By Brett Marshall, CSU Communications Student Assistant

Undoubtedly, some of your fondest high school memories came from your homecoming. You shouldn’t expect that to change as you prepare for your first college homecoming.

Though both are homecomings, the way the weeks are constructed are vastly different. High school homecomings tend to be more “themed” and involve things happening between classes. Remember dress-up days? College homecoming is nothing like that.

In college, no one cares if you’re a freshman or a senior – when homecoming hits, we’re just one big Mav Fam! That said where competition does heat up is between RSOs. MSU homecoming has teams that are formed by RSOs who compete in a variety of events such as a food eating contest, lip sync battle, parade float building, dodgeball, school spirit and more!

Each event awards the RSO points and at the end of the week, the RSO that accumulates the most points receives a cash prize. Most high schools don’t have cash incentives nor do they have events throughout the week.

Another highlight of homecoming is the concert. This year, the Student Events Team is bringing in world-renowned rapper, Fetty Wap (with special guest Silento – you know, the Whip-NaeNae guy). The concerts are always high-energy and this concert should be no different! Be sure to visit mnsuevents.com and get your ticket if you haven’t already.

It’s a week filled with opportunities and memories! If your RSO isn’t participating as a team, you should still try your best to make it to as many events as you can! I’ve taken the time to outline a few of my favorite events below.

1. Bonfire and Fireworks – see how fast a tower of wood palates goes up in flames – Monday, Sept. 24 at 8 p.m. behind Blakeslee Stadium
2. Lip Sync – perhaps the most popular and most fun competitions during Homecoming Week ends with the crowning of new royalty – Thursday, Sept. 27 at 7 p.m. in Bresnan Arena
3. Fetty Wap Concert – one of two major concerts each year – Friday, Sept. 28 at 7 p.m. in Myers Field House
4. 150^th Homecoming Parade – the downtown anniversary parade is a once-in-a-lifetime experience – Saturday, Sept. 29 at 10 a.m. in Downtown Mankato
5. Football Game – what’s Homecoming without a football game – Saturday Sept. 29 against St. Cloud at 2 p.m. at Blakeslee Stadium. GO MAVERICKS!

Those are all events you don’t want to miss! Click HERE to view a full schedule of events. Homecoming is one of the best weeks of the year, so be sure to make the most of it!