First week brings students together with games, food and fun

Minnesota State University, Mankato takes welcoming students back to campus very seriously. Which is why they’re offered activities such as films, a campus-wide scavenger hunt, a New Student Rally, Backyard Bash put on by Greek life, the RHA volleyball tournament, a visit with therapy dogs, Galactic Bingo, open skate, and much more. 

MNSU junior John Shea mentioned, “I liked the open skating event and seeing everyone from different communities come together.” 

Adding onto this, sophomore Chase Belka said, “Galactic Bingo was my favorite because I almost won!” 

Residential Life, the Student Events Team, and Greek Life were some of the organizations that came together to make this past weekend a memorable time in new students’ lives. 

But the fun didn’t end on Sunday, as all residence halls are hosting events this Wednesday, Aug. 25 and Friday, Aug. 27.

On Wednesday, the McElroy Residence Community is holding a ‘Munchie Mix Up’ event, where residents are able to make their own bag of trail mix out of a selection of ingredients provided for them.

Crawford will be facilitating a variety of lawn games for their residents, including volleyball, spike ball, corn hole, and more. They will also have a snack bar. 

Preska will be hosting their annual Preska Palooza in the Bullpen, located in the lower level of the Centennial Student Union, from 7 to 9 p.m. Residents will be able to bowl, play billiards and video games, and eat food provided by the residence hall. Additionally, residents will be able to enter their names into a prize raffle. 

Julia Sears will be having a Trivia Night where residents can win lots of prizes. 

Stadium Heights is having a block party from 5:30-7:30, with yard games, food, and a volleyball game. 

On Friday, McElroy will be having a bonfire, where residents will be able to make s’mores, play night games, and meet other students living in the dorm. 

Crawford will be tie dying custom t-shirts on the Crawford lawn by the volleyball court. 

Preska residence community is having a backyard bash on the lawn of the performing arts center, featuring snacks and yard games. 

Julia Sears’ weekend event will be a block party with lots of outdoor yard games, volleyball, spikeball, and more. They will also be doing a “Reverse Tie-Die” station where residents can bleach a “Sears Squad” T-shirt, or any items that they bring. 

Stadium Heights’ weekend event is tie-dying on the lawn. The residence hall is providing t-shirts for residents that wish to participate. 

Alongside these events, Julia Sears is facilitating a series of Minute to Win it games all week long, and on Saturday afternoon Preska is hosting a carnival on the PA lawn with popcorn, nachos, snow cones, and carnival games. 

MNSU residence halls are providing a variety of activities for students from all over campus to enjoy- there is something for everyone.