Returning to University life after a full month of holiday celebrations and vacation time can be a harsh transition.

Fortunately, there is a nice cushion of time to relax and reconnect, most commonly referred to as syllabus week. During syllabus week, there are a variety of social events students can attend to kick off the semester in a stress-free manner.

“I’m excited to get back to school and see all the friends I made first semester,” said Danielle Pullano, freshman in Media. “I’m also ready to have a daily routine of classes and structure.”

The University will host several opportunities for students to reconnect on campus. The Illini Union will host a Winter Week Welcome Kick Off on Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Winter Week of Welcome Committee, the sponsors for the event, will be providing free hot chocolate, cider and doughnuts.

On Wednesday, the Illini Union Quad Shop will host an open house to provide students with free popcorn all day and the chance to win mugs, Nike apparel and Illini hats.

Every weekday from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m., the Illini Union will host a poster sale in I-Room A at the Union. They will be selling a variety of posters for students to purchase throughout the week.

The Courtyard Café will be hosting numerous fun events and shows for students. The Three Amigos Comedy Show will be perform there on Jan. 23 at 7 p.m. The show is free for all students. On Jan. 24, students can enjoy free food and comedy at the Illini Union. As a part of Illinites, The Second City will perform two shows at the Union, beginning at 9 p.m.

The café will also host an entertaining magic show featuring Mat Franco on Tuesday. Admission is free, and the show begins at 8 p.m. On Friday at 6:30 p.m., the Courtyard Café will present a free presentation on the history of Greek traditions.

For those wanting to explore the University’s arts scene, there are plenty of events to entertain students during syllabus week. The Moscow Festival Ballet will put on “Swan Lake” at the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts on Tuesday at 7 p.m. Directed by the Bolshoi Ballet, this classic story of Odette and Siegfried will come alive at the Tryon Theatre. The ballet will also put on performances of “Giselle” and “Cinderella” on Wednesday and Thursday night, respectively. Student tickets are $15.

With plenty of free events being held throughout campus, students can smoothly transition back to campus life after winter break. Students can take advantage of these events with friends and enjoy a relaxing week before the spring semester kicks into full gear.

Christina is a freshman in Media. She can be reached at [email protected].