Wildcats are being welcomed back to school this week with all sorts of free events, services and offers, both on and off campus, to make sure the semester starts off strong.
Every year, students have to go through the hassle and expense of purchasing new textbooks, replenishing supplies and settling tuition dues. For those just starting their freshman year or moving into a new house or apartment, an additional chunk of change is directed towards setting up a living space. At this time of year, there’s clearly a lot of money flowing out of the hands of students and their parents, so something like the beginning-of-the-semester Student Insider Discount Handbook is a useful commodity.
The coupon books feature deals for restaurants, services, shopping and activities all over campus and the surrounding area. A free appetizer at Frog & Firkin, discounted shipping rates at The UPS Store and a free game of billiards in The Cellar Games Room were only a few of the dozens of deals offered last year.
Not only do these coupon books provide students with money-saving opportunities, but they also come with guides to the best eateries, shops, bars and apartment complexes in the area.
Various establishments at Main Gate Square on University Boulevard are running their own back-to-school specials. American Apparel is offering 30 percent off specific items for a limited time both in-store and online, according to the company’s website. Urban Outfitters is doing something similar with discounts on all sorts of clothing and items that students might need.
Gentle Ben’s Brewing Company, the popular restaurant and microbrewery that transforms into a club on the weekends, is bringing back their $2 Tuesday drink special. This Tuesday, all drinks will be $2 from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m., music will be provided by Trevor Morgan and wristbands can be purchased at any time during the day or at the door.
According to Gentle Ben’s Facebook page, “It’s bound to get crazy, which is perfect because you weren’t planning on going to class during syllabus week anyway.”
Last weekend, various events were held for those new to campus. Residence Life and the Arizona Student Unions held Party in the Park on Friday, August 21. From 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. students could play volleyball, laser tag or bubble soccer; get henna tattoos or a caricature drawing; enjoy free food and listen to music all while meeting some new friends.
Another event held over the weekend, this one specifically for freshman, was the New Student Convocation Bigger.Better.Bash! Beginning at 6 p.m. on Sunday night, students were able to sample free food from the Student Union Memorial Center’s numerous eateries through the Taste of the Unions.
Around 8 p.m., the convocation portion of the night began. Students were introduced to some Wildcat traditions, met Wilbur and Wilma Wildcat and were treated to a surprise performance by DJ Tom Loud’s Hot Dub Time Machine, a show from Sydney, Australia.
“We’re committed to making everything bigger and better as we move forward,” said Allen Womble, the Student Engagement Coordinator for the Arizona Student Unions. “Last year was the first year it was out on the mall in that way, and that went so well that they wanted to keep that and add something extra, and that’s how it came together.”
Tonight, Campus Recreation is holding their annual Meet Me at the Rec event from 6-8 p.m. at the William David Sitton Field. Students will have the opportunity to learn about the activities offered through the Rec Center, including intramural sports and outdoor adventure programs, while meeting new friends and playing some games themselves.
With all the free events and discounts to be found on and off campus during this first week of school, students can be sure that they’ll be starting off the semester right.
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