Aquarius (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) – Wilson Day of Engagement
To be real, the Wilson Day of Engagement is the classiest way to begin your time at URochester — and the best way to involve yourself in the local community. As an Aquarius, your problem-solving and boots-on-the-ground nature will allow you to go with the flow of whatever the day brings you. Whether you end up helping out at a school, hanging out in the woods, or somewhere in between, be sure to cherish the day spent doing good and getting quality time in with your new URochester friends. Likewise, enjoy having the day off campus.
Date: Friday, Aug. 28
Time: Noon–6 p.m.
Location: Goergen Athletic Center, Palestra
Pisces (Feb. 19–March 20) – Plant Sale
Starting college can honestly be quite stressful, particularly when you’re walking into a white-walled plain-floored dorm room and starting things anew. However, as a Pisces, you know exactly how to make the world your comfy cozy oyster — starting with your home base in your dorm room. Hence, the resonance to the plant sale. Bring some gorgeous green oxygen into your space and get a beautiful monstera. Or perhaps a cactus if you’re feeling low maintenance. You can give it a name too if that’s up your alley; just remember to water your new leafy friend.
Date: Monday, Aug. 24
Time: 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Location: Wilson Quad
Aries (March 21–April 19) – Celebrate Rochester
It’s almost the end of Welcome Week and you’re still looking for something energetic to do? Aries — I promise you’re going to have plenty of busy weekends where you can go ram to the walls. For now, enjoy the biggest party (and student gathering) you’re going to find for a hot second: Celebrate Rochester. And trust, there’s a lot to celebrate. It’s vibrant, it’s quite exciting, and I promise you’re going to be singing and dancing all the rest of the night long. But, while you’re there, enjoy the comfy seats and a break from being on your feet.
Date: Saturday, Aug. 29
Time: 7:30–9:30 p.m.
Location: Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre
Taurus (April 20–May 20) – Campus Tour
There’s a really old story about a bull (the Taurine symbol) having a lot of trouble getting out of a maze. You, my friend, will not let mythology repeat itself. As a headstrong and practical individual, mapping out campus is a priority for you — and it honestly should be for everyone. Imagine showing up late for the first day of class because you hadn’t figured out where the room was yet — it’s a terrifying concept. That happens, but won’t happen to you. Enjoy the natural (and man-made) wonders of the URochester campus throughout your tour — and good luck with the tunnels.
Date: Varying
Time: Varying
Location: Departs from the west end of Eastman Quad
Gemini (May 21–June 20) – Speed Friending
Look at you go social butterfly! Although college begins as a fairly individual process, speed friending will be the perfect opportunity for you to find your true new twin. Perhaps they’ll be another Gemini — wouldn’t that be so dazzling? Anyways, your charming nature and orientation toward social life will make this event a wonderful way to acquaint yourself with the soon-to-be familiar faces of URochester. If you end up forgetting the name of all of your speed friending matches and run into them again, just say that your experience really reminded you of something you read in the Campus Times. It’ll be a beautiful way to start a conversation.
Date: Monday, Aug. 24; Tuesday, Aug. 25
Time: 8–10 p.m.; 8–9 p.m.
Location: Douglass Commons, Feldman Ballroom (Aug. 24), Interfaith Chapel, River Level (Aug. 25)
Cancer (June 21–July 22) – Spirit R Group Photo
Everybody say cheese! Or — everybody say crab! The Spirit R group photo is a beautiful and sentimental piece of Welcome Week tradition — just as you are a sentimental person. While lining up with 1,000 of your peers for an aerial photo may not be a current high priority, you’re thinking forward. A few years from now, perhaps even a few decades, you’re going to come back to URochester, see your class photo and say “Awwww. That was actually really sweet. I’m glad that we did that.” A tear will trickle from your cheek with the budding flower of nostalgia close behind. But let’s not get sentimental yet. For now, just enjoy the photo.
Date: Friday, Aug. 29
Time: 9–10a.m.
Location: Wilson Quad
Leo (July 23–Aug. 22) – Mr. 585 Disco
Okay, I hate to say that you won the horoscope but you kind of won the horoscope this time. Sorry to everybody else. Technically, the Pitbull-themed disco party falls at the beginning of Virgo season, but “Fireball” can kind of correlate with one sign and one sign only: Leo. You all just had your birthdays, you’re riding off the Welcome Week high, and the one thing that’s going to blow this week off the rooftops of Rush Rhees is the damn Pitbull-themed disco. So make sure to go, but just don’t pregame with real booze because that’ll make the Orientation Leaders sad and probably stressed.
Date: Friday, Aug. 28
Time: 9–11:59 p.m.
Location: Douglass Commons, Feldman Ballroom
Virgo (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) – Hive and Seek
You’re one curious Cathy, aren’t you? People sometimes say that Virgos are uptight and really only care about rules, but I know you care about something more. Like love. Like exploration. Like finding hidden Rockys hidden throughout the River Campus for the sake of curiosity and getting a fun little keepsake. But really, your attention to detail and keen eye for your surroundings will really aid you on this quest — and be a fun pastime while you ring in the most important happening of the start of college: your birthday. Wishing you a beautiful one, by the way.
Date: Monday, Aug. 24–Friday, Aug. 29
Time: All Day
Location: River Campus
Libra (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) – Convocation & Class Roll Signing
For you, Welcome Week can’t be all play or all business. It has to have some of both. The campus roll signing and convocation allows you to have your cake and eat it too, or at least get your perfect signature on a legacy collegiate document. While convocation is one of the more mellow Welcome Week events, it’s what officially marks the beginning of your college career — tapping into your desire for balance. I know you have good handwriting, and now’s your time to show it off.
Date: Wednesday, Aug. 26
Time: 4–5 p.m.
Location: Meliora Plaza, Eastman Quad
Scorpio (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) – Creative Crafting
Between us, all the moving around during Welcome Week is so tiring. I get it. Going from event to event all day can be a lot, particularly at the late hours — but that’s where the creative crafting sessions come in. As a Scorpio, you’re passionate about what you do, but you might be looking for something a bit calmer to wrap up your Welcome Week. So, why not make a duct tape rose or craft a canvas with your new collegiate friends? Use your mysterious and creative nature to make the next Mona Lisa — or maybe just something to give to one of your new friends in dedication to your recent connection.
Date: Monday, Aug. 24; Tuesday, Aug. 25; Thursday, Aug. 27; Saturday, Aug. 29
Time: Varying
Location: Varying
Sagittarius (Nov. 22–Dec. 21) – Candlelight Ceremony
The Candlelight Ceremony is an absolute classic when it comes to Welcome Week festivities, and one that caters to the fiery side of your Sagittarius sign. Likewise, it’s a sentimental moment of the week — one which you’ll take to look toward your beautiful future as a URochester student. As an optimist, it’s the perfect place for you. Just be sure to practice “The Genesee”’s melody if you want to impress your friends. On the other side of the coin, the Jersey Release Party (which I’m kind of jealous of, by the way) is the prime time to unleash your inner beast before reining it in for the school year. Enjoy the party, and certainly do your best to remember its joys.
Date: Wednesday, Aug. 26
Time: 7:45–9:45 p.m.
Location: Eastman Quad
Capricorn (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) – Student Employment Job Fair
If you’re reading this and thinking “Ugh! Why did I get the boring one?” you might just be reading the wrong blurb. According to WikiHow, Capricorns are the most successful zodiac sign and I really want you to sit with that. Thus, as an Earth sign with a ram’s intuition and wit, you just gotta go to the job fair to get that ball rolling. Studies are going to be your main commitment, obvi, but $100 a week from an on-campus job can really dig you out of university debt and be the first sparkling star on your new college resume. You got this, just remember why your new position is going to help you support Meliora values — you’ll need it for your job application.
Date: Thursday, Aug. 27
Time: 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
Location: Wilson Commons, May Room
