Some students agree that no matter what one’s background is, St. Patrick’s Day is an opportunity to gather with friends and loved ones to celebrate just for the fun of it.

With the holiday just around the corner, some students said they are still making last minute plans and looking for new ways to get together and make merry.

Camden Carver, a senior in sociology, said this year he plans to meet friends in Greensboro and St. Patrick’s Day has often allowed him to reunite with acquaintances he hasn’t seen in years.

“I would definitely say that St. Patrick’s Day brings people together,” Carver said. “The majority of people, Irish or not, use it as an excuse to party and have a good time.”

Brad Swain, a junior in mechanical engineering, said he likes to spend St. Patrick’s in his hometown of Newport, N.C.

“Everyone wants something to celebrate,” Swain said. “It’s an excuse to go home and see my friends.”

Swain said as part of his St. Patrick’s Day tradition, he attends an annual festival with his friends and family.

“I always go to a small festival on Emerald Isle where they have vendors and food,” Swain said. “I’ve been there many times; it’s just a chance to hang out and have fun.”

John Gibbings, a sophomore in engineering, said his St. Patrick’s Day tradition has become a little more difficult since he left for college.

“I have always had corned beef and cabbage as my main meal on St. Patrick’s Day,” Gibbings said. “It’s a tradition that my family has always done, but it’s more difficult to carry it out when living in the dorm.”

Gibbings said the holiday is something that anyone can enjoy and that is why it is celebrated by people of all backgrounds.

“Some people enjoy dressing up in green, and others find it as an excuse to drink — you don’t have to be Irish to do either,” Gibbings said.

Desiree Wilkinson, a senior in English education, said St. Patrick’s Day has become ingrained into American culture.

“It’s become a part of American culture, not just Irish culture,” Wilkinson said.

Wilkinson said this year she plans to travel to Virginia in support of her friend.

“This St. Patrick’s Day I will be in Virginia Beach to watch the Shamrock Marathon,” Wilkinson said. “It should be fun; I hope people dress up.”

Jiwei Zhu, a sophomore in biological sciences, said no matter what his St. Patrick’s Day may bring, he will be taking frequent breaks to check in on the action of March Madness.

“Nothing brings people together like green beer and college basketball,” Zhu said.