Hey Hawkeyes!!

This past week, I was so fortunate to be able to move to the University of Iowa Campus. Since the day I moved, I have been exposed to tons of new and fun activities, people, and places around campus and in downtown Iowa City. Here are a few of the many exciting and new things that went on this week!

Move In Day!

The process of moving into a new living space can be very stressful and even overwhelming. Fortunately, these feelings are overcome by joy and excitement when you step on the University of Iowa campus. As soon as my family and I pulled up to Catlett, there were so many volunteers who directed us where to go, loaded my stuff into carts, and helped us get up to the room. It was so fantastic to have a staff of experienced students and employees who not only assisted you with getting things up into your room, but also bring a welcoming sense to your first day.

I went for a random roommate when picking my room, so I met her for the first time (in person) on move in day. For anyone who is on the edge about going random, I recommend that you DO IT! By going random, you open yourself up to a new friend immediately, and although it comes with a risk, it usually turns out to be rewarding.

Decorating our room was my favorite part about moving in. It allows you to customize your room and make it feel like your own space. The best part is you can continue to change and decorate it over time. It’s a team effort, an act that really brought me and my roommate together. Not only did we move furniture and decorate our own room to the max, but we helped lots of other people decorate their rooms as well.

Overall, moving in was a great first step into building foundations, meeting new people, and starting off a great week!

On Iowa!

On Iowa! is a required on campus orientation for first year and transfer students. It was held throughout campus from August 20th to the 25th, involving students in almost every way possible. Before the true orientation even started, many different organizations had set up different activities and outings. It ranged from an Iowa City Coffee Crawl to “Rec After Dark,” which consisted of many fun games and activities at the Campus Recreation and Wellness Center. It was a great way to make friends and get an idea of where buildings were around campus.

My favorite part about On Iowa! was definitely Kickoff at Kinnick. After a day of absorbing information through our small groups, we walked to Kinnick Stadium. Being in Kinnick itself is an experience, but this was no normal event. The On Iowa! staff and volunteers put together an impressive extravaganza. There was music, fire launchers, and around 3,000 new students all on Kinnick Field. We got to see the marching band, cheerleaders, and dance team perform before we formed a very impressive block “I” with the new class.

The best part of the whole new experience was doing the famous Iowa “Wave” to the top floor of the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital. This is a phenomenon that happens during every single home game, where the football stadium and players all turn to the hospital and wave to the children who are staying there. It was truly a blessing to be a part of this heart touching tradition.

My first weekend in Iowa City was one to remember. I am already surrounded with fantastic people, friends, and an AMAZING university.

Until next time,

GO HAWKS!