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Dear Incoming UD Student,

For the ninth consecutive year UD Hillel, in conjunction with the Jewish Studies Department, Chabad on Campus and the entire UD Jewish community is excited to offer a program for all incoming Jewish students. Freshman Fest is over 30 hours of fun and games with other incoming Jewish students. Over the past eight years students have met their best friends on campus at Freshman Fest…and all before the first day of classes even begins.

If you’ve already registered GREAT! We’re glad to have you on board. If you are still deciding, let us tell you a bit about FF. Our goal is to ensure that you begin your life at UD with an advantage that most other incoming students don’t have. By moving in on August 25th, two days before anyone else, you will get to meet over 200 UD students right from the start. You will also be more familiar with the campus than the average freshman. Seeing familiar and friendly faces throughout your first weeks will truly make you feel at home. Plus, you’ll be moved into your room early, which means no crowds, no hassles, and choice of the best bed.

It’s not only freshmen who you will be meeting; we have upperclassmen who return to be Ambassadors, Coordinators and as the Steering Committee for Freshman Fest. They know it all, and are involved in activities all over campus. Go ahead, ask them what’s up; they’re happy to talk with you. Also at Freshman Fest, you can get information about social, theatrical, educational, athletic, religious, and social justice events sponsored by Jewish student groups on and off campus.

Applications are available online at www.udhillel.org please complete it along with the online Pay Pal payment form by August 1st. The fee for Freshman Fest 2011 is $50. This covers all meals, transportation and programs during the event. The University will also assess an early move in fee of $50 per night to your first housing bill. If you require a hard copy application or have any further questions, please call Hillel at 302-453-0479 or contact us by email at freshmanfest@udhillel.org.

Also, Hillel and the Delaware Book Exchange are offering FF participants the opportunity to pre order books! To do so place a “BUY” order (rather than a “RESERVE” preorder) on www.delawarebookexchange.com, choose in-store pickup for the shipping method, and then in the special comments section type the words “HILLEL FRESHMAN FEST”.  This will ensure the books are delivered right here to Hillel to be picked up at Freshman Fest, no waiting in line! Please make all book orders by August 22^nd.

Meanwhile, make sure to check out Freshman Fest on the web at www.udhillel.org and on the University Of Delaware Freshman Fest 2011 Facebook Group.

Have a great summer…we can’t wait to meet you!!

Sincerely,

P.S. Make sure to check out the FAQ’s below…. Got more questions? No problem. Hillel will be part of a table at New Student Orientation, in the Trabant cafeteria hallway, drop on bye and say Hi, we’ll be happy to talk with you. We’re also on campus all summer, so feel free to stop by and meet us when you’re on campus!

Why should I do Freshman Fest?

1. You’ll get to make new friends before everyone else
2. You can move in early (August 25^th, 5:00pm) i.e. without the rush and hassle
3. You’ll learn about life @ UD from Jewish upperclassmen that have been there and done everything…
4. You can pre-order books (from Delaware Book Exchange) and have them delivered to Hillel
5. You’ll know the campus before everyone else
6. You’ll get to meet some of the coolest kids on campus
7. You’ll have a great time!!

Did you say I can pre order books?

YES! You can pre order books and have them delivered right to Hillel during Freshman Fest. To do so place a “BUY” order (rather than a “RESERVE” preorder) on www.delawarebookexchange.com , choose in-store pickup for the shipping method, and then in the special comments section type the words “HILLEL FRESHMAN FEST”.  This will let the book store know to deliver your order to Freshman Fest. Please make all book orders by August 22.

How many people will be coming to Freshman Fest?

Last year was our eighth year running the program, and we had almost 200 people participate in Freshman Fest. The number of new students signed up has more than quadrupled from the first year of the program. This year we anticipate another great turnout.

What will I be doing exactly?

You will be meeting LOTS of new people from all over, eating, sleeping, playing sports, swimming, BBQing, getting to know UD’s campus and Jewish life, some praying (optional), and guest entertainment.

How much does it cost?

The fee for Freshman Fest 2010 is $50.00. This includes all meals and activities. Do note that while we take care of the early move in arrangements with the University to allow participants to move in on Thursday night, the University will add 2 nights early move-in fee ($50 a night), to your first housing bill.

Is there a schedule of activities I can look at?

We’re still working to complete the full schedule right now. Our program begins on Thursday around 7:00pm (2 hours after move in begins) and goes through Shabbat Dinner on Friday. The day is packed with people to meet, things to do, and food to eat. A schedule will be mailed to all registered participants later this summer. Please be in touch if you require more detailed information before then.

What if I’m Jewish but I don’t really know much about it or I’m not observant at all, or only one of my parents is Jewish?

Congratulations. You are in the majority of Jewish college students. There’s a place for everyone at Freshman Fest.

How do I sign up?

Find it all online at www.udhillel.org. There you will find the registration form as well as be directed right to Pay Pal where you can make the $50 payment online. Please complete the application and payment by August 1.  It’s that simple.

What if I still have questions?

Join the wonderful Facebook group! You can talk to our Freshman Fest Ambassadors and Coordinator to find out what Freshman Fest is all about; you can also contact Alicia Cohen, Director of Jewish Student Life at aliciaco@udel.edu or 302-453-0479.