Associated Students Welcome Tritons with “First Friday” and “Chill N’ Grill” Events

The first weeks of the fall quarter at UC San Diego have been filled with energy and laughter as Associated Students hosted several major welcome events designed to strengthen campus connections. Among the most popular were “First Friday” and “Chill N’ Grill,” two gatherings that brought together thousands of students for music, food, and social engagement. The events reflected UCSD’s ongoing commitment to community-building and student involvement, providing spaces where Tritons could relax, meet new people, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the new academic year.

“First Friday,” held in late September, transformed campus plazas into a festival-like environment featuring DJs, student performers, and games. Food trucks lined the event space as students danced, mingled, and explored opportunities to join clubs and organizations. The relaxed, welcoming vibe was intentionally designed to appeal to both new and returning students, giving everyone a chance to connect outside the classroom.

The following week’s “Chill N’ Grill” continued the celebration with a casual afternoon of barbecued food, lawn games, and community tabling. The event highlighted UC San Diego’s outdoor culture, turning an ordinary Friday into a campuswide picnic. Associated Students organizers said that both events were meant to help students build relationships early in the quarter, especially after the transitions of moving to campus or returning from break.

Student feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with many describing the events as essential moments for forming friendships and discovering new interests. “These events make the campus feel smaller,” said one sophomore attendee. “You start to realize how much is happening here and how easy it is to be part of it.” With both “First Friday” and “Chill N’ Grill,” Associated Students demonstrated once again that community engagement thrives when students are given the space to connect, celebrate, and share in the spirit of Triton pride.