Welcome Week REC Events: What You Need to Know

UC San Diego students report the top benefits of participating in recreation programs include improving their emotional well-being and stress reduction. For newcomers, Welcome Week events are a great way to connect with others and become familiar with the wide range of programs offered by UCSD Recreation. And for returning students, these events are an annual tradition and highlight.

But let’s face it, there’s a lot going on during the first few weeks at school. From reconnecting with friends to figuring out your schedule to acclimating to another academic year, it can be hard to keep track of everything that’s happening on campus. That’s why we’re making it easy for you here by giving you everything you need to know about what’s happening with UCSD Recreation during Week 0 this year.

By the way, you can stay in touch with everything happening with REC this year by subscribing to our new email newsletter!

Floatopia

What: Celebrate becoming a Triton by lounging on giant pool floaties, donuts, and inflatable animals and meet new people around campus. Cool off in the pool and learn about our aquatics program. There will be live music, giveaways, and light refreshments.
When: Tuesday, Sept. 24, 4 to 6 pm
Where: The Natatorium pool at the Main Gym Complex
Who: All students
Note: Students can access the locker rooms in Main Gym to change before and after the event.

Triton UnOlympics

What: Each year during Week 0, UC San Diego’s eight undergraduate colleges compete for the coveted Golden Shoe trophy. They must excel in unique field games that will be played on the basketball court, such as sack races and an egg toss, as well as wow the judges in a choreographed dance and school chant.
When: Wednesday, Sept. 25, 11 am to 2 pm
Where: Lion Tree Arena (indoors)
Who: All students
Note: Following Triton UnOlympics, first-year undergraduate, graduate, and transfer students can also pick up their wristbands for Meet the Beach starting Wednesday at 4 pm in the Lion Tree Arena just east of the Sports Club Expo and Ridgewalk Social.

Sports Clubs Expo & TEC Open House

What: Meet and greet our 30-plus Sports Clubs teams that play through UCSD Recreation — everything from Esports to Equestrian. Learn about tryouts, and the history of each sport, and make new connections. In addition, the Triton Esports Center (TEC) is holding an open house for students to check out the latest gaming technology, play a few rounds of various video and online games, and meet Esports student-athletes.
When: Wednesday, Sept. 25, 10 am to 3 pm
Where: In front of RIMAC and at TEC in RIMAC Annex
Who: All students

Meet the Beach

What: Enjoy some sun, sand, and surf at Black’s Beach with other UCSD first-year undergraduate, graduate, and transfer students at the 16th annual Meet the Beach, one of UC San Diego’s signature events. There will be free swag and lunch (while supplies last). Students can also partake in surf lessons, kayak tours, Scripps Pier tours, aerial silks, rent boogie boards, and participate in our muscle beach, beach Zumba, and yoga. Students can also lounge on the shore, take photos at our photo booth, or snap pictures of the world-famous surf dogs! Find more information here.
When: Saturday, Sept. 28, 10 am to 3 pm
Where: Scripps Pier
Who: First-year undergraduate, graduate, and transfer students only
Note: You must have a wristband to participate. Wristbands will be handed out after the UnOlympics on Wednesday at 4 pm in the Lion Tree Arena just east of the Sports Club Expo and Ridgewalk Social. You can also pick up wristbands on Thursday, Sept. 26, and Friday, Sept. 27.