Maybe it’s just me, but I think Family Weekend is one of the best times of the year. This year, the University of Northern Iowa’s Family Weekend is October 21-23. This entire weekend is a way for students to connect with family and have fun around campus. It’s about during the middle of the semester, so we students have probably been away from our families for quite some time. Nothing is better than having your parents come to town for the weekend to hang out with (and embarrass) you!

I love seeing my parents after being at college for a while. It’s fun to catch up and fill them in on my life at school, as well as hear about theirs. For freshmen, this weekend might be a great time to reconnect with family and even dispel feelings of homesickness. Of course, don’t forget to ask how your pets are doing at home, like I always do. Family weekend is something that both my parents and I look forward to!

Family Weekend activities make it easy to get involved with your parents. There is always fun events both Friday and Saturday. Live music, shows, food, exhibits, and displays are just some of what’s offered all around campus this weekend. Not to mention the Panther football and volleyball games! I always love finding stuff to do with my parents because the events are geared toward parents and students both.

What better way to spend a Saturday than showing your parents how beautiful UNI is in the fall? Family Weekend always falls on the perfect time of the year. I’ve always loved taking my parents to explore campus and showing them all of my favorite places to eat, study, or hang out. My mom and dad are always interested in visiting other areas of Cedar Falls too, such as Main Street. Don’t hesitate to show your family around the area!

Family Weekend is a great way for your friends to meet the people you spend your time with at college. Introduce them to your dorm roommate, close friends, or show them around your apartment! They’ll love meeting other parents and getting to know your friends too.

There will be so many fun activities and events going on this weekend. It's a great way to have fun while spending time with your family. So don't wait, invite your family to Cedar Falls and show them what it means to be a Panther!