Classes are about to start up again at NIU, but students might not want to crack open those textbooks yet.

Both new and returning students should be able to find something to do during New Student Welcome Days, Aug. 22 through Aug. 26.

The NIU orientation office, residence halls, Holmes Student Center and campus activities board (CAB) are just some of the organizations that will help welcome students back to NIU.

“New Student Welcome Days began twelve years ago as part of the summer orientation program,” said student coordinator Matt Miller. “They (Welcome Days) help to alleviate fears of new students coming to campus.”

They help students to “feel more at home so they are more likely to finish degrees,” said Laura Bottens, student assistant for the Orientaton and Student Affairs Office.

New Student Welcome Days began as the residence halls opened August 22. After students move in they can attend activities such as pizza parties, mixers, and volleyball games.

On August 23, the university food service will sponsor a barbeque at the playfair at the West Lagoon, Miller said. A bonfire sponsored by the Sigma Alpha Mu fraternity will follow.

The annual Friday fest, moved from the usual location at the Martin Luther King commons to the Student Recreation Center paking lot, will be held Aug. 24.

CAB will sponsor free movies on Aug. 24 and Aug. 25 at the Sandburg Auditorium in the Holmes Student Center.”Steel Magnolias” will be shown at 7 p.m. and “Parenthood” will be shown at 10 p.m.

CAB will also sponsor juggler Mark Nizer, the “1984 Collegiate Entertainer of the Year” on Aug. 26.

The Holmes Student Center will sponsor “fall fest,” activities that will happen during the first week of classes. These activities include the music of The Renfields Aug. 27, a billiards exhibition Aug. 29 and 30 and special offers at the University Bookstore, Food for Thought deli and Huskie’s Den.