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The College of New Jersey Magazine
PRAIRIE
F A L L 2 0 2 5
So fire
Feel-good fun fuels
students' first night.
Music. Marshmallows. Roommates. It was a whole vibe
on the banks of Lake Sylva on August 21 as our newest
Lions began their life at TCNJ.
Dubbed First Night on the Lake, the occasion is a
new-ish tradition (started in 2022) to help first-year and
transfer students settle into the campus community.
Intentionally scheduled for the first night of Welcome
Week, it is a chance for students to gather and unwind on
ABE lawn — the grassy area across from the lake and
adjacent to the Allen, Brewster, and Ely residence
halls — and to meet friends.
"It's a chill, getting-to-know-you event," says Jennifer
Simon, assistant director of student life.
The First Night tradition began alongside its spring
companion, Last Night on the Lake, a more formal
celebration with fireworks intended as a send-off for
seniors as they complete their time at the college.
Together, the lake events are "a great way for students
to open their TCNJ chapter, and then close it when they
graduate," says Simon. — Kara Pothier
