May is an important month for the “Star Wars” franchise, as “Star Wars: Episode IV — A New Hope” blasted into theaters on May 25, 1977. The saga’s creator, George Lucas, celebrates his birthday on May 14, and May 4 happens to be National Star Wars Day.

Today marks the first Star Wars Day since the death of actress Carrie Fisher, who played the beloved side-bunned heroine, Princess Leia. Fisher’s death on Dec. 27 shocked the world, leaving fans to wonder how the franchise would survive the loss of such a legacy. In April, Disney and Lucasfilm released a video tribute in her honor, celebrating her life’s work as an actress, artist and strong Rebellion leader.

Whether it’s a normal night in the dorms or the most magnificent Thursday in the universe, here are some ways to celebrate “Star Wars”-style.

Watch them all

Have a good old-fashioned movie marathon and binge the entire series or maybe have a mini marathon including only the newer films, “The Force Awakens” and “Rogue One.” Prequel and original trilogies aside, any film is a great start to what’s sure to be an epic night of movie-watching and horrible Wookiee impressions.

Junior communication major Cierra White said she’s never seen the films and never found the story compelling but is considering using Star Wars Day to finally sit down and watch them.

“I’m to the point now where I feel like I can appreciate it for what it is,” White said. “It’s less about a genre that I’m not a fan of and more about a story that I haven’t seen.”

Listen to the soundtracks

With finals week approaching, students are stuck in front of computers and buried beneath textbooks, so they might find listening to soundtracks a better alternative to watching the films. “The Phantom Menace” soundtrack is a great addition to an afternoon study session in the library, while “The Force Awakens” will help power anyone through those last hours of late-night cramming.

Get ready for the next chapter

Fans held their stuffed Chewbaccas in awe as they watched the first trailer for “Star Wars: Episode VIII — The Last Jedi,” released in April at the annual Star Wars Convention in Orlando, Florida. The trailer certainly got fans excited for yet another iconic addition to the saga, especially since Fisher will make an appearance. The film is estimated to release Dec. 15, according to IMDb.

It’s hard to pinpoint exactly why people love “Star Wars” so much. Maybe it’s the adventure, the lovable misfit characters or the golden bikinis.

Sophomore communication major Lexi Cednick said she appreciates the theme and the story, as it doesn’t leave audiences hanging onto plot points, and if it does, it’s only for one movie or so.

“It’s such a comprehensive universe that you feel like you are part of the story,” Cednick said. “You feel like you’re part of something bigger.”