BY ASHLEY HOPKINSON / Assistant News Editor
The first week of classes means finding new buildings, tweaking schedules and haggling for parking spots.
But it also means back to campus parties and a wide variety of activities to do on the Plains.
The University Program Council is among one of the large community campus organizations that have been hard at work this summer planning innovative ideas for student entertainment.
Virginia Dawson, president of the UPC, said they have movie nights, a block party, Design on a Dime and Fight the Freshman 15 workshops planned for the first two weeks back.
“College is not just about finding a major; it’s about finding what you like and dislike,” Dawson said.
Dawson said some of the best friends students make are from activities outside of the classroom and that joining organizations can help with that.
Michelle Murphy, UPC advisor, agrees and said it is important to enjoy the college experience by having fun.
“I would say incoming freshman and students will enjoy the block party (the most), there’s going to be live music featuring “Hightide Blues,” an Auburn band, so returning students will also enjoy it( as well),” Murphy said.
“And for more creative students, the Design on a Dime workshop will highlight pointers on how students can design a residence hall and apartment for little cost,” Murphy said.
Dawson said the Freshman 15 workshop, planned for Aug. 27 will give students helpful advice and fight the myth that everyone gains weight their freshman year.
“Students can gain a lot from the Freshman 15; it is for anyone who wants to be healthy over the semester. It can teach students how to get in a quick workout during a busy semester,” Nandita Kamath, director of special projects, said.
 Kamath said the workshop will be led by experienced triathlon athlete Tom Ryan and is designed to be interactive, so students are free to ask questions.
Also on the event list is “Casino Night.”
Kamath said it was designed for students to get together, socialize, relax and have fun. There will be music as well as a wide array of games where students can play to win prizes.
“We try to gear to everyone and anyone so returning students will enjoy (activities) as much as freshman,” Kamath said.
In addition to an 80s party and a Battle of the Bands on the student pavilion behind Foy, the UPC has cooking workshops and self defense classes planned.
Murphy said the 80s party will be a great time with good food, contests and music, but no matter the event Murphy encourages students to come on campus and have fun.
“Events planned thus far are free for students, even more reason to take advantage. We highly recommend students not just freshmen (come out) because, you can get a better feel for who we (the UPC) are and what we do,” Murphy said.
Dawson said the UPC plans to publicize as much as possible.
They have ads in local papers, banners on the concourse as well as painted notices on the Foy Student Union windows.
But, if students happen to miss the notices, an updated schedule of UPC events will be available on their Web site www.auburn.edu/upc.