For new students on campus, it can be challenging to choose which activities to do during the first week of school. The Illini Union provides free Welcome Week events at the Illini Union and the surrounding area, such as a movie screening on the Quad, a t-shirt tie-dying social, and stand-up comedy performances. To find out more about these social events, keep on reading.

Wednesday, Aug. 21:

Starting at 6 p.m., there will be a special event for new international students on campus. Students can check out the Illini Union’s Rec Room for billiards, bowling, video games and more.

Thursday, Aug. 22:

Musician Tim Halperin will put on a concert on the Quad starting at 9 p.m. Afterward, head over to the Courtyard Café at 9:30 p.m. to see a comedy show featuring comedian James Davis.

Friday, Aug. 23:

The Illini Union LateNighter series kicks off at 8 p.m., which takes place in the entire Illini Union building. The event, which goes until 2 a.m., includes music, free food, giveaways, performers, games and more.

Saturday, Aug. 24:

Starting at 8 a.m., freshmen and transfer students are invited to participate in Service First, a volunteer program that’s meant to introduce students to the surrounding community. Afterward at 7 p.m., the Illini Union will offer a Salsa and Cumbia dancing workshop.

Sunday, Aug. 25:

Students can start the day at the Illini Union Board Poster Sale, which starts at 9 a.m. and runs until Aug. 30. Quad Day begins at noon, and all students are invited to check out over 500 of the RSOs on campus. Students can finish off the festivities by relaxing and watching “Fast & Furious 6” on the Quad at 9 p.m.

Monday, Aug. 26:

Students can enjoy Illini Union Discount Day, where several shops will be offering special discounts, including the Illini Union Tech Zone and the Quad Shop. At 7 p.m., Anthony Cohen will perform stand-up comedy in the Courtyard Cafe.

Tuesday, Aug. 27:

At the Illini Union Welcome Back Bash, the Illini Union Board will preview their upcoming events for the school year from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cultural and international RSO’s will display their talents at a free performance at 7 p.m. in the Courtyard Cafe.

Wednesday, Aug. 28:

The Fountain Fling begins at 2 p.m., which includes free food and activities at the Diana Fountain. Students can then participate in the DDR Novice Tournament & Bags Tournament at the Rec Room, which starts at 6 p.m.and requires a $5 entrance fee. Gaming night and a gaming tournament begins at 7 p.m. Wrapping up the day will be a Battle of DJs in the Courtyard Cafe. This competition will be held in a tournament style.

Thursday, Aug. 29:

Students can tie-dye a free Welcome Week T-shirt at the Anniversary Plaza from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. They can finish the night with cosmic bowling, which will be offered at discounted rates starting at 8 p.m. Students can also attend Stomp the CourtYARD, where fraternities and sororities will perform stepping and strolling at the Courtyard Cafe in front of a panel of judges.

Friday, Aug. 30:

Students can wrap up their busy first week with August Illinites, which includes free food and activities starting at 9 p.m. They also can enjoy Trivia Night, which will be held in the basement of the Illini Union at 9 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 31:

At noon, students can compete to win a new pool cue in the First Year Student 8-Ball Tournament in the Illini Union’s Rec Room. They can then finish off the month of August with “Ritmo with Samba Soul: Brazilian Night.” You can dance the night away to some swingin’ Samba at 8 p.m. at the Courtyard Cafe.

Click here to learn more information about Welcome Week events.

Jolie can be reached at [email protected].