HOMECOMING 2014

WELCOME TO UNI FRESHMAN 101! The blog for mainly Freshmen (or transfer students) about all things UNI, bleeding purple and gold, and enjoying your first year as a college student. From tips on tailgating, to the different organizations you can join, to surviving your first "finals week" will all be found right here at your convenience. As high school seniors you were the big dogs on campus, at the top of the totem pole... Now you have become "Fresh-meat" or "Freshies", right back to the bottom like where you started high school. Bottom of the totem pole can be intimidating, but don't be so indulged in your intimidation and become a recluse in your dorm room. Since I was a Freshman myself not too many years ago I know what you're going through and I'm here to advise and help you out with your first year at UNI. 

To kick-off my blog this week it's no surprise that I will be blogging about..... you guessed it.....  UNI HOMECOMING: Students by Day, Panthers by Night! This week is exploding with awesome activities for the whole university to get excited about. Today if you didn't get free food at the Campanile from 11-1 you sure missed out on some great, big"dogs", delicious chocolate chip cookies, and chips. There are two more activities tonight to be apart of: the Amazing Race Traditions Challenge is taking place at the Alumni House at 6 pm and a HYPNOTIST is going to be a the GBPAC at 6:30 & 9. If you didn't make it to the Hypnotist during your first week at UNI here's another chance to get hypnotized. 

Campanile:
As most of you may not know Campanilling is a UNI homecoming tradition that has been around a lot longer than most of us students today... so make sure you hit up the Campanile Friday at midnight! One of my best guy friends went to Campanile last year to try and get the girl he's had a crush on. He was standing right by her when the clock struck midnight... BUT unfortunately she turned and kissed the guy standing on the other side of her completely shooting my friend down but hey, at least he tried!! Don't be discouraged to go if you don't have a significant other to kiss, other people there will be alone too... One of my friends actually met the guy she's currently dating at Campanile. It's one of UNI's oldest Homecoming traditions so don't miss out on the making out! 

Tailgating:
If you're not sure where to go for tailgating, that's okay! Grab a friend and just walk around in either C lots and I'm positive you'll run into some nice, slightly intoxicated folks to cheer on the Panthers with! If the drunk munchies are already hitting you around noon, head to the Bender Field for some Free Food and an awesome student tailgate. 

Royalty court:
Are you missing high school? Remember prom king and queen? The royalty competition kicked off Monday night, but don't miss the reveal of the King and Queen at the pep rally Friday at 9:30 pm in the McLeod center. 

Football Game:
I mean let's be honest all you freshmen ladies out there, how many of us wouldn't want to see yummy guys in tight football pants??  If you're going to the game on Saturday there's a few things you can't afford to forget: Your keys to shake during the kick-off, your student ID, and most importantly your PANTHER PRIDE! Let the game begin and let's cheer em on for a win!

Game-Day Apparel: 

Those outrageously purple and gold overalls you see on game days can be found at the University Book and Supply if that's the look you're going for this weekend. The Bookstore also has some awesome apparel and accessories like dri-fits, flashy headbands and face tattoos/stickers! If you're going for a more subtle look and still wanting your purple and gold to shine through, hit up UniversiTees at College Square  Mall for a variety of different shirts all in one place. (They're cheap too, 2 for $22, who can complain about that?)

Now with all the being said, DON'T be dumb this weekend. Here are some HOMECOMING SAFETY TIPS to keep you out of the county jail. ;) 

1. Always stick with your wolf-pack. (aka stick with your friends and try not to get split up. It's going to be a busy weekend in Cedar Falls and you just never know what could happen.) 

2. Be Responsible! Don't drink and drive or get into a vehicle with a person who's been drinking. Call Dolly's Taxi: 319-242-2011

3. Don't be obscenely belligerent, especially in the presence of a cop (duh).  

4. Avoid antagonizing the bouncers, bartenders and cocktail waitresses... They ARE the ones who make your drinks and determine if you even get in.

5. Don't make any sudden movements or frantically put your drink down right when you see a cop (that looks uber suspicious) 

6. HAVE FUN! For a lot of you this is your first college homecoming. Make the best of it and support our Panthers this Saturday! 

GO CATS!