This story was updated on August 6, 2025.

Calling all new Owls! Now that you’re all set to join the nest and start your classes, it’s time to get ready for all the fun campus activities the next few weeks have in store! 

On campus, this time of year is called the Weeks of Welcome. It lasts from today, Tuesday, Aug. 19, through the first day of classes on Monday, Aug. 26, and consists of a variety of activities from street fairs to IKEA runs. These events are meant to help you and your new peers get acclimated to all that our campus has to offer. Here’s a rundown of some of the coolest things you won’t want to miss! 

Stock up!  

Forgot a mirror? Power strip? Giant stuffed shark? Fear not, because we’re making an IKEA run! Grab all your dorm essentials in one place—with transportation provided. 

IKEA trip | Tuesday, Aug. 19 | Meet at the Underground, Howard Gittis Student Center 

You are getting very sleepy ...  

Follow the swinging watch to a hypnotist show! Meet new friends during this hypnotically entertaining evening. 

Hypnotist | Wednesday, Aug. 20 | Room 200C, Howard Gittis Student Center 

You get to choose! 

Mini golf or casino games? It’s up to you during this night of nonstop fun at the Student Center! Bring your new friends or fly solo to meet your new flock. 

Choose your own adventure| Thursday, Aug. 21 | Howard Gittis Student Center 

Introducing … Convocation! 

Weeks of Welcome reach their peak during Convocation, a ceremony celebrating YOU! It’s the kickoff to your academic career as a Temple student, and it’s also the ONLY time your entire cohort will be together until Commencement. New students will proceed to the event with their classmates following their school/college meeting. It’s a great way to meet your classmates, hear from Temple leadership and celebrate being an Owl! Plus, it ends with a pep rally-esque blowout to hype up everything cherry and white.  

Convocation | Friday, Aug. 22 | Liacouras Center 

Get involved!  

TempleFest is THE student organization fair on campus, with literally hundreds of clubs, societies, Greek life organizations and student resources showing up to recruit new members or share information. Looking for new homies who share your passion for recycled fashion, or your obsession with improv? You might just find them here! Not sure where you want to begin? Start collecting flyers, and you’ll find your new niche in no time! 

TempleFest | Friday, Aug. 22 | All over Main Campus 

Hoot and holler 

Get ready to giggle with comedian Chico Bean! Laughing together is the perfect way to kick back with your new friends and decompress from all the chaos of moving into your new home. 

Comedy Nest | Friday, Aug. 22 | Temple Performing Arts Center 

Play, snack, chill 

It’s not the only celebration for our new students, but it might be the biggest! Join your new peers for this legendary campus carnival, complete with games, prizes, snacks and lots of fun. 

TU Palooza | Saturday, Aug. 23 | 13th Street and Montgomery Avenue 

Wigs and winners 

Play some bingo for a chance to win fabulous prizes with even more fabulous drag queens. Enjoy this quintessential part of Philly culture with some of Philadelphia’s top drag acts and your new besties. 

Fab Drag Bingo | Saturday, Aug. 24 | Room 200C, Howard Gittis Student Center 

This is the IDEAL BBQ  

Meet representatives from IDEAL, Temple's Office of Institutional Diversity, Equity, Advocacy and Leadership, at their annual cookout. Learn about diversity and inclusion groups and activities here at Temple, grab some food, and snag some signature swag items while you’re at it! 

Tha’ Cookout | Sunday, Aug. 24 | Lobby and courtyard, Tuttleman Learning Center 

Get-ready gurus 

First day jitters? Stop by the student center to meet with an Owl team leader (remember the kind folks who helped you during Orientation?), walk through your schedule and ask any questions you may have. 

Get Ready for Class | Sunday, Aug. 24 | Room 200C, Howard Gittis Student Center