Welcome Week 2025 REC Events: What You Need to Know

UC San Diego students report that 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.

Stay in touch with everything happening with REC this year by subscribing to our email newsletter!

Martial Arts Expo

What: Learn about martial arts clubs and classes at UC San Diego while enjoying performances from students and instructors from some of the 14 martial arts programs on campus!
When: Monday, Sept. 22, 6 to 7:30 pm
Where: Main Gym
Who: All students

Floatopia

What: Celebrate becoming a Triton by attending Floatopia, Recreation's annual pool party! Enjoy relaxing in our indoor pool, lounging on giant pool floaties, or in the spa, and visit our table to learn more about Recreation programs and activities. The party will be complete with a DJ, giveaways, and light refreshments.
When: Tuesday, Sept. 23, 3 to 5 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. First-year undergraduate, graduate, and transfer students can also pick up their wristbands for Meet the Beach starting Wednesday immediately after the Triton UnOlympics at the Sports Club Expo on RIMAC Field.
When: Wednesday, Sept. 24, noon to 3 pm
Where: LionTree Arena (indoors)
Who: All students

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. 24, 2 to 5:30 pm
Where: RIMAC South Field
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 17th 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, 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. 27, 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 fully. Wristbands will begin being handed out after UnOlympics on Wednesday, Sept., 24, on RIMAC Field at 3:30 pm. Please check our Meet the Beach page for other wristband distribution times while supplies last.