Blastoff, Kent State University’s annual back to school event, happens every year the day before classes start during the fall semester. 

This year’s Blastoff fell on Wednesday, August 21 preceding the start of classes Thursday. 

Blastoff is the finale of the KSU Kickoff, a series of activities spanning over four days to prepare incoming freshmen for their first college semester. KSU Kickoff ran from Sunday, August 18 to Wednesday, August 21. 

Organized by the Center for Student Involvement, Blastoff hosts thousands of students on Risman Plaza to mingle and explore the various student organizations Kent State offers. There are also games, prizes, free samples, handouts and musical performances.

Organizations can register in advance for a table at Blastoff to showcase their organization and speak with students potentially interested in joining their group. According to the KSU Kickoff’s schedule on its website, “over 300 student groups participate in Blastoff each year.”

Maria McGinnis is an assigning editor. Contact her at [email protected].