Education
Fall semester kicks off with ‘Welcome FSU’ events
New and returning Florida State University students can expect a warm welcome and nearly two weeks of events and experiences to kick off the fall semester. “Welcome FSU” begins Monday, Aug. 17, and runs through Saturday, Aug. 29.
Through “Welcome FSU,” students can explore the numerous clubs and organizations, fraternities and sororities and intramural sports and other opportunities offered at Florida State. The university’s official welcome at the start of each semester, “Welcome FSU” features social, well-being, cultural and academic activities designed to help students connect with the FSU community.
“We want students to feel at home as soon as they arrive on campus and immediately know they belong,” said Amy Hecht, vice president for Student Affairs. “The events and programs during ‘Welcome FSU’ are designed to showcase the many ways students can get involved, build connections, form friendships and introduce students to all that FSU offers.”
For the complete list of “Welcome FSU” information and the full fall schedule, visit welcome.fsu.edu.
Monday, Aug. 17
Seminole Dining Foodstock
Open Hours | Seminole Dining Locations
(This event runs until Aug. 27)
Grab your Festival Pass to Seminole Dining’s Foodstock at the FSUCard Office, Suwannee Room or Seminole Café and discover dining options across campus. Collect stamps from each stop. Every participating festivalgoer earns a prize; the first 100 to complete their Festival Pass will earn $10 Dining Dollars, and three lucky fans who complete it by Aug. 28 will win one of three grand prizes.
Fitness & Movement Clinic Opens
11 a.m. | FMC
Stop by the Health and Wellness Center to start your workout routine as the Fitness & Movement Clinic reopens for the semester.
Play, Create, Connect
7-9 p.m. | ASLC
Get crafty or competitive. Create your own artistic masterpiece with the Art Center, grab a board game in the Cyber Café or challenge a friend to compete in the Garnet Gaming Lounge.
Tuesday, Aug. 18
Bowling & Bingo
7-9 p.m. | Student Union, Lower Level
Stop by for an evening of bowling, bingo, billiards, board games and snacks.
Wednesday, Aug. 19
Cosmic Kick-Off Gaming Event
4-7 p.m. | ASLC Cyber Café
Blast your way into the semester with Star Wars Battlefront, LEGO Star Wars, HALO, and free access to the Garnet Gaming Lounge. Make slime, origami stars and more in the Cyber Cafe.
Munch and Mingle
4-7 p.m. | Student Union Green
Get the scoop on meal plans and campus dining and enjoy snow cones, popcorn, yard games and more. Discover valuable student resources and learn about programs and services that can help you make the most of your FSU experience. It’s the perfect chance to reunite with friends, meet new ones and start the semester right.
Karaoke with Inter-residence Hall Council (IRHC)
6-9 p.m. | Club Downunder
Sing your heart out with friends, old and new, at Welcome FSU karaoke night.
Thursday, Aug. 20
RecFest
7-10 p.m. | Leach Recreation Center
Explore Campus Rec’s fitness, sports and outdoor adventure offerings at RecFest, featuring contests, express activities, sampler classes, snow cones and smoothies.
FSU vs. Florida Atlantic Women’s Soccer
7-9 p.m. | Seminole Soccer Complex
Bring your FSUCard and cheer on the reigning national champion FSU women’s soccer team as it hosts Florida Atlantic in its home opener. Space is limited, so get there early.
ASLC Movie: Project Hail Mary
7-9:30 p.m. | ASLC
ASLC movies are free for students with your FSUCard.
Stand Up Downunder
8–10 p.m. | Club Downunder
Kick off your semester with a comedic standup show from Keegan Tindall. Doors open at 7 p.m. and show starts at 8 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 21
Find Your Classroom Tours
9-11:30 a.m. | HCB Atrium
(Available through Aug. 23)
Take a brief guided walking tour of campus to help you find your way to class. Tours start at 9 a.m. and leave every 30 minutes, with the final tour departing at 11:30 a.m.).
Welcome Week Carnival
5-8 p.m. | Union Green
Join fellow students for an evening of carnival activities on Union Green.
FSU Women’s Volleyball: Garnet vs. Gold Match
6-8 p.m. | Tully Gymnasium
Catch the action and meet the FSU women’s volleyball team after watching an open scrimmage. Admission is free to all FSU volleyball home matches.
Saturday, Aug. 22
Lounge at the Lake
11 a.m. – 6 p.m. | FSU Lakefront Park
Enjoy the sun and swim, kayak, paddleboard, play sand volleyball or stay in the shade. Entry to the FSU Lakefront Park is always free for students with their FSUCard.
Last Call Before Fall Concert
8-10:30 p.m. | Union Green
Wrap up summer with our annual fall concert on the Union Green. Enjoy the show, along with activities and food trucks.
Sunday, Aug. 23
Leach Unlocked: Learn the Gym
10 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. | Leach Recreation Center
Learn about the Leach through facility tours and equipment demos every hour starting at 10 a.m. Staff will show you around and help you find the best ways for you to get the workout you want at the Leach Center.
Out-of-State Student Mixer
3-5 p.m. | Club Downunder
Mingle with students from outside Florida and meet our Noles Everywhere student ambassadors during this casual, drop-in event with light snacks.
Opening Floor Meetings
Times Vary | Your Residence Hall Floor
Meet your RA and other members of your community at your Welcome Home floor meetings.
FSU Nite Pep Rally
8-9 p.m. | Langford Green (Unconquered Statue)
Celebrate the start of a new academic year. This high-energy FSU tradition features performances and appearances by the Marching Chiefs, FSU Golden Girls & Company Dance Team, FSU Cheer and other spirit groups, with guest host DJ Demp. Enjoy interactive games, trivia, photo opportunities, free merchandise and giveaways. Admission is free, and complimentary student parking is available.
Monday, Aug. 24
Ask A Nole
9 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Various Campus Locations
(Also available Aug. 25)
Ask A Nole stations across campus will offer directions and answer questions during the first day of classes.
First Day Photos
9 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Landis Green
(Also available Aug. 25)
Mark the first day of classes with a photo on Landis Green and share it with your family and friends. #WelcomeFSU #FSUFirstDayPhoto
Get the Scoop about Health Care on Campus
11 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Health and Wellness Center
(Available through Aug. 26)
Enjoy free ice cream and the scoop on services to support your health and well-being at FSU.
Branch Out: Leadership Speed Friending
3-5 p.m. | ASLC Courtyard
Mash the fun of speed friending with interactive leadership development with this high energy, walk-up social event that bypasses awkward small talk to help you dive right into making connections. Meet new people through quick, fun challenges and activities and discover your unique leadership potential.
Multi-Player Monday
5-9 p.m. | ASLC Cyber Café
Enjoy board games galore in the Cyber Café.
Tuesday, Aug. 25
Your Health HQ: Open House at UHS
2-5 p.m. | Health and Wellness Center
Take a behind-the-scenes tour, meet University Health Services professionals, learn about available services and resources, ask questions, enjoy free food and enter to win prizes.
Study Season Kickoff
4-6 p.m. | Strozier Library
Join us at Strozier Library for free food, resources, prizes and more (while supplies last).
Game On with Intramural Sports
7-10 p.m. | Tully Gymnasium
Jump into pickup games, grab a snack, win prizes and learn about Intramural Sports. Preview our fall schedule of leagues and events and find the perfect sport for a fun, active and social experience.
Wednesday, Aug. 26
Part-Time Job Fair
1:30-4:30 p.m. | Union Ballrooms
Connect with employers for on and off-campus jobs so you can balance work while taking classes.
Engage TLH: Connecting and Serving in Tallahassee
2-3:30 p.m. | Dunlap Success Center
Connect your interests and skills with student organizations, campus service opportunities and ways to serve the Tallahassee community. This interactive program will also highlight local festivals, campus spaces and things to do in Tallahassee.
Find Your Focus: Campus Resource Tour
4-6 p.m. | WJB Ground Floor
Explore the Academic Center for Excellence (ACE) to see how our academic support teams have your back. You don’t have to study alone.
Welcome Back BBQ
7-10 p.m. | ASLC Courtyard
Enjoy an evening of BBQ as you gather and connect with your fellow Noles.
Second-Year Social Lounge
7-10 p.m. | Global Center for Engagement
Stop by and connect with other second-year students and enjoy sweet treats, mocktails, music and conversation.
Thursday, Aug. 27
S’mores on Landis
3-5 p.m. | Landis Green
Check out this fall’s outdoor adventure trips and activities with Outdoor Pursuits while you make your own s’mores (while they last).
Fall Involvement Fair
5-8 p.m. | Tucker Civic Center
Explore more than 300 student organizations, meet with student leaders, learn about our registered student organizations and find ways to get involved.
Party on the Plaza
7-9 p.m. | Westcott Fountain
Get a sunset photo at the fountain, grab a snack, enjoy music and connect with members of our FSU community.
Friday, Aug. 28
First Week Unwind
11 a.m. – 3 p.m. | ASLC Courtyard
Relax and recharge with activities celebrating the end of the first week of the semester.
Cosmic Bowling
9 p.m. – Midnight | Union Lower Level
Bowl under black lights and a cosmic glow for $18 per hour for a lane with up to five bowlers or enjoy the billiards tables and game simulator.
Friday Night Racquet
8-11 p.m. | Leach Recreation Center
Grab your paddle (or borrow one of ours) for pickleball and table tennis. The Leach Center is open late only for this special event so bring your FSUCard and stop by and play.
ASLC Movie Night: 22 Jump Street
Midnight – 2 a.m. | ASLC
ASLC movies are free for students with your FSUCard.
Saturday, Aug. 29
Garnet and Gold Tailgate
4-6 p.m. | Union Green
Enjoy inflatables, games, free food and water at our first Garnet & Gold Tailgate of the season.
FSU vs. New Mexico State Football
7-10:30 p.m. | Doak Campbell Stadium
Cheer on the Seminole Football team as they take the field for the home opener game. Get your student tickets in advance. Ticket registration starts Monday, Aug. 24 at noon; details at seminoles.com/feature/students.
About ‘Welcome FSU’
“Welcome FSU” supports the Division of Student Affairs’ year-round “Hello FSU!” campaign that works with campus partners to highlight key campus events, programs, activities and services for undergraduate students:
- The Weekly Top 5 – A curated collection of the week’s biggest events, programs, activities and deadlines. (Debuts every Monday throughout the academic year on #HelloFSU social media and at hello.fsu.edu.)
- How To FSU – Connects students with how-to resources and online guides to help navigate various campus processes.
- Success Tips – Identifies resources and tips for succeeding in and out of the classroom.
- Spotlight FSU – Feature stories on programs, services and people from around campus.
- ICYMI – In Case You Missed It provides an extra reminder for upcoming events, deadlines or other important actions.
- Always On – Highlights the many events that are always happening on campus.
- Ready For – Provides tips on how to prepare for a variety of FSU experiences from getting ready for the first week of class to attending an FSU Noles Athletics event.
To stay up to date with the Division of Student Affairs, follow them on Instagram, Facebook, X and the FSU Calendar.
