Starting college can be a difficult time in anyone’s life. It’s such a large departure from the familiar structure of high school and that doesn’t account for moving across states or trying to figure out how to find balance with such a large commitment. Even for those coming back for another year, it can be tricky to find proper social outings or engage with the community of the campus. Fortunately, at the start of every fall semester, the Office of Student Experience puts together the Weeks of Welcome, a two-week series of events dedicated to welcoming new students to the University of Utah, though the events are equally open for returning students.
The events
Aug. 19 kicks off the welcome with Painting & Popsicles with the Feed U pantry. This is a perfect way to both beat the heat, socialize and learn about a very important campus resource. The Feed U Pantry is a program that aims to minimize hunger in students and their families’ lives, as well as making sure students can navigate difficult times without having to worry about the cost of food.
Aug. 20 is the Flower Side Chat also held on the Union Lawn. This is a prime time to socialize with other U students as well as get some beautiful flowers to decorate your dorm with, or gift to someone. Following that is the U of U Farmers Market. Starting Aug. 21 and continuing every Thursday throughout the month, there will be arts and crafts vendors, food stands and local goods.
More of Thursday’s lineup includes Service Corner Nites, a charitable event to create a craft kit to support those in need. Some of their current ongoing projects are making dog toys for Ruff Heaven Crisis Sheltering, knitting hats for adults and making cat toys for Best Friends. Registration is required to attend the workshops.
Festival of Cultures, on Aug. 27, is a celebration of the diversity that can be found on campus. Held in the A. Ray Olpin Union Building, the Festival of Cultures is an all-day event that will consist of live performances, cultural vendors, resource opportunities and food trucks. No registration is required to attend. On the same day, only a walk away from the Festival of Cultures is the Arts Bash. Hosted by the College of Fine Arts and held in the Library Plaza, Arts Bash has live musical performances, vendors and free food. All you need to attend is your UID card, courtesy of the University of Utah Arts Pass program.
Make sure to start your first weeks of college off with a social and artistic bang by attending some of these events. Even just a few moments around fellow students might be enough to find your footing and who knows, maybe you’ll make a new friend along the way.
