Greetings Readers- Today, I would like to tell you about On Iowa! week!

On Iowa! week was the first week after moving in when freshmen had the opportunity to attend fun events and activities. It was a great opportunity to meet new people and get used to the campus.  There were 600 possible events that students had the chance to attend, and I am going to tell you about my favorites.

• Bracelet Making: The first activity I attended was friendship bracelet making, located in the Iowa Memorial Union building. I thought it was super cute to make different styles of bracelets. I made one that was Hawkeye themed (black and gold) and a hot pink one. The best part of the bracelet-making was that they played all Taylor Swift songs!
• Meeting Finn: The next activity I attended was meeting the University’s counseling center therapy dog. Finn is a whoodle (mix of a Wheaten Terrier and a Poodle). He is the sweetest dog ever! His handler, Anna, who was super nice, explained that we can schedule appointments with Finn to spend time with him. While she explained Finn’s role, he came and snuggled up on my shoe. I have been missing my dog from home, so it was very nice to be able to spend time with a furry friend. (Also, look how cute he is in this photo.)  You can use this resource if you want to visit Finn too!
• Silent Disco: After that, I went to the silent disco. It was super fun to have 3 different choices of songs to choose from, as there were 3 different DJs all at once. They played mainly pop songs with a mix of country that were perfect for dancing with your friends! However, to get in, the line was very long. My friend and I got there 45 minutes early, so we made sure we got in! So, if you’re going next year, make sure to show up early!
• Kickoff at Kinnick: The most fun event was Kickoff at Kinnick on Friday night! It was an amazing opportunity to go on the football field with all of my friends. We got to hear the phenomenal University of Iowa marching band. Then we got to hear from our class student speaker and, of course, President Wilson. Next, came many wonderful Hawkeye traditions that students will do for years to come.
  • The Wave: This is my absolute favorite tradition, as I think it is so heartwarming and meaningful. At the end of the 1st quarter, all the players, coaches, students, fans, and visitors alike turn to wave at the children through the windows of the University of Iowa Children’s Hospital, and they wave back. This tradition always tears me up because of how sweet and meaningful it is.
  • I-O-W-A chant: The next tradition we did was the I-O-W-A chant. During Football games, the Football stadium is divided into 4 sections that match with 4 students on the field with flags that have the letters to spell out Iowa. Whichever section you are in is what letter you say whenever they wave the flag. That way we can spell IOWA!
  • Memorizing the Iowa Fight Song: The final tradition we learned was the Iowa Fight Song. The band played it while we followed the words on the screen. I still need to work on my memorization, and in case you do to these are the words to sing the Iowa Fight Song.

Finally, we finished the Kickoff at Kinnick with some amazing fireworks. What more can you ask for than a night on the football field with all your friends!

I had such a great time during On Iowa! week. All the events were fun, and if I didn’t mention something that you would be interested in, trust me, there is something for everyone to get involved with. The best part of welcome week was getting to meet so many new people and being able to make connections with new friends! Welcome week was just the beginning for everyone at Iowa. Great things are going to come for the whole year! Go Hawks!

Until next time,
Savannah