For the last few weeks, new students have been exploring the campus and looking at possibilities the University offers.

The University of Alabama sponsors the Week of Welcome, also known as WOW, which helps freshmen and transfer students get acclimated to the University and see what is offered on campus and around Tuscaloosa. WOW lasts until Sunday, Aug. 28and showcases many programs throughout the week.

Monday was student night at Target, a program sponsored by WOW.  Student night at Target was intended for freshmen and transfer students who needed supplies and wanted to spend time with fellow students.

“I went to Target last night to get free stuff; it was pretty fun,” said Darby Tohill, a freshman majoring in pre-pharmacy. “It has been a great experience at Alabama, and I’m just trying to find where everything is.”

Many freshmen have decided to find out more about the University by going to greek events including preview weekend and rush parties. Costa’s Greekfest will be Friday night, giving students a chance to hear live music and become more familiar with the greek community. This year country music artist Dierks Bentley will be the headliner, along with special guest G. Love and Special Sauce.

“I’ve enjoyed going to different fraternity parties, rushing and seeing brotherhood,” said Robert Freeland, a freshman majoring in business.

Some freshmen attending Alabama have joined athletic teams and have been able to enjoy other opportunities the University offers. JP Payne, a freshman majoring in engineering and a member of the lacrosse team, said he has enjoyed his time so far at the University of Alabama.

“Alabama is awesome; it’s everything I expected, and I’ve had a lot of fun so far,” Payne said.

Nicole Romano, a freshman majoring in telecommunication and film, attended the Bama Belle Riverboat Cruise Sunday. The cruise was only offered to new students at the University to give them an opportunity to see the Black Warrior River and to spend time with other students.

“The boat tour was cool; I enjoyed it,” said Romano.

The University will be providing a Welcome Back Breakfast for students at the Ferguson Center today and Thursday from 7 a.m. until 10 a.m. The food will be provided by Chick-fil-A. Today and Thursday, the Crimson Compass tents will be up from 7 a.m. until 6 p.m. to help those students inquiring about directions to classes and the locations of buildings on campus.

To find out more about the events going on this week, visit wow.ua.edu.