Frosh Bazaar

Get ready to be begged, bugged, and bombarded by more organizations than you could ever handle or remember. The Freshman Bazaar, held the first weekend in September, is a frenzy of frantic activity. Students from every group at Yale line up on Old Campus, attempting to attract your attention and get you to join their organization.

Take leaflets from everyone, but unless you want to receive phone calls from every organization and their mothers, write your name down on sign-up sheets very selectively. Of course, that's not to say that you shouldn't sign up for things in which you are only mildy interested. I signed up for improvisational comedy on a whim and, before I knew it, two groups had picked me.

Organizations love freshmen. They want you. They need you. They must have you. New blood keeps Yale alive and they know that you are the key to the future of their organization. Singing groups, dance groups, drama groups, publications (like the Herald), community service groups, orchestras and bands, club sports, and even jugglers will be out there, smiling and wanting you badly.

It's a hectic day, but if the weather's nice, it's fun to mill around and explore what Yale has to offer. Take advantage of all the free food that groups provide to lure you to their tables. Sign up, mooch off their goodies, play their games, take some risks, and remember: you will probably sign up for more than you can handle, and that's great. In a few months, you'll know what you want to do. And with Yale's variety, you'll be sure to find out exactly what kinds of things you enjoy.

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