Having a vibrant and lively campus is always an important part of the student experience here at RPI. I love being able to disappear for a few hours on the weekend and partake in the various events going on around the area. Highlighting last weekend, at least on my calendar, was the senior class’ 105 Days Party. While I have heard grumblings about various parts of the evening, I certainly had an enjoyable time, and managed to run into a number of old friends that I haven’t kept in touch with as well as I should have.
Next weekend is certainly a big one on campus, with the Big Red Freakout! coming back to campus for the 28th time. If you haven’t gotten tickets to the game yet, you’re pretty much out of luck, but you can still take part in the fanfare around campus. The Big Red Freakout! is more than just a game; it’s an experience that envelops all of RPI. This is one of the few times during the year that the general apathy on campus is replaced by screaming people with half red, half white faces, and the Bullet showing up on people in unusual places.
Be sure to stop by the RPI Playhouse for the annual Evening of Performance, being held evenings from Thursday through Saturday, and which, despite its name, also has an afternoon performance on the 12th. An unusual yet entertaining selection of one-act plays awaits you, and it is the perfect addition to any evening. If you have time one night, or if you didn’t remember to buy Freakout tickets before they sold out, treat yourself, and have a night out at the theatre. As a bonus, if you’re lucky, and you’re paying attention, you may even see a Grand Marshal making a quick appearance.
The hat trick of major events is completed with the Winter Carnival/Mini Activities Fair, being held in the McNeil Room of the Union from Thursday evening from 5-7 pm. Dozens of clubs will be staffing the event with all manner of food, entertainment, and activities. This gives you the perfect opportunity to see a play, get to an indoor carnival, and see the most exciting hockey game of the season—all in the same weekend.
