Swarms of prospective Vandals flooded the University of Idaho campus Saturday for the second UIdaho Bound of the semester.
UIdaho Bound weekends were full of tours, class registration, conversations with clubs and immersive experiences in the culture of Moscow. Prospective students and their families previewed what life will be like as part of the Vandal family. While many students already know they are going to attend UI, but for the few who aren’t sure, the events provided a chance to visualize the option.
Prospective student Nick Sassaman said he is for sure coming to the UI in the fall, For him, it wasn’t UIdaho Bound that first confirmed that decision.
“I originally took a college campus visit in October, and that’s where it sealed the deal for me coming here,” Sassaman said. “It’s cool to see everything in action.”
Since most college applications were due toward the end of 2017, most students already know their plans for next year, so UIdaho Bound is more focused on getting new students a preview of their lives in Moscow.
Clubs, sport teams and other alliances across campus gathered in the Kibbie Dome to give prospective students that preview of what they can be a part of next year. Future Vandals and their families received a chance to talk to people representing these clubs. For the clubs themselves, the event was a great way to gain exposure with new students.
Current UI student Melissa Marsing didn’t go to UIdaho Bound before starting school, but she’s really happy she ended up here at UI and has joined numerous clubs on campus. Marsing is currently president of the Feminist Club, vice president of Secular Student Alliance, vice president of Vandal Clean Energy Club and vice president of Women’s Rugby.
“All of my clubs have definitely gotten interest from prospective students,” Marsing said. “Way more than we get from tabling in the commons or tabling over in the gym. It’s really cool to see the new students coming in and getting excited about stuff.”
Students who represented clubs also helped new Vandals by making them feel welcome and giving them chances to get involved, opening many doors for them. Students start the school year in the fall already with an idea of where they fit on campus.
Future students also get from the tour an idea of where they might want to live. For Samantha Sheldon, UI is her first choice. Solomon said she was most excited about touring the many sorority houses on campus.
“It’s less nerve-wracking to know what’s going on,” Sheldon said.
Kasey Haren can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @HarenKasey