By Annalisa Purser, communications specialist, University Marketing and Communications

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[bs_col class=”col-sm-7″]If you’re new to campus (and even if you’re not), download the “New To The U” app right away so you don’t miss out on Welcome Week activities, contests, socials, opportunities to get involved and of course, free food.

Welcome Week, coordinated by the Center for New Student & Family Programs, begins Thursday, Aug. 18, when more than 3,000 students move into on-campus housing and transform campus overnight from its slow-paced summer to a bustling center of excitement.

On Saturday, almost 2,000 first-year students and their families will be welcomed to campus by President David W. Pershing, First Lady Sandi Pershing, student leaders and faculty and staff from across campus at the New Student Welcome in Kingsbury Hall.

Welcome Week is a time for students at any stage in their career to find out about learning, service and research opportunities offered through the U that not only provide unique life experiences but also build their resumes and prepare them for life after graduation.

“Welcome Week brings together campus programs, offices, academics and clubs in a way that only happens once each year,” said John Michael Pantlik, associate director of the U’s Center for New Student & Family Programs. “By taking advantage of this time, students can set themselves up for success.”

Once the app is downloaded, students, families and staff will have access to the entire Welcome Week schedule of events. Students can browse the full schedule of events, filter by date, categories or keywords, and add specific events to their personal calendars.

Selected events are highlighted below, but all events can be found on the “New to the U” app.[/bs_col][bs_col class=”col-sm-5″][bs_well size=”md”]Welcome Back Bash
Monday, Aug. 22, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Marriott Library Plaza

Stop by the library plaza for a snack and a fun Welcome Week giveaway.

Out-of-State Student Reception
Tuesday, Aug. 23, 4-6 p.m.
Union East Ballroom

New to Utah? Come meet other first-year students who have relocated from other states and make connections. Join the group for snacks and prizes.

PlazaFest
Wednesday, Aug. 24, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Union Plaza

Hundreds of clubs and organizations will be represented outside the Union for students to learn more about the many ways to get involved.

Transfer Student Social
Thursday, Aug. 25, 9-11 a.m.
Union East Ballroom

Meet and mingle with other students who have recently transferred to the U. This session gives students more information about Transfer Programs offered throughout the year. Students will also enjoy snacks and a chance to win prizes.

Block U Class Picture
Friday, Aug. 26, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Rice-Eccles Stadium

Join the rest of the class of 2020 at Rice-Eccles Stadium for the Block U Class Picture tradition. Pick up an official class of 2020 shirt and then be part of a human-made giant block U on the football field with other members of your class. Upper class students and staff will welcome new students and help form the outline of the U. Enter the event through the ticket office, near Gate A on the south side of the stadium.

Crimson Nights
Friday, Aug. 26, 9 p.m.-2 a.m.
Union

Kick off the school year with the largest late-night event on campus. Beach attire is encouraged for this back-to-school party, and there will be free food, multiple DJs, dancing, activities and more. Crimson Nights is a campus tradition that is free for U students, but a UCard is required to gain access.[/bs_well][/bs_col]
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