Just once a year, the Quad becomes a bustling mecca for Registered Student Organizations to advertise their clubs and recruit new members. In turn, freshmen have the opportunity to learn about different organizations and gain a brief overview of what the University has to offer.

But with over 600 RSOs of varying interests, shouting recruiters and crowded walkways, it can be easy for freshmen to feel overwhelmed. Follow these 10 survival tips to make the most of your Quad Day this Sunday:

1. Come equipped with a bottle of water — maybe even two. Today, the sun and heat will be your enemies.  

2. Protect your eyes from the blinding sun with a pair of sunglasses. It’ll also help you seem more relaxed and approachable — a definite advantage for this event.

3. Wear light clothes that will help you keep cool. You’ll want to do everything you can to lower your body temperature.  

4. Bring a bag, especially if you’re into freebies. There will be plenty of free goodies to pick up, and the scavenge might even lead you to a club that aligns with your interests.

5. Be mindful of your surroundings. When you have hundreds of people roaming the Quad, it’s going to feel like a zoo. Be prepared to brush shoulders with strangers and get pushed around a little.

6. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. You want to make sure you know what you’re signing up for! The last thing you want do is join a dancing club thinking it was a chess club. But who knows, maybe you’ll discover you enjoy dancing more than you thought.

7. Go with a buddy. Everything is always more fun and exciting when you have someone else with you. But this doesn’t mean you have to visit the same booths and join the same clubs together. It’s okay to split up occasionally because you have different interests. 

8. Have an open mind. You may never know what can truly interest you unless you take the time to hear or read about it. Or better yet, having the courage to try it out.

9. Sign up for clubs without caution. — Joining the email list doesn’t bind you to them for eternity. If you find that a club isn’t for you, you can always ask to unsubscribe from the mailing list. So sign away! 

10. Most importantly, have fun! Quad Day is a fantastic opportunity for you to discover the ways to get involved at the University. What’s a better way to grow and cultivate your interests than to join an organization? Welcome to college!