Orientation Week: Potato challenge, daytrip, Honors program… and everything in between!

By Micol Misano

Starting university is a whirlwind—new faces, new routines, new everything. It can feel like stepping into a totally different world, and with the backdrop of a world that's not always easy to navigate, it can make you wonder if you're ready. But luckily, Orientation Week was the perfect antidote to all those first-week jitters. It was three days packed with fun, games, and a chance to meet the people who will become a huge part of our next few years.

From the moment we arrived, it was clear: this wasn’t going to be just another boring “welcome to university” event. Sure, we got to meet the professors and hear about what to expect from our degrees, but we also spent loads of time getting to know each other—and that’s where the real magic happened.

One of the highlights? The Potato Challenge. It might sound a bit random, but trust me, it was one of the most memorable moments of the week. We were divided into teams and given a mission by the Dean of the Entrepreneurship Program: find the most ridiculous, everyday problem, and come up with the wildest, most expensive solution.

My team, which started out as a group of strangers, decided to tackle the age-old problem of mismatched socks after laundry. Our solution? Magnetic socks—socks with magnets that automatically match up after the wash. Absurd? Definitely. Fun? Absolutely. We even made a hilarious video to pitch our idea, and spoiler alert: it  won us first place! And those strangers I was working with? They’re now some of my closest friends.

But it wasn’t just about games and laughter. We also got to hear from professors and learn about what to expect academically. I loved how intense the whole week was—there was never a dull moment. By the end of it, I felt like I had a solid understanding of what the university is about, and what we as students are expected to bring to the table.

After the three-day whirlwind, we took a day trip to the north of Israel, where we spent time together learning about the country and reflecting on why we’d all come from different corners of the globe to study here. It was a chance to connect, to laugh, and yes, to complain about the intensity of the day... but in the best way possible.

And just when I thought the week couldn’t get any better, it did. I was selected to join the Honors Program, along with 18 other students. We had our own special orientation day, where we learned all about the amazing opportunities the program will offer us, from mentorships to the chance to represent the school. It’s an incredible honor, and it’s something I’m really looking forward to.

All in all, Orientation Week was a blast. It was intense, but in the best way possible. It helped us feel like we were part of something bigger, and an unforgettable start to this university adventure. From meeting new friends to tackling creative challenges, it set the tone for the next three years. This week reminded us that university life isn’t just about academics—it’s about building connections, facing challenges together, and growing as individuals. So, bring on the next chapter. I am ready for it.

So, to anyone about to start their own journey here—don’t worry, Orientation Week will make sure you’re ready for it all. And who knows? You might even end up with magnetic socks.