With a new semester comes a calendar filled with events and activities, ranging from comedians to club sports. Campus is bubbling with life and excitement for the new semester, but what do the bulldogs think about these events?
Ferris has a wide range of events, activities and registered student organizations in hopes of drawing students out to connect and see what college life is all about. Among the students looking forward to the new semester are many freshmen looking to make connections and memories.
It is especially important for the university to consider incoming freshmen when choosing events for the semester, as they are trying to figure out where they belong in a new space.
Freshman social work major Tariyah Johnson shared what she is looking forward to starting out her freshman year.
“[I’m looking forward to] drag bingo and checking out Greek Life,” Johnson said.
However, she also emphasized the importance of spreading the word on campus about upcoming events, so that more people have the opportunity to attend.
“I think events should be broadcast a little more because for us freshmen, it’s hard to find them, especially not knowing where everything is,” Johnson said.
Several freshmen have commented on the need to spread the word about what events are taking place, specifically during welcome weekend. While Ferris typically puts information about events and activities in the dorms, popular hangout areas across campus are sometimes neglected.
Many welcome events are already underway, and there are more to come. Some of these events were dedicated to welcoming back all students, including a headphone disco, drag bingo, a late-night gathering in the David Eisler Center, speed friending and many more to come throughout the next few weeks.
Freshman general studies major Jayda Jones expressed her desire for Ferris to make information about events more widely available across campus.
“[Ferris should be] posting more announcements around the area, not just in the dorms but more on campus,” Jones said.
Despite the challenges posed to freshmen when it comes to hearing about events, news of some events has reached them and made them excited for welcome weekend.
“I’m excited for drag bingo and the silent disco,” Jones said. “They all seem pretty fun, and I’ve heard about some different events coming up within these next three weeks.”
Campus is especially lively right now with all of the welcome weekend activities taking place, as well as students moving into their dorms and apartments. Walking through campus, many students can be spotted carrying boxes to their dorms, saying goodbye to their families and exploring what Ferris has to offer.
Events and activities on campus are exciting to many students, particularly freshmen who are just getting acquainted with their new campus and adjusting to college life. They are getting a feel for what the next chapter of their lives holds and exploring all of the places that will soon be so familiar to them.
Freshman radiography major Antonio Williams revealed why he believes that events and activities are so important for college students.
“I feel like it brings a sense of community, and community is important because it makes people feel at home,” Williams said. “It makes people feel more comfortable, and that is something you need to succeed.”
Events are a way for new and returning students to connect with others and build a sense of community around them. Students have stated why they believe in the importance of such events and activities.
“[It’s important] to know your community and to make friends and be more involved,” Jones said.
Incoming freshmen have continually expressed their desire and belief in getting out of their dorms, making friends, and getting involved with activities on campus.
For freshmen as well as many other students, activities and events are not just a bonus of being in college, but a necessity to find their place on campus and build a support system for themselves in order to thrive.