Calling all new Owls! Now that you’re all set to join the nest and start your classes, it’s time to get ready for all the fun campus activities the next few weeks have in store!
On campus, this time of year is called the Weeks of Welcome. It lasts from Tuesday, Aug. 20, through Sunday, Sept. 1, and consists of a variety of activities from street fairs to IKEA runs. These events are meant to help you and your new peers get acclimated to all that our campus has to offer. Here’s a rundown of some of the coolest things you won’t want to miss!
Stock up!
Forgot a mirror? Power strip? Giant stuffed shark? Fear not, because we’re making an IKEA run! Grab all your dorm essentials in one place—with transportation provided.
IKEA trip | Tuesday, Aug. 20 | Meet at the Underground, Howard Gittis Student Center
You are getting very sleepy ...
Follow the swinging watch to a hypnotist show! Meet new friends during this hypnotically entertaining evening, complete with two showings.
Hypnotist | Wednesday, Aug. 21 | Room 200, Howard Gittis Student Center
You get to choose!
Escape room or casino games? It’s up to you during this night of nonstop fun at the Student Center! Bring your new friends or fly solo to meet your new flock.
Choose your own adventure| Thursday, Aug. 22 | Howard Gittis Student Center
Introducing … Convocation!
Weeks of Welcome reach their peak during Convocation, a ceremony celebrating YOU! It’s the kickoff to your academic career as a Temple student, and it’s also the ONLY time your entire cohort will be together until Commencement. New students will proceed to the event with their classmates following their school/college meeting. It’s a great way to meet your classmates, hear from Temple leadership and celebrate being an Owl! Plus, it ends with a pep rally-esque blowout to hype up everything cherry and white.
Convocation | Friday, Aug. 23 | Liacouras Center
Get involved!
TempleFest is THE student organization fair on campus, with literally hundreds of clubs, societies, Greek life organizations and student resources showing up to recruit new members or share information. Looking for new homies who share your passion for recycled fashion, or your obsession with improv? You might just find them here! Not sure where you want to begin? Start collecting flyers, and you’ll find your new niche in no time!
TempleFest | Friday, Aug. 23 | 13th Street Ritter Quad and Liacouras Walk
You can’t stop The Beat
If you’re interested in student-run media specifically, you won’t want to miss The Beat. This event is a curated student org fair for groups like WHIP Radio, Templar Yearbook, TUTV, The Temple News and more. There will also be a panel of alumni answering questions about what life is like in the media industry!
The Beat | Friday, Aug. 23 | Annenberg Hall Atrium
Play, snack, chill
It’s not the only celebration for our new students, but it might be the biggest! Join your new peers for this legendary campus carnival, complete with games, prizes, snacks and lots of fun.
TUpalooza | Saturday, Aug. 24 | 13th Street and Montgomery Avenue
Slaying and serving (brunch)
Start your day the fabulous way with some of Philadelphia’s top drag acts. Enjoy this quintessential part of Philly culture over brunch with your new besties.
Fab Drag Brunch | Saturday, Aug. 24 | Room 200, Howard Gittis Student Center
This is the IDEAL BBQ
Meet representatives from IDEAL, Temple's Office of Institutional Diversity, Equity, Advocacy and Leadership, at their annual cookout. Learn about diversity and inclusion groups and activities here at Temple, grab some food, and snag some signature swag items while you’re at it!
Tha’ Cookout | Sunday, Aug. 25 | Lobby, Tuttleman Learning Center
Welcome to the neighborhood
New to the city, or just love to explore? Make sure you go to Discover Philly, an event designed to help familiarize you with the City of Brotherly Love. You’ll learn everything from how to get around to where to find the best food in town. The first 200 students to arrive receive free SEPTA passes!
Discover Philly | Tuesday, Aug. 27 | Room 200, Howard Gittis Student Center
Take over!
The Owls are flying into Citizens Bank Park for a FREE takeover! Sign up to join on Aug. 30 (RSVP is required!) and root for the Phillies with your new Temple flock. Transportation is provided as well.