What's Happening During Welcome Week 2016
This year’s student orientation, Welcome Week, will help the incoming class of freshmen become acclimated to Drexel’s campus and kick off the start of the 2016-17 academic year. The festivities will begin with Move-In Day on Sept. 10 and will be followed by a week’s worth of events designed to introduce freshmen to the campus, their college and their classmates.
DrexelNow rounded up all of the can’t-miss activities and events on the Welcome Week schedule to highlight the best of what new students can do, such as:
Move-in on Campus
During Move-In Day on Sept. 10, students will be assigned a special time and location to move in. Though it’s understandably heartbreaking for a family or guardian to drop off their student, there is a bright spot: Drexel will be using a special student move-in company to assist, so these professional movers will unload the car and transport the belongings to the correct room.
After students get settled, they might realize that they forgot some essentials or need to add a few things. Welcome Week can help: the Drexel Bookstore has a whole section devoted to dorm life essentials and a shuttle service will be available to transport students to the IKEA and Target in South Philadelphia.
Grab a Bite to Eat
Incoming freshmen will learn an important college lesson early on in their experience: Always say “yes” to free food. Luckily, Drexel will offer plenty of free snacks and meals during Welcome Week.
After moving in, students can enjoy dinner outdoors with new friends and classmates at the Welcome Barbecue held at Drexel’s Recreation Center and Lancaster Walk from 5 to 8 p.m. DJs from Drexel’s independent student radio station, WKDU, will be on hand spinning tunes.
The next day, Sun., Sept. 11, offers a Sunday Brunch for the class of 2016, again at Drexel’s Recreation Center and Lancaster Walk. Students (especially late-risers) can eat brunch outdoors from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and fuel up before the big Class of 2016 Kick-Off Event later that day.
Dinner that day will offer students from around the world, country and city a sampling of local cuisine. The Taste of Philly Dinner will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. at Drexel’s Recreation Center and Lancaster Walk.
Explore the City
On Sun., Sept. 11, the Class of 2016 Kick-Off Event will be held at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. Students can get their first taste of public transportation by traveling together on SEPTA. At the Convention Center, students can enjoy music, performances, celebrations of Drexel and so much more. After attending the event from 2 to 4 p.m., students are encouraged to explore their new city.
Learn About the World
Drexel’s first-ever Global Expo/Language Fair will be held on Tues., Sept. 13 from 2 to 9:30 p.m. Students can attend Global Day in the Behrakis Grand Hall in the Creese Student Center to learn about international opportunities at Drexel. Representatives from the Study Abroad Office and the Steinbright Career Development Center’s International Co-op office will talk about the various ways students can travel abroad. Members of the Global Studies and Modern Language Department will also be on hand to discuss classes and other opportunities students can take to learn about other languages and cultures. At Global Day, students will also have the opportunity to chow down on snacks, practice their language skills and meet people from all places.
Get to Know Their College or School
During College/School Day on Wed., Sept. 14, students will have the chance to meet with the students, faculty and professional staff in their college or school. Students will learn about classes, programs and other resources available to ensure success.
Have Fun on Campus
On Mon., Sept. 12, from 5 to 8 p.m., students can attend a performance by world-renowned hypnotist Brian Imbus in the Mandell Theater in the Creese Student Center.
Students can shop as VIPS during VIP Night at the Drexel Bookstore. From 7 to 10 p.m. on Thurs., Sept. 15, students can experience a late-night personalized experience filled with specials, snacks and a raffle.
Night on the Row, a Drexel tradition, will also be held on Sept. 15 from 8 to 11 p.m. Students can learn about Drexel’s Greek life at this event, including its 35 organizations and 14 residential properties. Night on the Row will be held on 34th Street near Powelton Avenue as well as the nearby Race Lawn.
On Fri., Sept. 16, Drexel will hold a Dive-In Movie night (yes, you read that right) at the indoor pool at the Daskalakis Athletic Center. Students can enjoy a movie from the comfort of Drexel’s swimming pool from 7 to 10 p.m. An ice skating session will then be held at the year-round skating rink at the nearby University of Pennsylvania Class of 1923 Area at 3130 Walnut St. from 11:59 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Receive a Presidential Welcome
Drexel’s Convocation, the traditional beginning to the academic year, will be held on Fri., Sept. 16, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. in the Drexel Recreation Center. Students can attend or watch in a viewing party. This event will function as the kickoff of Drexel’s 125th anniversary, which students will now be a part of as a member of Drexel’s 125th class.