It’s nice to come to campus and feel wanted, says Lana El-Osta: “It really builds University of Windsor pride.”

The first-year biochemistry student joined her childhood friend Nikita Gandhi in trying to take advantage of all that is offered during Windsor Welcome Week. Tuesday, they enjoyed free snow cones outside the CAW Student Centre, courtesy of the International Student Society.

“There’s so much free stuff to do,” Gandhi says. “It gives you a good sense of how friendly the university is.”

The treats were distributed from the large tent serving as headquarters in the newly renovated Student Centre Courtyard between Dillon and Memorial halls. Tuesday’s programming also included the Tough Lancer competition and a hayride tour of the campus neighbourhood.

Today’s Windsor Welcome Week events are a little more academic, starting with Program Orientation, mandatory for first-year students in all courses of study. Welcoming Celebration begins at 3 p.m. in the St. Denis Centre for members of the Class of 2016. One lucky winner will receive a semester’s free tuition from the Alumni Association.

A reception for mature students to discuss balancing the demands of school, family and work is scheduled for Alumni Hall’s McPherson Lounge at 5 p.m.

The Coming Home Music Festival will rock Windsor’s riverfront, with a slate of acts headlined by Swedish DJ Avicii.

Other events this week include:

• Thursday, September 6. First day of classes and the Adrenaline Rush inflatable carnival.
• Friday, September 7. See the city with the Taste of Sandwich food tour and an evening cruise along the Windsor-Detroit riverfront.
• Saturday, September 8. Shinerama Shine Day will put UWindsor students on the street, working their shoe-shining skills to benefit cystic fibrosis charities.

 Visit www.windsorwelcomeweek.ca for a full list of events, locations and times.

Volunteers Chandandeep Brar and Navjot Singh provide directions and free gear to Teresa Schincariol.

First-year English major Hanan Ricketts muffs a putt during a game of mini-golf with friend Kasey Wiebe.

Tiki torches await use by organizers of the River’s Edge beach party, outside Assumption University.

A large ad in the CAW Commons to promote the Coming Home Music Festival dwarfs Lancer soccer players Mia Cuffaro and Jaclyn Faraci.