A year of firsts

As the Class of 2030 begins their time at Penn, here’s a list of events that every first-year Quaker should know.

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First Year Class Photo

Towards the beginning of New Student Orientation, first-year students will don their class T-shirts and gather on Franklin Field in the shape of 2030, their class year. The photo will take place on Aug. 20 from 7:30 to 8:00 p.m.

NSO Evening Gala

NSO’s signature evening party has historically been held at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, but has shifted locations this year to the National Constitution Center to commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary.

On Aug. 22 from 6:30 to 9 p.m., the Class of 2030 will gather at the Constitution Center for dinner, desserts, and dancing, featuring interactive exhibits, live performances, and historical reenactments. Red and blue casual attire is encouraged.

Buses will leave campus from Spruce Street between 37th and 38th streets at the Upper Quad Gate, and Walnut Street between 33rd and 34th streets outside Hill College House.

Convocation

Every year, Penn welcomes its incoming class of first-year and transfer students at Convocation, where they’ll hear from faculty speakers and learn Penn’s official song, “The Red and Blue.” A tradition dating back to 1894, Convocation is the culmination of New Student Orientation for first-year students and marks their official welcome to the Penn community.

This year, Convocation will be held at 7 p.m., Aug. 24 at Franklin Field, the night before classes begin.

Student Activities Fair

Penn organizes a student activities fair at the beginning of the fall and spring semesters to showcase the University’s nearly 300 clubs. This fall, the event will run from Aug. 27-29.

During the fair, clubs table along Locust Walk and College Green. Each day highlights a different category of activities, ranging from arts and performance to preprofessional. Students will receive information on dates and participating clubs via email.

On the evening of Aug. 26, the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life hosts a late-night fair where organizations associated with the Panhellenic Council, Interfraternity Council, and Intercultural Greek Council table on Locust. The Wharton Council also hosts its own club fair, showcasing over 50 undergraduate student groups affiliated with the school.

Student Performing Arts Night

At 7 p.m. on Aug. 27, over 50 dance, music, and theater groups will offer get-to-know-you performances at the Zellerbach Auditorium at the Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts. Known as SPAN, the showcase is free, though students must reserve a ticket beforehand.

The night is geared toward first-year and transfer students looking to learn about performing arts groups before fall auditions begin.

Econ Scream

Every year, students in the introductory microeconomics course ECON 0100 gather at College Hall the night before their first midterm to participate in a collective and cathartic scream. The event, organized by the first-year class board, allows students to relieve their stress while enjoying snacks and music.

And if you know nothing about economics, don’t worry — students do not need to be enrolled in ECON 0100 to join in on the fun.

Homecoming and Toast Throwing

Homecoming weekend will take place from Nov. 13-15, highlighted by Penn’s final football home game against Harvard on Nov. 14 at Franklin Field. The matchup falls during the 150th anniversary season of Penn football.

Students will experience another tradition at the game: during the third quarter, Quakers throw toast onto the field while singing “Here’s a toast to dear old Penn.”

The 50-year-old tradition began when Penn enforced a prohibition on alcohol at Franklin Field, preventing students from toasting to their alma mater with their drinks. Students found a creative workaround for the ban, bringing pieces of bread to literally “toast” the University.

Light Up Locust

Before the holidays, hundreds of Penn students leave their dorms to watch as lights illuminate Locust at the annual Light Up Locust event.

The celebration, which usually takes place the week before fall semester finals, is coordinated by class boards in partnership with Penn’s Division of Facilities and Real Estate Services. Students often enjoy a live DJ with free cookies, hot cocoa, tumblers, sunglasses, tote bags, and more.

Spring Fling

Spring Fling is an annual celebration that occurs in April.

The event, organized by Penn’s Social Planning and Events Committee, features a themed daytime festival with free music, activities, student performances, and local food, and a nighttime concert at Penn Park starring a high-profile artist.

Spring Fling has run since 1973 and has previously brought names like Chance the Rapper, Metro Boomin, and Tiesto to campus. Last year, rapper Flo Rida headlined the concert with singer and actress Bea Miller as the opening act.

The Penn Relay Carnival

Each April, Franklin Field hosts the annual Penn Relays, drawing more than 15,000 participants to compete in over 300 events.

The three-day event — the largest and oldest track and field competition in the United States — attracts thousands of university and high school athletes. Usain Bolt, Jesse Owens, and Wilma Rudolph have all raced at the Penn Relays.