It’s that time of the year, folks!

For the first time in two years, the Fall Involvement Fair is in person. The fair will take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, August 25, and Thursday, August 26.

Upperclassmen have waited two years for the fair to return to the HUB Lawn, while sophomores and freshmen have never experienced an actual in-person fair. It, like many other traditional Penn State experiences, is brand-spankin’ new to them.

The event is ultimately hectic, sweaty, and almost certainly overwhelming. To get a head start, here is some of the best advice to make the most of your Involvement Fair experience.

Take A Deep Breath And Relax

When the clock hits 11, it may seem like a huge crowd on the HUB Lawn. In a lot of cases, it probably will be crowded. But it is not as claustrophobic as it may appear once you walk in.

The fair can get overwhelming, though, so make sure you calm yourself down as you look at the different clubs. Don’t be afraid to pop out of the fair for a bit just to relax and take in all the clubs you’ve seen. Taking a breather might allow for a moment of clarity before you join a club that might not be the right fit.

Don’t Immediately Say ‘No’

There are so many different clubs and organizations out there, and there may be a lot that interest you. If you have multiple clubs catching your eye, try to get in contact with them and see which one fits you the best.

It is perfectly OK to say no later, but it may be better to wait so that you can get a feel for the vibe. You may not be able to fully get it at the Involvement Fair, so try to go to a specific event to get a grasp on the club.

There Are Still Virtual Options

As we said, the Involvement Fair can be very crowded. We are also in the middle of a pandemic, and you may not necessarily feel comfortable walking around in a huge crowd. If you fall into this category, there are still plenty of options for you!

OrgCentral is the home of all of the clubs here at Penn State, and it has a lot of the same information that you’ll find at the Involvement Fair. You may not be able to meet anyone face to face, but all the important information you need to join is there.

Research Ahead Of Time

It may be beneficial to you if you come up with a list of clubs you would like to join before going to the fair. This way, you can quickly get in and out in no time at all. Go and find those clubs that sparked your interest and then head out when you got all the information that you need.

This is good if you’re also wary of crowds but still want to try experiencing an in-person fair. That way, you don’t need to waste your time wandering around in a huge crowd.

Try Something New

There’s no fun in sticking to your comfort zone, people. When you’re patrolling the HUB Lawn this week, be sure to try something new. Taking a chance on a club could help you find a new hobby, passion, or even career path. Did I mention we’re hiring?

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There are a lot of exciting things about the Involvement Fair, and it is a great event to have back in person. Good luck and enjoy!