If there’s one thing I learned during my first semester at Temple, it’s that campus has a way of pulling you into the moment— whether you’re ready or not. Every week seemed to bring a new event, a new crowd, and a new memory to tuck into the “first-year experiences” folder in my brain. Looking back, these are the moments everyone on campus was talking about… and the ones that made my own semester truly unforgettable.
Temple Fest: The Beginning of Everything
Temple Fest was my very first glimpse of what being an Owl really feels like: chaotic, loud, exciting, and absolutely full of opportunity. Seeing all the clubs lined up across campus felt like being handed a menu of every possible version of myself.
As a first-year, I signed up for anything that sparked even a little curiosity; and honestly, some of those sign-ups ended up shaping my entire semester. The energy, the free merch, the conversations, the “you should totally join!” moments— Temple Fest was the kickoff that made me feel like I belonged here. One of the most impactful clubs I discovered was Her Campus, opening my first semester to months of exploring my love for writing, sisterhood, and fun, inspiring meetings.
TU Palooza: Mechanical Bulls & Owl Pride Bruises
TU Palooza was one of the most chaotic yet exhilarating days of the semester. Rock climbing, bumper cars, food, mechanical bulls— if it looked slightly dangerous or totally entertaining, it was there.
Racing my friends through the inflatable climbing course is definitely a memory that will stick with our friend group for years. I also rode a mechanical bull for the first time ever— 14 seconds of pure chaos that left me scratched up but surprisingly proud. There’s nothing like a little bruising to prove your Owl Pride, right? And the tote bag they gave out? Adorable and now a staple in my daily rotation.
That day reminded me that college isn’t just about classes or deadlines; it’s about letting loose, having fun, and making memories with the people around you.
Homecoming & Family Weekend: A Campus-Sized Celebration
Homecoming Week transformed the entire campus into one big block party. Inflatable slides, DJs, music stations, a 360° camera (which definitely captured some dramatic hair flips), and of course, the free shirts everyone scrambled to grab.
Seeing everyone’s cute homecoming outfits and tailgate photos perfectly captured the Temple aesthetic: bold, spirited, and full of personality.
Family Weekend offered a completely different vibe: cozy, wholesome, and surprisingly grounding for a mid-semester pause. While the game itself was a bit of a bust, showing my family around campus and spending time with them at arts and crafts was a highlight. Moments like these made Temple feel less like a campus and more like a community.
Fall Fest: Cozy Vibes & Campus Community
Fall Fest was the perfect transition into the colder months. Hosted by RHA, the event carried a warm, nostalgic autumn feeling. Fall Fest had pumpkins, DIY tote bags, candy, little games with prizes, and a photographer capturing everyone’s fall-core moments.
It was simple in the best way: a slower, cozier reminder that not every big moment needs loud music or inflatable slides. Sometimes, painting a pumpkin or decorating a tote with friends is enough to make a memory that lasts.
Closing Reflection: A Semester I’ll Always Remember
Looking back at all these events, I realize how much they shaped my first semester— not just through fun, but by giving me a sense of belonging. Each event had its own energy, its own chaos, its own story… and I showed up for all of it.
If this was just semester one, I can’t wait to see what the next few years at Temple have in store.