Kicking Things Off

Crowds move into Claflin, Sleeper, and Rich Halls. Photo by Cydney Scott

Vacations, summer jobs, and internships will soon be a distant memory, as Boston University students converge on campus this weekend to prepare for fall semester.

It’s move-in time. But in between unpacking boxes and getting ready for classes, you’ll find lots to do on campus this Labor Day weekend. Below is a list of some events. Learn more here. Keep us updated with your weekend plans by tweeting with hashtag #bumove, and don’t forget to follow @butoday on Twitter.

Friday, September 2

Comedy Show
11 p.m.

BU Central (GSU lower level), 775 Commonwealth Ave.
What better way to start the weekend than with a night full of laughs? BU Central kicks off move-in weekend for students already on campus with a comedy show by Richie Holliday. Admission is free.

Saturday, September 3

Move-in for new students
9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Campus-wide
More information is available here.

Terrier Tailgate
6 p.m.

Nickerson Field, Braves Plaza, 285 Babcock St.
Show your school spirit and join Rhett, the BU Band, and Terrier athletes at the fifth annual Terrier Tailgate. Pregame activities include a dunk tank, baseball toss, cornhole, and pictures with Rhett, as well as popcorn, cotton candy, and free samples from Raising Cane’s. The first 1,000 fans will receive a free BU soccer scarf.

Heading to the game? Tweet about your experience with hashtag #BUmovein.

Men’s Soccer Game
7 p.m.

Nickerson Field, 285 Babcock St.
Watch the seven-time America East champion Terriers take on the Saint John Red Storm at Nickerson. Recently selected as favorites to win the conference, the Terriers will need to be on top of their game, and a home field packed with screaming BU students is sure to help.

GSU Takeover
9 p.m.

George Sherman Union Metcalf Ballroom, 775 Commonwealth Ave.
Join the Student Activities Office as it turns the George Sherman Union into one of the hottest nightclubs in town. Hosted by the mobile dance club GrooveBoston, the GSU Takeover dance party will feature free pizza, donated by Domino’s. Admission is free, BU ID required.

Sunday, September 4

Hillel Open House
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Florence and Chafetz Hillel House, 213 Bay State Rd.
Take a break from unpacking and stop in for free bagels and coffee at the Florence and Chafetz Hillel House, the center for Jewish life on campus. Meet the students who are involved at Hillel and fellow incoming freshmen and take a tour of the facilities. Admission is free and open to all students and parents.

Move-in for continuing students
Noon to 5:30 p.m.

Campus-wide

Matriculation Procession
12:30 p.m.

Members of the Class of 2015 march down Commonwealth Avenue to Agganis Arena for the 2011 Matriculation ceremony. The procession, led by Dean of Students Kenneth Elmore (SED’87) and University Marshal Ted DeWinter, begins at Danielsen Hall, 512 Beacon St., proceeds to Bay State Road, where freshmen from Myles Standish Hall, Shelton Hall, and the Towers will join the procession. Freshmen from Warren Towers will meet up with the group at Marsh Plaza and continue up Comm Ave to Agganis. Sleeper, Rich, and Claflin Halls freshmen will join the procession at Nickerson Field Plaza.

Matriculation
1:30 p.m.

Agganis Arena, 925 Commonwealth Ave.
The more than 4,000 members of the Class of 2015 will be formally inducted into the Boston University community. President Robert A. Brown will address the incoming class and their parents.

Splash!
3 to 5:30 p.m.

Nickerson Field, 285 Babcock St.
Immediately after Matriculation, find free music, games, food, and giveaways galore at Splash! where students can meet representatives from more than 200 organizations on campus. Enjoy the fun, and learn about the rich and varied extracurricular life at BU and how you can get involved.

Find a great club to join? Let us know by tweeting with hashtag #BUsplash.

Sunday Parkland Games
2 to 6 p.m.

Herter Park, 1175 Soldiers Field Rd., Allston
The Charles River Conservancy and the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation host the Sunday Parkland Games each week through September 25. Join the CRC for free games and athletic activities for all ages and ability levels. Among the activities are badminton, bocce, croquet, Frisbee, horseshoes, hula hoops, lawn toss, and paddleball, as well as team activities such as potato sack races and tug-o-war. The program also includes running, biking, and tennis. Free yoga lessons are offered following the games at 5 p.m. With the exception of Sunday, September 11, the 2011 Sunday Parkland Games are held at Herter Park, which is between the recently remodeled Artesani Playground and Charles River Canoe and Kayak. All activities are free, and registration is not required. More information is available online.

Midnight Putt-Putt and Pancakes
11:30 p.m. to 2 a.m.

George Sherman Union, 775 Commonwealth Ave.
Stay up late with your fellow BU students and play some blacklight mini-golf at the GSU. There will also be super-sized versions of classic games such as checkers and Connect Four. After working up an appetite, grab some free pancakes for a late-night snack.

Monday, September 5

Comm Ave Fair
2 to 4 p.m.

George Sherman Union and Commonwealth Ave.
This event is open to all BU students. Visit BU school and college sites along Commonwealth Avenue for this mile-long street festival, featuring free food, temporary tattoos, chair massages, miniature golf, and much more.

While you’re at the fair, be sure to pick up a BSO College Card in front of the College of Fine Arts, 855 Comm Ave. Students can attend select Boston Symphony Orchestra performances free with the card. BU faculty and staff members with a BSO card can purchase half-price tickets to the same events. Bring the card and a BU ID to the BSO box office, 301 Massachusetts Ave., on the day of the performance to receive a ticket. The cards also will be available at the CFA Dean’s Office, CFA second floor, and at the George Sherman Union second floor info desk. More information about student discounts is available online.

Saw the BU Band? Dunked a dean? Let us know with hashtag #commavefair.

ENG New Students BBQ
5 to 7 p.m.

BU Beach, aka Warren Alpert Mall, behind Marsh Chapel, 735 Comm Ave.
College of Engineering incoming freshmen join their fellow students for a welcome barbecue on the BU Beach. Admission is free.

John Fichera can be reached at jfichera@bu.edu. Davide Nardi can be reached at dnardi@bu.edu.