Ah, Welcome Week. It's something you will undoubtedly look forward to every summer and reminisce about every time you have to make the right decision to stay in and study for your exam.
I remember when I was a young and naive incoming freshman (one year ago), I was, to plainly put it, FREAKING HYPED for Welcome Week. Here is your guide to living it up, (written as I cry about how much I miss school):
Go to as many of the school sponsored events as your body can take in the wonderful Midwestern heat and humidity of August. Don't be the "too cool for everything" kid. Even if you have no interest in any of the great programs that are put on, go for the sake of going (and also free food). I promise you will regret not going. My favorite events from Welcome Week 2014 included Midnight Madness, Traditions and Spirit of IU and the AWESOME Welcome Week Block Party featuring B.O.B., Skizzy Mars, and Krewella! Check it out here and keep an eye on @IUBlockParty on Twitter to see who will be playing this year! *pro tip: when the Block Party performers are released over the summer, start listening to their music! It's always more fun when you can sing/rap/dance along :)
Make friends! It's easier than you think. Leave your door open and turn on your best Spotify playlist so that people pop in when they walk through the hall. Alternatively, don't wait for them to come to you, go roam the hall and introduce yourself. If you're coming to campus knowing people, those are great buddies to walk around with, but don't be afraid to branch out and start meeting new people! One of the greatest perks of IU being so big is that you're always making new friends. I'm not saying that you'll love and stay friends with everyone you meet during WW. But that isn't totally untrue either! I'd say 50% of my good friends at IU, I met during my first week.
Don't overdo it. Hopefully if you're coming here, you know that IU is not only an amazing educational institution, but a party school nonetheless. Know your limits. If you haven't partied before and are planning on it, take it slow. Use the buddy system, be safe and don't do anything you're not comfortable with. There is no rule saying that you have to participate in certain activities during the course of your IU career, but if you do, be smart about it. I've heard one too many stories about hospital visits during Welcome Week. I can't emphasize enough the importance of this one. Don't get me wrong, I love a good time, but just make sure it doesn't venture in to the Land of Regret. Educate yourself on alcohol and drug safety as well as the Indiana Lifeline Law.
GET PUMPED & HAVE FUN during Welcome Week! It only happens once a year!
Scope all the Welcome Week events here and read more articles about it here!