Freshers' Week with a Twist: 8 Great Ideas for Online Escape
Freshers' Week is your chance to make new friends and become acquainted with the new neighborhood (that is your college). Those who look forward to themed brunches, club nights, and alcohol might be disappointed, as they can expect this year's Freshers' Week with a twist. The pandemic is a thing, so a no-booze event. It doesn't mean that it would be less enjoyable than the previous years, though.
Those who believe that it's back to the old normal are blinded. Some Boston universities and hotels are teaming up to house students in a socially-distanced fashion. Some universities are asking students to sign waivers if they want to return to campus. Students should know that if they sign it, they relinquish any right to take legal action if they get sick. If they return to campus, there's a prospect of submitting to nasal swabbing. They must also adhere to social distancing, which Freshers' Week is not all about. It may be draconian to many students, so an online Freshers' Week is a great idea. Many members of Generation Z smoke less and drink less. They also want to try something different. If someone leans towards the ideals of Generation Y (or living under a rock), then think of sightseeing. Look around and try to pay attention to details. A wanderer will marvel at the unfamiliar. The pandemic put those travel plans on hold, but it will force everyone to appreciate the things they take for granted. This is what the upcoming Freshers" Week is all about. If your Freshers' Week happens next week, then think of this article as an eleventh-hour attempt to inject more fun in what would be a toned-down affair. If it happened (or it would end this weekend), then you can still try the following suggestions. It could be twice the fun.
What Young People Really Want
Themed party. Hedonistic students will sorely miss the pub crawls, but a themed party will be a good substitute. It's possible to host a safari-themed party, where students can show off their favorite soft toy from their childhood days. (Hakuna Matata!) Decorating a room requires effort, but some students will notice it right away. They can also look for a toga (and host a toga-themed gathering). It should remind them about their goals during the term. The pandemic should motivate them, but they must not linger in that thought for long. The aim of this virtual party is to know each other, so let your guard down. Don't be afraid to look silly.
Movie night. One student might talk about the implications of Johnny Depp's trial, which is not a good sign for the Fantastic Beasts film series. Many students may pass up on the discussion on the end of cinematic experience, as the coursework doesn't require an essay on the importance of casting a good-mannered actor in a blockbuster and its sequels. And no one would fondly recall Olivia de Havilland. The movie must be about the pandemic, so "28 Days Later", "World War Z" and several adaptations of "I Am Legend". If it's a great escape, then talk about "WALL-E". Nothing can remove anyone from a (Pixar) movie about two robots in space (and in love). "Lovecraft Country" is getting lots of attention, so recall any old movie inspired by H.P. Lovecraft. It's also a good idea to discuss authors channeling their inner Lovecraft. Someone won't fancy on Jorge Luis Borges's attempt, though.
Comedy night. It can be any topic, if not a series of topics. Sitcom (or movie) that pays homage to Weird Al Yankovic. Making fun of a music video starring Cardi B. And Sandra Bullock posing as a beauty pageant contestant. It's not too early to talk about romantic comedy, but Halloween is coming soon. Someone might be a huge fan of Elvira, Mistress of the Dark. Another one may recommend the Happy Hut scene in "Addams Family Values". And any film (or TV show) that can pass as guilty pleasure. (The Legend of the Seven Golden Vampires?). It can also be an attempt to pull someone's leg. Does violet help you sleep?
Girls (and Boys) want to have lunch. Salad will help students cool down in the heat of August. Few are simpler than a combination of tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, vinegar, and oil, so it's easy to prepare it during the fall. Many fancy the Eastern Mediterranean kind, so think of avocado, white beans, and fresh herbs. Most would prefer the garden salad, and some like to include eggs, so Cobb salad is another dish that doesn't take too long to prepare. Think twice about the chicken breast, though. (Make inquiries about imported chicken and its safety.) And there's no need to look for a video of Martha Stewart preparing potato salad. There might be a nearby farm, if not a vendor, selling locally sourced produce. How about Fruity Friday?
Dance class. Salsa, hip hop, Irish dancing, you name it. This is not the time to be coy about joining this class, even get worried about other students giggling at those awkward moves. It's the quickest way to break the ice - and make friends.
Bingo. Need we say more?
Escape room. Students who want to test their communication skills and creative thinking will fancy the escape room, arguably the best way to make new friends in the shortest time. The old normal will see students inside a locked room, where they must solve a puzzle by analyzing the objects found in that room. Physical distancing isn't a factor, so the online version isn't less exciting. (And they won't solve the mystery behind Amelia Earhart's disappearance.) It can be addictive, so be warned of Zoom fatigue.
Yoga and meditation classes. Students need to stay healthy and fit, but getting out poses a risk. Yoga and meditation will help them create their own bubble, which should shield them from the anxiety (caused by the pandemic).
Rules of the Game
Universities won't deploy COVID police, so students need to follow the rules on off-campus activities. Be wary of any public place that flouts coronavirus rules. (The second rule applies to campus ground as well.) Freshers Week is about being together, yet it's possible to sort out a safe place in this pandemic world.
