Late Nights at UConn Late NIght

Hi everyone, Mario here,

With 17,000 students on campus, there are more things that happen at UConn other than studying. With guest lecturers, residential life programs, or just hanging out with friends, there are many ways to stimulate the mind or to relax after a busy week of work. One of my favorite ways to wind down is to spend my friday nights at the Student Union for one of UConn’s traditions; Late Night.

My friend Ryan (7th semester - French major) and me jumping around in an inflatable course.

The Student Union Board of Governors, better known as SUBOG, is a group of students who plan University sponsored events. They bring in comedy acts such as Dane Cook and Dave Chappelle, bands such as Gym Class Heroes, films, and lecturers, to campus. They also plan trips to NYC, Boston, and other hotspots around Connecticut that give students the opportunity to get off campus for very low costs.

Fellow Tour Guide, Olivia (4th semester - Pre-Law), and I reppin' the LVC with UConn's Blue Cow.

Late Night is also the result of their workings. Every Friday night from 9 pm to 1 am, the Student Union is lined with stations giving away free novelties and hosting fun activities. The lines get pretty lengthy, but it’s the wait with friends that makes it fun. Each Late Night is themed. This year, the themes have been Old School, Mardi Gras, Ice Age, Around the World, Honey I Shrank Late Night, Late Night Goes Otaku, and many more.

My friends and I have gotten baseball caps with our picture on it, spray painted t-shirts, pillow cases, and fanny packs, a poster of my friends and I, flip flops with a picture of us on it, personalized key chains, personalized street signs, and so much more. When you’ve finished collecting free things, you have the option of watching a free movie at the Student Union theater, hanging out in the game room, or grabbing a bite to eat at the food court. The best part for me and something that is on the UConn bucket list before graduation is Karaoke. A stage is set up at the food court and people who have picked up enough courage to sing entertain the crowd. It is something I definitely am going to do….with a friend who can actually sing. My friends are actually getting ready to go to Late Night now! It’s Late Night Goes Otaku and I heard there will be aromatherapy, caricature artists, airbrush tattoos, origami artists, and more giveaways. I can’t wait, I’ll catch you later!

Freshmen Daniela (1st semester - Political science), Karla (1st semester - ACES), and Danielle (1st semester- ACES) at a photo booth photo shoot at Late Night.