As fall brings cooler weather, Halloween celebrations and seasonal activities, Sacred Heart University students have plenty of opportunities to enjoy the season on and off campus.
Whether students choose to celebrate the season or not, there is no shortage of ways to get involved and meet new people this fall.
“So far, more than 140 events and club meetings have taken place this fall, and we’ve engaged with over 2,000 students through our large-scale campus events that are open to all students,” said Daniele Mascia, director of Student Involvement and Student Events Team (SET) advisor.
Past events included the Just SHU It! Fair, President’s Gala, DIY craft events, movie nights, monthly bingo and trivia. Students could also attend off-campus trips to a New York Yankees game and Salem, Mass., known for its Halloween attractions and seasonal celebrations.
“Having events on campus gives students a chance to take a break from schoolwork, spend time with friends and meet new people,” said freshman Delaney Coyne.
More fall activities are planned for the end of October. Monstober Week began Oct. 26 and ends on Oct. 30. Harryween, another Halloween-themed event, is scheduled for Oct. 30.
“When developing our calendar, we consider several factors, including the academic calendar, student interests and feedback, campus traditions and opportunities to collaborate with campus part
These events give students something exciting to look forward to outside of their academics.
“College can get stressful and overwhelming with classes and assignments, so it is nice to have activities to look forward to,” said Coyne.
Junior Gabriella Velez said pumpkin picking is one of her favorite fall activities because she enjoys spending time with friends and family while experiencing the season.
“Seasonal traditions bring people together and help create a sense of community, especially for college students who may be away from home,” said Velez.
Students can utilize SHU Engage to discover upcoming events, student organizations and involvement opportunities. They can also follow Student Involvement and SET on Instagram and TikTok, check campus announcements and flyers and watch for university emails or check the online events calendar.
“Our goal is to provide a variety of experiences throughout the semester that appeal to different interests and give students multiple ways to engage with campus life,” said Mascia.
Whether attending a Halloween event, participating in bingo or trivia or spending an afternoon with friends, students can find opportunities to take a break from their busy schedules and enjoy campus life.
“There is no single right way to get involved, and you don’t have to do everything,” said Mascia. “Sometimes, showing up to just one event is all it takes to begin finding your community.”
