There’s no denying that move-in weekend at the University of Connecticut is nerve-wracking, no matter if you’re a first-year student or a returning Husky. Between meeting new roommates for the first time and settling into an unfamiliar and empty room, the next few days may seem like a non-stop series of challenges. But, setting those concerns aside, you may have noticed the colorful signs reading “WOW” outside the Student Union or perhaps encountered one of the many “WOW Leaders” darting around the campus — both hinting that this weekend has something special in store to support Huskies: The Week of Welcome.
As a four-day-long program put together through the efforts of many student leaders and mentors within the Department of Student Activities, WOW is sure to make the next few days some of your fondest memories at UConn. Running from Thursday, Aug. 22 to Sunday, Aug. 25 — and continuing with follow-up events throughout the first half of the semester — there’s a lot in store for both first-year and returning students. Let’s get into the itinerary for the fun ahead!
A quick note: there’s way too much happening to cover everything in detail, so check out the full schedule on the Department of Student Activities’ website.
WOW kicked off on Thursday with a breakfast and general move-in for first-year students. To help boost spirits, Jonathan the Mascot was available to take photos with anyone who stopped to see him at Fairfield Way, and WOW leaders introduced themselves to those living on campus for the first time. After lounging by the firepits on the Founders Green, the night wrapped up, hopefully making the first night a restful one.
Friday’s events begin bright and early with breakfast at 7 a.m., but don’t worry! All dining halls run breakfast until 10:45 a.m. in case the previous night of activities requires some extra sleep. Between 8:30 a.m. and 12 p.m., anyone interested in volunteering at their choice of location (options including a shelter for women and children, a soup kitchen, the blazing trails or the community garden, among others), is invited to do so. Transportation is provided, and you can fill out an interest form on the WOW website. Closer to lunchtime at 11 a.m., the UConn Recreation Sports Challenge gives students a chance to win some rewards and compete in their favorite sports, and from 12 to 2 p.m. you can meet the Dean of Students at the Student Union Terrace and get a free bag!
Friday evening is just as jam-packed, featuring an open house at Homer Babbidge Library and the Benton Museum. There are prizes to be won from attending both, including shirts from the Benton and a “special prize” for the first 100 guests at Homer Babbidge. Friday night wraps up at 7:45 p.m. with the Torch Lighting Convocation Ceremony in the Student Union Mall. First-year students won’t want to miss this, as it’s the only time that all of the incoming undergraduate class will come together as one. Don’t forget to check out Late Night, which immediately follows the Convocation. Food, music and more will be in store!
Another great event to check out begins at 9:30 p.m., when the Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts will be hosting a comedy show featuring Tina Friml, Lucas Zelnick and Gianmarco Soresi.
Even after all that, Saturday doesn’t slow down. There will be an open house at the Benton, a meet and greet for the UConn Muslim Union, an individual group-based meeting with the Dean at 2:30 p.m. At 6:15 p.m., Playfair, a high-energy outdoor activity will take place at Sherman Field (located between the Hugh S. Geer Field house and Garrigus Suites) will finish right as the SUBOG Block Party begins at 7:30 p.m. It will feature a DJ and food trucks — as well as a special foam theme.
Finally, after several days of great activities, WOW kicks off strong on Sunday, Aug. 25 with the Road Dogs Campus Run starting at 9 a.m. at the Recreational Center’s north steps. Be sure to arrive early and fill out the pre-registration form for this two-mile run around campus! Also, at 9 a.m. (however, they recommend arriving by 8:45) at the Recreational Center is a morning hike, offering a beginner-level 2.5-mile hike through campus. Plus, UConn’s therapy dogs will join in!
Later at 10 a.m. is an introduction to UConn’s Honors program in the Student Union, and following at 11 a.m., WOW Leaders will provide a campus tour, just in case Storrs still feels tricky to navigate. At 12 p.m. in Student Union room 416, Student Health and Wellness’s Let’s Talk event gives students a chance to connect with on-campus therapists. Wrapping up Sunday are several cultural center kickoffs.
As I mentioned, the move-in weekend is nerve-wracking, but hopefully some of the events lined up for the days ahead stand out and can give you a break from the chaos. WOW provides a great opportunity to get comfortable on campus before classes begin, and the itinerary certainly has a lot of unique options to pick from. So, welcome back Huskies, let’s start strong!