Most students have taken the campus tour before admission or during orientation, but schools still can unveil hidden gems on campus during the first day or week of classes. A school could open the football locker rooms to get students excited about the upcoming season, or it can provide an opportunity for students and parents to see the science labs. A reading by one of the university's published authors can offer a more personal look at faculty. As the tour moves around campus, students can see where their classes are located.
College students sometimes don't get involved with school clubs and organizations because they didn't know such opportunities existed. Give clubs a chance to advertise themselves by hosting a Club Fair in the student union. It is a casual way for freshmen to meet upperclassmen and possibly find college mentors. Involvement on campus is a proven key to higher student retention rates at universities.
Start the school year with a celebration for students. For example, West Virginia University throws its annual FallFest to celebrate the end of the first day of classes. It is free to all students and their guests. The festival consists of a concert with three or four acts to appeal to a variety of musical tastes, a comedy caravan, free beer if over 21, and free soda and food. The Black-Eyed Peas, Three Doors Down, Dashboard Confessional, Daughtry and Kanye West have played FallFest.