1. Halloween 

Parties line College Ave. and University Dr. as the sidewalks flood with costumed students. Ashton Wade, a junior American Sign Language major, said her first Kent Halloween was cut short because someone she went out with got drunk too quickly.

“We all went out, and an hour into going to the parties, (my friend’s) roommate was getting sick, so we had to take her back,” Wade said. “She was still vomiting like crazy because she couldn’t walk straight.” 

She said she didn’t go back out in order to take care of her friend.

“Don’t overdo it, especially within the first hour,” Wade said. “If you’re going to pregame, pregame, but don’t get plastered.”

Being careful will also be in your best interest because of the law: Last year, more than 40 people were arrested throughout the night. 

2. Homecoming

This year’s Homecoming is Saturday, Oct. 3. The Flashes will battle the Miami University RedHawks at 3:30 p.m. at Dix Stadium. The preceding 15th annual Bowman Cup 5K race begins at 8 a.m. at the Student Recreation and Wellness Center. The Kent State Alumni Association serves breakfast from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Alumni Hospitality Tent outside of the Williamson Alumni Center. The Homecoming parade begins at 11 a.m., and the march starts at the corner of Midway and Theatre Drive, going until Main Street to Franklin Avenue. Couples gather in Risman Plaza at 12 p.m. for a Kiss on the K. Couples are set to kiss at 12:30 p.m.

Black United Students also hosts an annual comedy show at 7 p.m. in the Student Center Ballroom.

3. Fake St. Patrick’s Day

Last year, St. Patrick’s Day fell on a Tuesday, so students celebrated on Saturday, March 14, for “Fake Patty’s Day” all day long. This year, the actual holiday takes place on a Thursday.

4. Welcome Weekend/BlastOff

BlastOff takes place on Sunday, Aug. 30 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on the student green. Lined with tables, students can check out various campus organizations to get involved. The event ends with a laser light show from 9 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. sponsored by Undergraduate Student Government.

5. FlashFest

FlashFest wraps up the spring semester by bringing musical guests to campus. The event is put on by Undergraduate Student Government. Last year, Rae Sremmurd, Jeremih and The Chainsmokers performed in the M.A.C. Center. Two years ago, Capital Cities and Ab-Soul performed on the student green.

Contact Neville Hardman at [email protected].