One of my favorite things about the first week at school is the activity fair. This is where clubs from around campus set up booths to promote themselves to get new members. It's a great time to get to know what your campus has to offer in term of activities to do outside of class. I've now been through this lovely fair twice. It's a very interesting experience that I highly recommend that you go to, especially if you are freshmen. I thought this year would be different, but I still went through the same stages. So, I've compiled a list of my stages below.

1. Pre-Event Excitement

I know I was pumped to go. It's about time to get your first glance at what your school has to offer. There will be free stuff and it's a great way to meet new people.

2. Strategic Game Plan

You might do some research before hand and talk to others about their activities. It's possible you'll already know what you want to join and look at. You'll probably write down what booths you need to hit, so you can make it a fast trip. Good idea!

3. Overwhelming Wave

Ball State has a ton of clubs and extracurriculars, but I even think it's grow from last year. There is just this overwhelming feeling you drowned in when you walk into the area to see aisles and aisles of booths, not to mention the thousands of students trying to look at everything. Carve out a good chunk of time to go to this event. It's not a ten minute only event. Also, flow with the crowd. Don't try to go against the crowd. It will not end well.

4. Distraction Central

Ha, that beautiful in and out game plan you had goes out the window. I was so determine to just find and grab the fliers for the two I planned to join this year, but I managed to sign up for call-out meetings for another four different clubs. A lot of times I was pulled in by the free candy and promises of things. Don't reach for the candy unless you are super sneaky or are willing to talk to the students about their club.

5. Escape Relief

You've finally got back to your dorm. You can finally breathe. Congrats! Now, it's the time to reflect. Go through all your fliers. Eat all the candy you've collected. Wait for the emails about the meetings. Unfortunately, some of this club will have these meetings at the same time. Don't be afraid to reach out though and explain you can't go. They'll probably give you the information.