By Rita Pan

Being totally new to Temple, I believe that orientation week is what every freshman looks forward to the most. And so was I! Temple University arranges a whole week of events for new incoming students. What's more, as an international student, the Global Programs office also prepares numerous orientation events tailored specifically for international students. I can't wait to share just how much fun it was!

DBMD Welcome Picnic

Here comes the first event! The Welcome Picnic is one of the events held by Global Programs. As a student in the Dual Bachelor’s Master’s Degree (DBMD) program, this day is all about gathering with fellow new DBMD students. It's also an excellent opportunity to get to know the Global Programs staff. Everyone is just so nice and welcoming. I already felt like I was part of the family!

City Bus Tour

New to the city? No worries! Global Programs prepares a City Bus Tour for international students to explore Philadelphia. This was one of my most anticipated events, to be honest, because it offered the chance to see all the famous sights while traveling on a double-decker bus – a truly cool experience! While taking in the gorgeous city views of Philadelphia, there's a knowledgeable tour guide who shares the city's history and development. I learned so much and had a blast during this tour!

Weeks of Welcome: Bell Tower Takeover

To be honest, I had absolutely no idea what this event was about, but it turned out to be so much fun! There were stands and a plethora of activities in front of the Student Center, along with some fantastic giveaways for students. I walked away with a Stella Owl puppet, an ice cream sandwich (what we hold in our hands), and numerous other small gifts from different divisions at Temple. Most importantly, I had the opportunity to connect with other international students, and we had an absolutely great time during the takeover!

Templefest

Temple University has more than 300 student organizations on campus, and Templefest is the perfect opportunity for new students to explore and get to know all these organizations. The entire campus came alive with vibrant stands, and there were students everywhere you turned. The atmosphere was brimming with energy, with music and performances happening all around. There were so many options for students to choose from. What I wanted to join the most were the Kpop club and TU Pilot from TUTV, where you can literally create your own TV program! Additionally, there was even a school band performing on the walkways. I loved the atmosphere, and it got me even more excited for the new semester to begin!

CollegeFest

In addition to the welcoming events at Temple, the city of Philadelphia also organized a special welcome event for all college students in the city. CollegeFest featured giveaways, free public transportation, and free entrance to over 30 Philadelphia museums! I took full advantage of this opportunity. My friends and I visited the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Barnes Foundation, and the Franklin Institute. All of these museums are must-visit attractions in Philadelphia. CollegeFest provided an incredible experience for me, allowing me to save money and explore Philly simultaneously. Among them, I highly recommend a visit to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, not only because it is one of the most famous museums in the United States but also because I was captivated by its interior design, especially the elevator! I also had the chance to admire masterpieces by artists such as van Gogh, Monet, Cezanne, and more. It was truly a wonderful experience.

Through all of these activities, I had the pleasure of meeting people from all around the world. Moreover, I had an immense amount of fun and gained a deeper understanding of both the school and the city of Philadelphia. These orientation events have made my transition into university life an unforgettable and enriching experience. I can't wait to see what the rest of the semester holds!