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With the commencement of a new academic year, Florida State University is prepared to embrace thousands of new and returning scholars on campus, boasting the largest incoming cohort ever. Alongside assisting students in getting ready for the fall semester, the Division of Student Affairs (DSA) is offering a range of events and experiences to facilitate new connections and broaden opportunities.
“Welcome FSU” commences on Monday, Aug. 18, and continues until Saturday, Aug. 30.
As the official inauguration for each semester, “Welcome FSU” showcases campus events and illustrates avenues for involvement, academic and wellness resources, and how to establish FSU as your home community. Through “Welcome FSU,” students are introduced to numerous clubs and organizations, departments, fraternities and sororities, and intramural sports available at Florida State.
This year introduces “Ready For,” a continuation of DSA’s year-long “Hello FSU!” initiative. “Ready For” will provide advice and strategies on how students can gear up for various FSU experiences. From preparing for the initial week of classes to participating in an FSU Athletics event, students can visit the “Ready For” tent for information and fun giveaways throughout the fall semester.
“Being part of FSU can be a thrilling journey, but it can also become stressful and demanding at times,” remarked Amy Hecht, vice president for Student Affairs. “We want students to understand that we recognize them; we support them and are here for them. Our aim is for them to feel welcomed and well-prepared during their time at FSU.”
Below are several of the “Welcome FSU” autumn events. For a complete list of “Welcome FSU” details and the entire fall schedule, please visit welcome.fsu.edu.
Monday, Aug. 18 – Friday, Aug. 29
Seminole Dining’s Trail Guide
Open Hours | Seminole Dining Locations
Obtain your Trail Guide at the FSUCard Office, Suwannee Room, or Seminole Café and embark on a self-guided adventure across campus dining venues to collect badges at each site. Every explorer receives a reward, and the first three adventurers completing their Trail Guide by Aug. 29 will win one of three grand prizes!
Wednesday, Aug. 20
Leach Center Fall Opening
9 a.m. – 9 p.m. | Leach Center
The Leach Center is now open for the fall semester! Come for a workout, catch some pickup basketball, participate in racquet sports, swim, run, and more.
Community at the Courtyard
6 – 8 p.m. | Askew Student Life Center (ASLC) Courtyard
Enjoy complimentary snacks, special surprises, and opportunities to connect and foster a sense of community together.
Movie: “Whiplash”
7 – 9:30 p.m. | Askew Student Life Center
Watch a feature film with friends (doors open one hour prior to showtime for all films).
Thursday, Aug. 21
Munch and Mingle
4 – 7 p.m. | Union Green
Launch the semester with snow cones, popcorn, and yard games, while learning about meal plans and campus dining. It’s the ideal atmosphere to reconnect with old friends and meet new ones.
Movie: “Babygirl”
7 – 8:30 p.m. | Askew Student Life Center
Enjoy a feature film with friends (also screening on Aug. 23 at 10 p.m.).
IRHC Karaoke
6 – 9 p.m. | Club Downunder
Sing your heart out at the Welcome FSU karaoke night.
Movie: “Fight Club”
10 p.m. – 12:30 a.m. | Askew Student Life Center
Enjoy a feature film with friends (also screening on Aug. 22 at 7 p.m.).
Friday, Aug. 22
Find Your Classroom Tours
9 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. | HCB Atrium
Join a brief, guided walking tour around campus to help familiarize yourself with your route to class. Tours begin at 9 a.m. and depart every 30 minutes; the final tour leaves at 11:30 a.m. (Also available on Aug. 23 and Aug. 24, same timings).
Food Truck Friday
Noon – 4 p.m. | FSU Lakefront Park
Join us at FSU Lakefront Park for Food Truck Friday and enjoy complimentary food (while supplies last).
Game On
6 – 10 p.m. | Garnet Gaming Lounge at the Askew Student Life Center
Experience gaming on modern systems and connect with new acquaintances. Mini-events and giveaways will occur.
Stand-Up Downunder: Comedy Show
7 p.m. | Club Downunder
Join us for laughter and entertainment at the inaugural comedy show of the academic year.
Movie: “Get Out”
Midnight | Askew Student Life Center
Watch a feature film with friends (also screening on Aug. 23 at midnight and Aug. 24 at 10 p.m.).
Saturday, Aug. 23
Movie: “Flow”
7 – 9:30 p.m. | Askew Student Life Center
Watch a feature film with friends (also screening on Aug. 24 at 7 p.m.).
Last Call Before Fall Concert
8 p.m. | Union Green
Conclude summer with us, enjoying activities, food trucks, music, and more!
Sunday, Aug. 24
Out-of-State Student Welcome Mixer
3 – 5 p.m. | Club Downunder
Drop by and enjoy light snacks while mingling with students from outside Florida and meeting our Noles Everywhere out-of-state student ambassadors! This is a casual, drop-in event and free of charge.
Floor Meetings
7 p.m. | Your Residence Hall
Meet your RA and fellow community members during your Welcome Home floor meetings!
Take Me Out to the Movies
8 p.m. | Owen F. Sellers Amphitheater
Doors open at 8 p.m. and enjoy a feature film starting at 8:30 p.m.
Monday, Aug. 25
First Day Photos
9 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Landis Green
Commemorate your first day—or your last first day—at FSU with First Day Photos! Swing by Landis Green to capture a picture with one of our photo signs. #WelcomeFSU #FSUFirstDayPhoto
(Also available on Aug. 26, same time).
Ask A Nole
9 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Various Campus Locations
Unsure where to go? Visit an Ask A Nole station to receive directions and assistance on your initial day of class. FSU has a mandatory attendance policy for the first day; ensure you attend all of your classes and arrive on time! (Also available on Aug. 26, same time.)
Get the Scoop About Health Care
11 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Health and Wellness Center
Join us for complimentary ice cream and learn about the services available to support your health and wellness at FSU. (Also available Aug. 26 and Aug. 27, same times.)
Garden Workday
1:15 – 4 p.m. | Seminole Organic Garden
Discover how to cultivate your own produce and learn about native plants in the Seminole Organic Garden. Connect with like-minded individuals who also care for the environment and volunteer with us.
Multi-Player Monday
5-9 p.m. | Askew Student Life Center Cyber Café
Roll the dice or draw a card—board games abound in the Cyber Café.
Tuesday, Aug. 26
Study Season Kickoff at Strozier
4 – 6 p.m. | Strozier Library
Join us at Strozier Library for free library resources, snacks, games, and more.
Academic Resource Center Open House
4 – 6 p.m. | Academic Resource Centers
Meet the Academic
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assistance group, investigate the learning environments and discover the educational support services accessible to them.
Wednesday, Aug. 27
Welcome Back BBQ
11 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Union Green/NPHC Park
Come join us for some delicious food at the Welcome Back BBQ (while supplies last) and prepare for enjoyment!
Fall Involvement Fair
5 – 8 p.m. | Tucker Civic Center
Discover over 300 student organizations! Engage with student leaders, find out about FSU registered student groups, and uncover ways to participate.
Movie: “The Dark Knight”
7 – 9:30 p.m. | Askew Student Life Center
Relish a feature film with friends. (Also screening Aug. 28 at 10 p.m.)
Thursday, Aug. 28
FSU Nite
6 – 9 p.m. | Tucker Civic Center
FSU Nite is the official rally to commence the academic year. Relish live entertainment, giveaways, student presentations, and all the positive energy you can absorb. Gear up for an evening of Garnet and Gold!
Movie: “Juno”
7 – 9:30 p.m. | Askew Student Life Center
Relish a feature film with friends. (Also screening on Aug. 29 at 7 p.m.)
Friday, Aug. 29
Welcome Back: Food Truck Friday and Cornhole Tournament
Noon – 4 p.m. | FSU Lakefront Park
Join us at FSU Lakefront Park for Food Truck Friday, enjoy complimentary food (while supplies last), and take part in a cornhole competition.
Michael Cera Event
9 p.m. | Askew Student Life Center
Both today’s showings at ASLC feature the beloved actor Michael Cera. At this themed gathering, feel free to dress as your favorite Michael Cera character for a costume contest, engage with McLovin coloring sheets, and test your knowledge with Michael Cera trivia between the screenings of Juno and Superbad.
Movie: “Superbad”
Midnight – 2:30 a.m. | Askew Student Life Center
Enjoy a feature film with friends.
Saturday, Aug. 30
Garnet and Gold Tailgate
12:30 – 3 p.m. | Union Green
Join us for our inaugural Garnet & Gold Tailgate of the season, featuring inflatables, games, complimentary food, and refreshments before the kickoff!
Garnet and Gold Goes Green
1 – 3:30 p.m. | Three Torches
Commence the 20th anniversary of G4 at the season’s first home football game against Alabama. Volunteers will gather at Three Torches to receive instructions and materials related to recycling at the tailgates.
About ‘Welcome FSU’
“Welcome FSU” endorses the Division of Student Affairs’ ongoing “Hello FSU!” initiative that collaborates with campus partners to showcase essential campus happenings, programs, activities, and services for undergraduate scholars:
- The Weekly Top 5 – A selective compilation of the week’s most significant events, programs, activities, and deadlines. (Debuts every Monday throughout the academic year on #HelloFSU social media and at hello.fsu.edu.)
- How to FSU – Connects students with practical resources and online guides to assist with navigating various campus processes.
- Success Tips – Highlights resources and offers life management suggestions to help students thrive both academically and personally.
- Spotlight Stories – Special feature narratives on programs, services, and individuals from across campus.
- ICYMI – In Case You Missed It provides an additional reminder for key happenings or significant actions.
- Always On – Showcases the myriad events constantly occurring on campus.
- Ready For – Offers insights on how to prepare for various FSU experiences, from getting ready for the initial week of classes to participating in an FSU Noles Athletics event.
To remain updated with the Division of Student Affairs, follow them on Instagram, Facebook, X and the FSU Calendar.
The article ‘Welcome FSU’ celebrates students and the beginning of the fall semester first appeared on Florida State University News.
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