Fall Into Fun: RHA Brings Students Together Through Sports, Wellness, and Creative Nights
From kickball on the turf to Halloween crafts and basketball watch parties, the Residence Hall Association (RHA) kept students busy with opportunities to connect throughout September and October. Hosted by RHA and funded by the Student Enhancement Fee, the events brought together social activities, academic resources, wellness programs, and seasonal celebrations. The variety gave students different ways to get involved, meet people outside their usual circles, and spend time with friends.
The fall lineup began on Friday, September 25, with kickball on the turf field and burritos from Taqueria Los Gallos Express. Students came together for friendly competition and a chance to connect with people from across campus. Kylie ’28 shared, “I really enjoyed the sense of community cultivated by the kickball event. It was fun to see folks from across campus and student groups come together for a fun Friday afternoon!”
RHA turned its attention to academic support and service on Thursday, October 1. A Q&A panel featuring the STEM Center and the Center for Writing Across the Curriculum helped students learn about campus resources and where to turn for academic support. Panelists included Lachlan ’27, a STEM Center tutor, and Camryn ’27, a lead adviser at the Center for Writing Across the Curriculum. That same day, RHA partnered with the American Red Cross to host a blood drive that collected 36 donations, maintaining Saint Mary’s status as a Premier Blood Partner.
The next day, Friday, October 2, Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee brought a free coffee cart to campus. Students stopped by for a drink and a break in their day. Lila ’30 said, “The coffee was the perfect pick me up that I really needed!”
Family Weekend continued with RHA’s Oktoberfest, which featured soft pretzels, mac and cheese, and gingerbread cookies. The event gave students and their families another opportunity to enjoy campus together. Giada ’30 shared her appreciation for the work behind the event, saying, “I enjoyed the experience and the amount of appreciation and time and effort to put this on for the students, we love it and appreciate it.”
The following weekend, RHA offered two very different ways to spend time outside the classroom. On Saturday, October 10, students took part in Archery Tag with planetXone and enjoyed Hawaiian barbecue from iLava Hawaiian BBQ. The next day, Sunday, October 11, Coloring Books and Bundtinis offered a slower pace, with seasonal coloring pages and treats from Nothing Bundt Cakes. Sofia ’30 reflected on the experience, saying, “I enjoyed this event because it made me take a pause on life and do some coloring.”
Sports and wellness took center stage the following week. On Tuesday, October 13, RHA hosted a Lakers versus Warriors watch party at the 1928 Pub, with free food vouchers for students. On Thursday, October 15, in partnership with Campus Recreation, the Witches, Wizards, and Workouts Pilates class brought a Halloween theme to a fitness session, with smoothies from Vitality Bowls and potion necklace crafting.
Creative activities continued over the weekend. On Saturday, October 17, students painted their own mugs at Bootiful Mug Painting while enjoying pizza. Then, on Sunday, October 18, SustainabiliTea invited students to decorate reusable tote bags while drinking Arizona Iced Tea. The event combined a hands-on activity with a chance to think about everyday sustainable choices.
RHA also kept the Halloween spirit going throughout the month with two ongoing programs. In partnership with Peer Advocates for Wellness, Boo Bags gave residential students a way to send treat bags to friends. The Room Photo Contest invited students to share their fall room decorations for a chance to win Saint Mary’s College merchandise. Both activities encouraged students to personalize their residential experience and connect with friends in small but thoughtful ways.
The month wrapped up with another Lakers versus Warriors watch party on Wednesday, October 21, bringing students back to the 1928 Pub to watch the game and enjoy free food vouchers.
Taken together, the September and October events show how RHA supports student life beyond the classroom. Weekend and evening programs give residential students more opportunities to meet peers, explore interests, and build relationships without adding another commitment to their class schedules. From a campus-wide kickball game to a quiet afternoon of coloring, students could choose activities that suited their interests and comfort levels.
With support from the Student Enhancement Fee, RHA continues to make these experiences available to residential students. The fall calendar offered plenty of ways to take part, and each event helped strengthen connections among students and across the Saint Mary’s community