Events You Shouldn’t Miss During Drexel’s Welcome Week 

The birthday party for A.J. Drexel in 2023. File photo 

Happy Welcome Week, new Dragons! Now that you’re getting settled into life at Drexel University, it’s time to start filling up your calendar. There are tons of events going on, and you should look at the schedule to make sure you attend ones that are important to you, but here are a few that you should attend.

Specific events

• Monday, Sept. 16
  • Mandatory Floor Meeting, 4–6 p.m. >> Check when the meeting is for your residence hall so you can meet your neighbors and learn about on-campus life, as well as policies and expectations for your building.
  • First Bash, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., Lancaster Walk >> Located on Lancaster Walk, there’s a silent disco, photo booths, an obstacle course, caricature artist, free food and more.
  • Kickoff at the Franklin Institute, 7–9 p.m. >> Dragons will take over the Franklin Institute in one of Welcome Week’s signature events, complete with a dance party and access to exhibits.
• Tuesday, Sept. 17
  • Community Cookout and Tour of Dornsife Center for Neighborhood Partnerships 4:30–7:30 p.m. >> Learn about programs, volunteer opportunities and resources as you connect with your new neighbors over dinner. Pre-dinner tours will begin at 4:30, 5 and 5:30 p.m. Dinner will begin at 6 p.m.
• Wednesday, Sept. 18
  • Neighborhood Walking Tour and Discussion, 9 a.m. to noon >> Have a light breakfast at the Lindy Center for Civic Engagement before setting out on a tour of neighborhoods surrounding Drexel. You’ll get to hear from local leaders and learn about the history of the community.
• Thursday, Sept. 19
  • A.J. Drexel Birthday Party, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. >> It’s Drexel’s founder’s 198^th birthday! Celebrate in Main Building with treats and learn about A.J. Drexel’s tradition of philanthropy.
  • Bounce–a–Palooza, 4–6 p.m. >> Drexel University Recreation and Drexel Athletics will host various bounce houses and fun activities. Stop by the Vidas Athletic Complex for a chance to win prizes.
  • Athletics Kickoff Tailgate Presented by GIANT Heirloom Market, 5–8 p.m. >> Attend the Drexel Women’s Soccer game against Towson University at Vidas Field and get free swag and food.
  • Thursday Night on the Row, 8–11 p.m. >> Fraternity and sorority houses will have tables outside of Greek Row houses and on Race Street Lawn to highlight what the community means and how to get involved.
• Friday, Sept. 20
  • Cookies with Cops, 1–2 p.m. >> Get to know Drexel’s public safety officers and learn about resources while sharing a sweet treat at Korman Quad.
• Saturday, Sept. 21
  • Splash Bash with CAB, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. >> Race down water slides and do water battle with balloons and blasters on Lancaster Walk. Don’t forget to wear a swimsuit or clothes that can get wet!

The Westphal block party in 2023. File photo.

Event genres

• Ready. Set. College! >> There are several sessions from Sept. 16–20 that cover everything from making the change from high school to college, learning about course expectations and how to succeed in college, to what older students wish they knew when they started, to how to use Drexel services.
• College or department information sessions >> Mostly scheduled for Sept. 17, these are important times to connect with your professors and peers and feel like part of your community before classes start. Check for your specific college or school and mark their events down, whether it’s a block party or meet-and-greet.
• Sports or special interest events >> There’s a community for every type of Dragon on Drexel’s campus, so check out the list of events and find the perfect place to kickstart your community.