Cajun Craze

8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

First-Time Freshman Move-In | Residence Halls | Hosted by Residential Life

Time to move into your freshman year residence hall! Please refer to the Housing and Residential Life website for more detailed move-in information.

8:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Movie Night | Rose Garden Courtyard | Hosted by Residential Life

Stop by the Rose Garden Courtyard, located behind Coronna Hall, to enjoy a movie night under the stars. 

8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

First-Time Freshman Move-In | Residence Halls | Hosted by Residential Life

Time to move into your freshman year residence hall! Please refer to the Housing and Residential Life website for more detailed move-in information.

8:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Movie Night | Union-Bayou Bijou | Hosted by Residential Life

Congratulations, you are moved in! Come rest and spend the evening in watching a movie in Bayou Bijou.

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Cajun Compass- Navigating Leadership | Union-Bayou Bijou | Hosted by Student Engagement and Leadership

Session 1: Discovering your Leadership Style- Get to know your leadership personality! In this session, you'll take a fun leadership style quiz, reflect on your core values, and learn what kind of leader you naturally are. Whether you're bold and vocal or quiet and thoughtful, there's a place for your leadership here.

12:00 PM – 2:00 PM

Food Fest | Boucher Street | Hosted by Residential Life and Dining Services

Come join us at Food Fest to experience a variety of local food trucks in Lafayette, play fun games, and make new friends! DB will be accepted at the food trucks. 

2:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Meet the Dean of Students | Union- Dean of Students Suite 167 | Hosted by the Dean of Students

Come meet the Dean of Students, enjoy some candy salad, and learn about all the ways they can assist you on campus!

5:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Residence Hall Floor Meetings | Respective halls and floors | Hosted by Residential Life

There will be mandatory floor meetings in Baker Hall, Bonin Hall, Coronna Hall, & Agnes Edwards Hall. Meet your Resident Assistant (RA), students on your floor, and information about living on campus. 

5:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Swamp Party | Union-Porch | Hosted by Student Engagement and Leadership

We are kicking off your freshman year with our traditional SWAMP PARTY- a fun celebration with food, music, dancing, inflatables, tons of give aways, and the world's largest playfair experience!

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Cajun Compass- Navigating Leadership | Union-Bayou Bijou | Hosted by Student Engagement and Leadership

Session 2: Leading With and Through Others- Great leaders don’t go it alone. This interactive session focuses on building your skills for working with others, especially when things get tough. Practice effective communication, teamwork, and conflict resolution through activities and real-life college scenarios.

11:00 AM – 2:00 PM 

Dining Services Information Session | Cypress Dining Hall | Hosted by Dining Services

1:00 PM – 1:45 PM

First-Year Info Session- Working in College | Union- Bayou Bijou | Hosted by the Office of First-Year Experience and Career Services

Do you plan on working in college but don't know where to start or how to balance it all? The Office of Career Services will have the answers to all those questions and more!

2:00 PM – 2:45 PM

First-Year Info Session- Hey, Professor: Effective Communication | Union- Bayou Bijou | Hosted by the Office of First-Year Experience and Career Services

In this panel discussion, you will hear from faculty on campus about the best ways to communicate in order to form professional connections with your instructors, advisors, mentors, and more!

3:00 PM – 3:45 PM

First-Year Info Session- Financial Aid Q&A | Union- Bayou Bijou | Hosted by the Office of First-Year Experience and Financial Aid

If you are receiving financial aid and have any lingering questions before the school year begins, come to this session to hear from the Office of Financial Aid!

4:00 PM – 4:45 PM

First-Year Info Session- Community Engagement in Lafayette | Union- Bayou Bijou | Hosted by the Office of First-Year Experience and Enrollment Management

Come learn about ways to make a positive impact while giving back to the Lafayette community. This session will share opportunities, highlight the value of community, and inspire the importance of making a difference.

5:00 PM – 7:30 PM

TheP.R.I.N.T.- It’s All Fun and Games | Union- Forum | Hosted by TheP.R.I.N.T.

The ultimate game night where good times are guaranteed, and the only rule is to enjoy yourself. Whether you are the board game boss, video game champ or uno ruler, there will be enough fun and games for everyone… because it’s all fun and games!

8:00 PM – 9:30 PM

Two Steppin’ Tuesday | Union- Ballroom | Hosted by the Office of First-Year Experience and the Office of Student Engagement and Leadership

Hey Casanova! Immerse yourself in a uniquely Cajun experience and learn how to zydeco and two-step while enjoying some late-night bites of classic Louisiana food.

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Cajun Compass- Navigating Leadership | Union-Bayou Bijou | Hosted by Student Engagement and Leadership

Sesion 3: Leading with a Purpose- Want to make a difference during your time at UL? This session helps you connect your passions to leadership opportunities on campus and beyond. You’ll map out your interests, hear from inspiring student leaders, and leave with a plan for your own impact.

11:00 AM – 2:00 PM 

Dining Services Information Session | Cypress Dining Hall | Hosted by Dining Services

2:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Get the Scoop with Fraternity and Sorority Life | Union-Ballroom A | Hosted by Student Engagement and Leadership

If offered the chance to join a student organization that is about personal development, empowering leadership potential, service to others, lifelong friendships, and fun... would you be interested? Please come enjoy free ice cream and learn more about these organizations - the fraternities and sororities at UL Lafayette!

5:00 PM & 6:00 PM

Class Locator Tours | Union-Plaza | Hosted by the Office of Orientation

Need help finding your classes? Bring your class schedule and let the Student Orientation Staff and SOUL Camp Mentors guide you around campus!

7:30 PM – 10:30 PM

Bowl-A-Palooza | Premier Lanes of Acadiana | Hosted by the Office of First-Year Experience

STRIKE! Come on down to Premier Lanes for Bowl-a-Palooza- a night full of bowling, arcade games, laser tag, food, and more! Transportation will be provided from the Student Union, however parking on site is also available.

9:30 AM – 11:00 AM

First-Year On-Campus Job Expo | Union- Evangeline Room | Hosted by Career Services

Want to learn more about the on-campus departments who hire student employees? The “Campus Job Expo” will provide the opportunity to connect with these departments.

11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Spice Up Your Space | Hilliard Art Museum| Hosted by the Hilliard Art Museum

Stop by the university's art museum to make your own art. You'll leave with a masterpiece to hang in your room created by YOU! No artistic experience needed.

11:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Dining Services Information Session | Cypress Dining Hall | Hosted by Dining Services

1:00 PM – 1:45 PM

First-Year Info Session- Office of Disability Services | Union- Bayou Bijou | Hosted by the Office of First-Year Experience

If you are a student with a diagnosed disability and unsure of how to secure accommodations, you can stop by and listen to information from the Office of Disability Services.  A staff member will also answer any questions you may have.

2:00 PM – 2:45 PM

First-Year Info Session- Money Management 101 | Union- Bayou Bijou | Hosted by the Office of First-Year Experience and UL Federal Credit Union

Learn the basics of financial education to include budgeting, credit management, and deposit products.

3:00 PM – 3:45 PM

First-Year Info Session- Mental Health and Wellness | Union- Bayou Bijou | Hosted by the Office of First-Year Experience and Counseling and Testing Center

Because you will be balancing a lot of things at once throughout college, your mental health and wellness needs to be taken care of. The Counseling Center will discuss different tips and tricks on how to focus on your mental health.

4:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Popsicles with Purpose | Boucher Street | Hosted by UL LIFE

Get to know the purpose behind the UL LIFE Program and all of the benefits that come with getting involved, such as friendships, flexible schedules, paid student worker opportunities, leadership experience, volunteer hours, and priority scheduling. Come by to grab a snack to cool off & hang out!

6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Rec Fest | Bourgeois Hall | Hosted by Rec Sports

The Department of Recreational Sports is excited to host our 11th annual back to school kick-off event: Rec Fest! We’ll have tons of activities throughout the night that showcase our facilities, equipment, programs, and awesome student staff! Some of these events include music, free food, games, raffle prizes, mechanical bull, po-boy eating contest, photo booth, inflatable obstacle courses, aquatic demonstrations, fitness activities, and a color run! 

9:30 AM – 12:00 PM

New Student Convocation | Cajundome | Hosted by the Office of First-Year Experience

Welcome to the academic kick-off to your collegiate journey. Join us at the Cajundome to commemorate this extremely important moment in your life... when you become a Ragin' Cajun! 

For more information regarding transportation, parking, and program, please visit the New Student Convocation page.

8 PM – 10 PM

Splash Bash | Bourgeois Hall Aquatic Center | Hosted by Student Engagement and Leadership

Enjoy a unique cinema experience at the Student Aquatic Center, floating or lounging poolside under the stars. Plus, grab some food, free giveaways, and more! 

8:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Farmer’s Market | Moncus Park

Hop on the shuttle and ride over to Lafayette's Farmers and Artisans Market at Moncus Park, which is full of local food, drinks, and crafts. After you take a look around you can sit down under the oak trees and listen to the Cajun Jam! Please note that the farmer’s market has very limited parking, so the shuttle from the Student Union is highly encouraged.

1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

On-Campus Service Project | UL Career Closet | Hosted by Career Services

The Career Closet provides students with free, gently-used professional clothing items for interviews, career fairs, and other professional networking events. There has been an influx of donations this summer, so the Career Closet needs your help getting everything ready for the new school year! If you would like to participate, sign up now as spots are limited.

4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

JiggAerobics | Union- Ballroom | Hosted by the Office of First-Year Experience

Come get moving, meet fellow students, and get inspired to start your school year off on the right foot! Featured on Shark Tank, JiggAerobics is all about building confidence, strengthening connection, and being entertained while doing it! 

11:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Zydeco Brunch | Union- Cypress Dining Hall | Hosted by Residential Life

Come enjoy Zydeco Brunch and music, upstairs in the Cypress Dining Hall. Meal swipes are valid and we will have meal vouchers for the first 50 students without a meal plan.

4:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Panhellenic Recruitment Orientation | Union- Ballroom | Hosted by Student Engagement and Leadership

This orientation is for all women who have registered for or are considering registering for Panhellenic Sorority Recruitment. You will meet your student Recruitment Counselors and get all the information you need to start Recruitment on August 28th. If you still want to register click here!

6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Campus Cool Down | Boucher Street | Hosted by UL Campus Ministries

Join the all the campus ministries for some popsicles, games, and fellowship. 

First Day of Classes!

8:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Donut Drop-In | Rex Street and most academic buildings | Hosted by Student Government Association

Grab a donut and merch and meet your student leaders!

10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

First Day Flicks | Union- Porch and Evangeline Room | Hosted by Student Activities Board

Come by and take that first day of college photo at our customized photo stations. This  event only takes place ONE time a year! Rep your class with your classification signs and take a photo by yourself or with friends!

5:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Community Meetings | Respective Halls | Hosted by Residential Life

There will be a mandatory floor meeting in Agnes Edwards, Huger Hall, Legacy Park Apartments, & The Heritage Apartments at Cajun Village. Meet your Resident Assistant (RA) and Community Assistants (CA), students on your floor/building, and important information about living on-campus

7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

TheP.R.I.N.T.- Aux Cord Wars | Angelle Hall | Hosted by TheP.R.I.N.T.

4:00 PM – 5:30 PM

Out of State Student Mixer | The Alumni Center | Hosted by Residential Life and the UL Alumni Association

Come meet other Out of State Students at this social event to learn about Lafayette and the culture of Louisiana. 

8:00 PM – 10:00 PM

ResLife Foam Party | Rose Garden Courtyard | Hosted by Residential Life

Residence Hall Association (RHA) invites you to participate in a night of music, dance, waterslides, and FOAM.

10:00 AM – 1:30 PM

Get on Board Day | Union- Ballroom | Hosted by Student Engagement and Leadership

Come out and explore over 100+ amazing student organizations to see how you can get involved.

7:00 PM – 10:00 PM

NPHC Presents: Skate Night | Fun Nation Roller Skating | Hosted by National Pan-Hellenic Council

Roll into a night of fun with NPHC's Back-to-school Skate Night. Join in for some music and good vibes. Come to skate, socialize, and connect with NPHC.

10:30 AM – 1:00 PM

Kooldown Kickback | Union-Plaza | Hosted by Student Government Association

Pick a snowball and learn about your student government!

3:00 PM – 5:00 PM

TheP.R.I.N.T.- Network and Navigate | Union-Forum | Hosted by TheP.R.I.N.T.

Here's your chance to establish connections amongst other freshmen, upperclassmen, faculty, staff, and community members who you may encounter throughout your time on campus. Students will network about various topics and meet people with common interests like you. Students will also have a chance to hear from student leaders during the student panel. 

6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

TheP.R.I.N.T.- Ragin’ Rep Night | Union-Ballroom A | Hosted by TheP.R.I.N.T.

Ragin’ Roar is coming up and what better way to get ready for the event… decorating your own t-shirt! We will have a limited number of shirts for students, and you will get a chance to paint, bedazzle, draw, and much more on your own shirt, so you can wear to Ragin’ Roar. Come out and be creative!

7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Ragin’ Roar | Student Tailgating | Hosted by Traditions Board

Get ready to unleash your spirit at Ragin' Roar, our first pep rally for the football season! Join us at the Student Tailgate field and show off your Ragin' Cajun pride. It's a night you won't want to miss!

4:00 PM

Freshmen First Down | Student Tailgating | Hosted by Traditions Board

Freshmen students are invited to the Freshmen First Down tailgating area at Student Tailgate Field from 4:00 PM -6:00 PM our first home game. Join us with a valid student ID for free food, music, and swag!

7:00 PM

Football Game vs. Rice | Our Lady of Lourdes Stadium at Cajun Field

It's our first home football game! Students are able to secure FREE tickets to home sporting events. More information about tickets is available here.

6:00 PM – 8:45 PM

Ragin’ Cajuns Downtown Alive! | Parc Sans Souci 

Here’s a little lagniappe (“something extra”) for you! This event is a collaboration of all things UL and all things Lafayette. Enjoy amazing food, culture, shopping, and entertainment available in downtown Lafayette!