Welcome Week is an exciting time for new and returning students to transition to campus life and form lasting relationships at SEU. As a junior here at Southeastern, I’ve had the privilege of attending Welcome Week for several years now, and it’s always a memorable experience.
So today I want to share that excitement with you by highlighting the events I look forward to the most each year — so that we can get fired up for them together!
The Bash
First up on this list is The Bash, a themed event designed exclusively for first-year students. The Bash is the perfect way to celebrate the completion of your first week of college classes, and I can’t recommend attending it enough. I can tell you from experience that it can be a bit overwhelming to put yourself out there in a new environment, but it’s a lot less scary — and even fun — to meet other freshmen who are in the same boat. Not to mention, The Bash always has the best themes (did someone say Neon Jungle?), so be sure to come ready to dress up and dance the night away!
Hall Wars
Have you ever wanted to cover yourself head to toe in acrylic paint and glitter? Then Hall Wars (formerly Battle of the Dorms) is bound to be your event of choice! Hall Wars is one of Southeastern’s longest-standing Welcome Week traditions, and for good reason. During Hall Wars, residents deck themselves out in their hall colors to compete against other residence halls in various sports and activities. The winning hall claims the Hall Wars champion title and trophy for the upcoming year, and the coveted Spirit Stick is awarded to the hall with the most spirit!
The Underground
Though many events are geared specifically towards first-year students, The Underground is a campus-wide, themed event and a fan favorite when it comes to Welcome Week activities. Campus Wide Events, our student-led events team, plans the most unforgettable events, with themes ranging from “Cruise Ship” to “Slumber Party.” This year, we even had a giant indoor bounce house! Unlike The Bash, both new and returning students are welcome to attend The Underground, making it the perfect opportunity to mingle with students of all ages and majors.
Football Game & Tailgating
There’s no better way to kick off the school year than attending a Fire Football game! Tailgating is always a highlight of game day, so be sure to arrive early in SEU colors (red and black) and enjoy the free food, festivities, and even an appearance from our school mascot, Scorch. Plus, be sure to keep up with Fire Football throughout the semester, including the much-anticipated Homecoming game!
First Chapel
While each event is memorable in its own way, First Chapel is unique in that it’s a moment to reflect on and prepare for the upcoming school year as a campus community. While there are several chapel opportunities we get to participate in each week, First Chapel stands out to me among the rest. It’s a unique worship experience where our entire university pauses to pray, dream, and prepare for how God is about to move. Essentially, it’s a time for us to reorient ourselves toward Jesus as a university!
There are just a few of my personal favorites, so now it’s your turn. We can’t wait for you to begin your journey at SEU and discover your own Welcome Week favorites!
Article by Madi Schaaf, SEU Student
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