If there’s one thing that college students will rarely pass up, it’s free stuff.
With numerous bags in hand, the sight of eager students filled the Union on Monday night as they prepared to conquer a maze of free items and giveaways.
Among the free food samples and giveaways, the beach-themed 34th Annual U-Fest hosted by the University Activities Board allowed students to wander from the basement to the third floor of the Union where they could find everything from henna artists, and psychics, to caricatures, poster sales, and an Instagram contest.
Free samples of Monster Energy drinks, Sparkling ICE beverages, and Karma Wellness Water overflowed from students’ bags as they stood in lines that wrapped around the stairwells where they patiently awaited what they would find on the next level of the building.
The night started off with a live band and strolling ukulele players that set the ambiance of an afternoon on the beach, enhancing this year’s theme.
Zoology junior Silvia Villanueva said receiving free posters and movie tickets was her favorite part of the event this year, in addition to collecting all of the other deals being handed out by various popular spots around campus.
“You get a lot of advertisements and coupons for places on Grand River that you can go to, which is always fun.” Villanueva said.
Aside from the excitement of bringing various bags of free items and deals back to your dorm room, neuroscience junior Kayla Patino said it appears that this event is also designed to help students become more aware of certain organizations and locations on campus.
“Everyone gets to learn so much about the resources available on campus that are here to help you, especially the freshmen,” Patino said.
Event sponsors such as the MSU Computer Store, Wharton Center, and the MSU Association of Future Alumni shared information with both new and old students.
As content students exited the Union and discussed their favorite giveaways between the DJ and the ZORB ball races on the lawn outside, UAB Films Director Sydney Ouwinga said she had already heard positive feedback about the event.
Feeling confident that UAB had created the type of experience for students that they were aiming for, Ouwinga said she is considering this event a huge success.
“We just want the students to have a really great experience and to have fun,” Ouwinga said. “We want them to realize that it’s important to learn at MSU, but you should also have fun and live a well-rounded life while you’re on campus.”
