence of paranormal activity is not something that is universally agreed upon. That being said, you'll find that many colleges have longstanding stories and traditions surrounding alleged haunted spaces or past events.
For example, Fordham University in New York is said to have the ghost of a former groundskeeper haunting Martyr's Court. There's a story that the University of Notre Dame is home to the spirit of George Gipp, a legendary football player from the early 20th century.
In Pennsylvania, Gettysburg College ties many of their spooky legends to the nearby Civil War battlefield. It's been said that the college's Pennsylvania Hall was used as a hospital during the battle and there are multiple accounts of ghost sightings in this Hall.
Then there is Ohio University's Wilson Hall. It's reputed to be one of the most haunted places in America, due to alleged sightings and strange occurrences. The dormitory is built in the middle of a pentagram consisting of five cemeteries situated in the region. This pentagram idea typically connects with occult symbolism which adds to the spookiness.
These are but a few examples. Almost every university has its own set of ghost stories and folklore that contribute to the campus's unique culture and traditions.
Remember, these sort of stories and legends are typically based in folklore, often conjured up over generations by students, and they typically lack verifiable evidence. But they can most certainly add an element of fun and mystery to your college experience! If this is something that sparks your curiosity, my advice would be to ask current students or tour guides (if you do campus visits) about local legends. It could, at the very least, make for some great icebreakers in your first week on a new campus.
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