Students during move-in weekend were treated to a variety of activities that helped acclimate them to Oakland University. Some of these events included Live Band Karaoke and a Housing Barbecue. Yet, the event which brought new and returning students together in an effective and engaging way, was the Residence Life Association’s “Bond Fire.”
On Labor Day, while the rest of the world relaxed after a day off from work, the RLA stayed busy and provided free s’mores and much-needed camaraderie.
As well as sweet treats being one of the main focal points, the RLA brought a loudspeaker which upped the energy and provided an outlet for students to express themselves and bond through line dancing.
Connections you make during your first days of college are incredibly important to these first-years. Some of them did not even know where the event was before they saw a crowd of people walking to the bonfire pit.
“I was definitely scared when I first got here but I think this is a really fun idea, and it’s allowed me to meet a lot of different people, even just on the way here,” Makayla Horton, a first-year psychology student, said.
The reception to the event was positive, especially among first years, who have slowly but surely come out of their shells and cemented themselves as members of the OU Housing community.
“I think it’s really fun and a great way to meet new people, especially for people who are really anxious to walk to new people — like me. It kind of forces you to be social,” Desiree Williams, a first-year elementary education student, said.
One event-goer even started cooking up grill items on a small barbecue. His goal was to sell items to friends to raise money for the OU Pool club, also known as Grizz Balls.
“I love that [first-years] are all showing up. I love that I’ve seen so many people talk to each other and make friends. I only hope that this sense of community stays throughout the rest of the semester,” Brendley Carey, senior computer science major and President of Grizz Balls, said.
RLA staff were present throughout the event, taking attendance and handing out s’mores supplies. Their goal for this event was to build community. This means community not only within housing and with the first-year students in mind, but also from returning students looking for a place to belong.
“It makes us feel really great, we do see some new faces but we also see some old faces. And it’s wonderful that people do come to our events as returners, it shows us that [the events] are perceived well,” Mena Booton, President of Residence Life Association, said.
RLA’s “Bond Fire” showed both first-years and returning students what positive community building looks like and capped off a truly packed move-in weekend.
An upcoming event that first-year students and beyond can look forward to is Midnight Block Party on September 13 at Oak View Lawn starting at 8:30 p.m. For more information about RLA and OU Housing, visit oakland.edu/housing or check out their instagram at instagram.com/ouhousing.
