At the start of each new semester, College of DuPage’s student life office hosts a range of events to welcome students to school. Dubbed as an official kick-off celebration, new and returning students can enjoy games, giveaways, entertainment and, most importantly, free food. There’s a lot going on, so The Courier is here to help with our guide for the next two weeks. Note: Events in italics indicate that activity has already occurred. 

BURGERS AND A BAND

• What: Get a free burger and enjoy live music from blues/rock band Harlan Flo of Naperville.
• When: Tuesday, Aug. 26 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
• Where: Student Lounge, SSC 1200
• Why: It’s a great way to spend your lunch break.
• Reconsider: If you want to eat in silence.

WTF PARTY

• What: Welcome to Fun, or WTF as the event’s coordinators would like to call it. There will be a bungee bull and free pizza. And word around the block is that 103.5 KISS FM will be there for a live broadcast.
• When: Wednesday, Aug. 27 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
• Where: Lakeside Pavilion (between the MAC and PE Center)
• Why: “Hey, KISS FM’s here!”
• Reconsider: If you can’t get over the fact that it’s called a WTF party.

LIVE BAND KARAOKE

• What: Sing your favorite songs with a live band backing you up. There will also be free hot dogs.
• When: Thursday, Aug. 28 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
• Where: Lakeside Pavilion (between the MAC and PE Center)
• Why: When will you get another chance to sing with a live band?!
• Reconsider: If you don’t want to hear a million horrible renditions of Kelly Clarkson’s “Since U Been Gone.”

SMOOTHIES AT STUDENT LIFE

• What: Grab a free smoothie courtesy of the student life office.
• When: Friday, Aug. 29 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
• Where: Student Lounge, SSC 1200
• Why: Free smoothies.
• Reconsider: If you need protein powder, kale, chia seeds and other gimmickry in your smoothie.

SCAVENGER HUNT

• What: Start at the office of student life and complete a campus scavenger hunt for the chance to win prizes.
• When: Tuesday, Sept. 2 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
• Where: Student Life office, SSC 1217
• Why: You’ll learn about the different parts of campus and get freebies.
• Reconsider: If you’re too lazy or don’t have time to walk around and interact with people.

STUDENT LIFE FAIR

• What: Learn about the 50-plus student organizations and clubs on campus.
• When: Wednesday, Sept. 3 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
• Where: SSC Atrium
• Why: It’s a good way to vet how you want to get involved on campus.
• Reconsider: If getting involved at COD isn’t something you’re into.

MENTALIST SEAN BOTT

• What: Watch “mind-blowing mentalist” Sean Bott attempt to blow people’s minds.
• When: Thursday, Sept. 4 from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
• Where: Student Lounge, SSC 1200
• Why: Get your mind blown (whatever that means)!
• Reconsider: If you don’t want other people to know your deepest, darkest secrets.