Pace picks up around campus

Today is the calm before the storm for the Kansas University campus.

On Sunday, most of the 5,100 students who will live in the university’s residence halls, scholarship halls and student apartments will haul their mini fridges and lava lamps into their rooms, preparing for another school year. Residents of Jayhawker Towers began moving in Friday. Leases on most private student apartments began Aug. 1.

With the arrival of the residence hall dwellers, the annual migration of students to Lawrence will be complete.

KU officials have scheduled seven days of tradition-filled events  dubbed “Hawk Week”  surrounding Thursday’s start of classes.

The fall sorority recruitment drive also starts in earnest Sunday with meetings between counselors and prospective members. It will culminate Thursday with invitations to new members. Fraternities have been recruiting new members throughout the summer.

The 20-year-old Hawk Week tradition is all about making students feel at home. During the days, organizers focus on teaching students  particularly newcomers  about KU, its libraries, sports venues, student employment, volunteer opportunities and class locations.

At night the focus is on fun, with activities including an ice cream social, concerts and a dance.

“If you’re coming from a small school or don’t know a lot of people, KU can be intimidating,” said Kristin Trendel, director of new student orientation. “I think (Hawk Week) really helps students to feel like they haven’t just been left here. It tells them that somebody is excited about them being at KU.”

For students planning ahead, fall break is Oct. 17-18 and Thanksgiving break is Nov. 27-29. Fall semester classes end Dec. 12, and finals wrap up Dec. 20.