September has arrived and for Brock University, school is back in session.

Welcome Week officially kicks off Sunday, Sept. 2 with the annual Move-In Day blitz, when nearly 2,400 mostly first-year students will move into Brock’s seven residences. That day also marks the beginning of BadgerFest 2018, a week-long schedule of activities organized by the Brock University Students’ Union (BUSU).

Welcome Week and BadgerFest offer a full slate of on-campus activities designed to help first-year students familiarize themselves with their new home through safe, fun and educational programming.

“BUSU is excited to have the opportunity to welcome countless first-year students to the Brock community and into the next phase of their lives,” said BUSU President Aidan Hibma. “Although this transition can be scary for many, I encourage all students to take full advantage of the week by participating in some truly amazing programming, getting familiarized with the University and taking the opportunity to make new friendships that will last a lifetime.”

BUSU Vice-President, Student Services Joyce Khouzam said lots of planning has gone into making BadgerFest 2018 a great series of events.

“We have been gearing up for the past four months and we couldn’t be more excited,” she said. “I still remember my Orientation Week, and I hope in four years this group of students can say the same thing.”

After Move-In Day from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, incoming students will have their first residence dinner Sunday night, followed by a BadgerFest kickoff event that includes Live Burn, a demonstration by the St. Catharines Fire Department and Brock Campus Security that teaches students about fire safety in their residence rooms. Sunday wraps up with a BadgerFest party in the field in front of Schmon Tower.

On Monday, Sept. 3, students will be competing in the ‘Summer Games’ in Weather Station Field organized by Residence Services, followed by comedy night at Isaac’s. Tuesday and Wednesday will see a massive Vendor Fair taking place in Weather Station Field, which will introduce students to local businesses and various departments and activities on campus.

On the academic side of things, various departments and Faculties are holding orientation sessions Tuesday, which will be followed by the first day of classes on Wednesday.

The annual BadgerFest Paint Party will take place in Weather Station Field from 8 to 11 p.m. Friday, Sept. 7.

On Saturday, hundreds of Brock students will fan out across Niagara for Brock Cares, an annual day of volunteering and fundraising throughout the community. That night, the week wraps up with the BadgerFest Big Ticket Concert, which this year features NAV, a Canadian hip hop artist nominated for Breakthrough Artist of the Year at the 2018 Junos.

Hibma said BUSU is educating students on the importance of starting the year on a positive note.

“We want both first-year and returning students to have fun this week in a safe and responsible manner,” he said.