There has been no shortage of school spirit on campus this week, as thousands of students settled into their new home away from home at Brock.

That air of excitement will continue through the weekend as Brockchella — the Orientation Week celebration hosted by the Brock University Students’ Union — concludes its full slate of on-campus activities with a paint party, fireworks and a headlining concert by American rapper Desiigner.

Brockchella, the Orientation Week celebration hosted by the Brock University Students’ Union, kicked off with a party in front of Schmon Tower on Sunday, Sept. 3.

Filled with safe and inclusive alcohol-free events, O-Week aims to help first-year students familiarize themselves with their new home through fun, engaging and educational programming.

Brockchella has been “absolutely amazing so far,” said Maddy Wassink, BUSU’s Vice-President, Student Services, who expressed particular pride in the hundreds of upper-year student volunteers that helped 2,400 first-years move into residences Sept. 3. “Every event has had a great turnout and we’re looking forward to the attendance at some of our bigger events coming up.”

Wassink said this was the first year in Brockchella’s three-year history that its event passes have sold out.

In addition to the kick-off Tower Party and Live Burn demonstration by the St. Catharines fire department and Brock Campus Security, the week also included a Vendor Fair that drew out thousands of students and Wellness Day that connected Badgers with various health-related supports.

Big crowds are expected at the events that will round-out Brockchella this weekend.

Thousands of students attended the Vendor Fair held Tuesday, Sept. 5 and Wednesday, Sept. 6 as part of Orientation Week.

The annual O-Week Paint Party takes place Friday, Sept. 8, wrapping up with a fireworks display at 10:45 p.m., weather permitting. The following day, students will participate in Brock Cares Day of Service, volunteering their time for various Niagara organizations, and then come together in Brock’s Weather Station Field for a headlining concert.

“With a big name like Desiigner coming to perform, no one is going to want to miss out,” Wassink said of the breakout star best known for his hit song Panda.

As the students’ union is committed to being a good community neighbour, she said all city by-laws will be followed, ensuring O-Week activities wrap up by 11 p.m. each night.

Wassink said Brockchella is about setting a positive tone early on in the school year for the entire Brock community.

“This place is going to be a constant in these students’ lives for the next few years, so we need to make sure they feel safe, at home and welcome at their new campus.”

For more information, visit Brockchella.ca.