USF connects social clubs with freshmen students

By: Lawrence Lease

TAMPA BAY, August 20, 2016 University of South Florida freshmen Jess Zenobi was able to
connect with fellow students as well as finding out potential social clubs he could join
throughout the semester. New Student Connections hosted the social event.
The event takes place every fall and spring semester in hopes of better connecting incoming
freshmen with the 600-plus clubs and programs that are active at USF. Throughout the evening,
students were introduced to a variety of clubs that are active this semester. Zenobi is taking full
advantage of this, with wide-eyed wonder.
I was first intimidated by the large campus, but coming to this event, makes me feel the school
is more a small knit community, USF freshmen Jess Zenobi said. Being a freshman can be
frustrating at times, I was surprised to learn that I can join a club dedicated to watching films
and attend showings across the Tampa Bay area.
USFs social even featured 10 different clubs: Community Service, Leadership, Video Gaming,
Transfer and Commuter, Music and Arts, Outdoor and Wellness, Touring Tampa, Tasting Tampa,
International Interest, and Movies and Film. More than 200 students took the opportunity to
attend and learn about some of the clubs that are on campus.
The event was hosted by New Student Connection coordinator, Tara Magley.
Students are encouraged to come meet friends, get plugged into their interests, passions and
common experiences, Magley said. And of course enjoy free food.
The event was split into two parts. The first part allowed freshmen to mingle with each other and
enjoy some free food. The last part of the evening allowed students to take part in breakout
sessions where students were able to get a more intimate look at each club and what they offer.
The video game club, drew the biggest crowd.
Ive been a gamer since I was eight, I grew up playing the Sega Genesis, freshmen Camilo
Andres said. Knowing that I can connect with other gamers through the video game club, gives
me the ability to create lasting friendships, in a way that I am most comfortable with.

Video game club president Joshua Harriger, discussed what the club did and its expectation of
growth.
Im excited to see a large group eager to join the video game club, said Harriger. My friends
and I started this video game club because it allows students to relax after a long day of classes,
Our first meeting was August 26, which we discussed the tournaments we run throughout the
fall.
USFs New Student Connection plans to hold another social club gathering during the first week
of the Spring semester this January.