Binghamton University’s Welcome Week is a series of in-person events to welcome new students to campus, and celebrate the kickoff of the new school year. Welcome Week concludes with University Fest (UFest for short) This all-day event celebrates the beginning of the Fall Semester with loads of freebies, giveaways, activities, and inflatable rides.
The festival took place on the Peace Quad and along the Spine, and there were some fun carnival rides and food trucks selling delicious carnival goodies. Binghamton’s newest restaurant, The Grove, distributed menus to encourage students to participate in their upcoming Restaurant Week. The smell of popcorn and funnel cake filled the air, and lots of lips were stained blue from snow cones.
Something I enjoyed about this festival was seeing all of the different Binghamton organizations tabling on the Spine. It’s an excellent way for any new student to learn about what Binghamton offers, from clubs, internships, and much more. The Fleishman Career Center had a table for Many fraternities and sororities offered free stickers and cookies, and sign-up sheets were posted to recruit new members. My favorite table was the Cheese Club, where they had free Cheez-Its and a paper charcuterie board showcasing different types of cheese! It was really cool to see the Binghamton school spirit all throughout the festival.
Aside from the tables and other activities, there was a precious dog parade that took place on the Spine. Binghamton students had the opportunity to showcase their adorable pups, and as an animal lover, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Aside from the parade, there were also pups scattered all over the festival. It’s safe to say that this festival was very dog-friendly.
Overall, UFest was a huge success. UFest has always been my favorite event of Welcome Week, and I’m super excited to start the new semester off right. Maybe next year you’ll see Her Campus tabling!