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How to kickstart the 2025-2026 school year

Oxtoberfest in 2022 brought music by the klaberheads featured above, beer and fun activities to Oxford.
Oxtoberfest in 2022 brought music by the klaberheads featured above, beer and fun activities to Oxford.

Back-to-school season is one of the most fun times of the year. From the fresh faces on campus to the leaves changing, there is no better time to explore Miami University and the surrounding Oxford community.

Both the university and Oxford put on tons of fun events to help students get acclimated on campus. Here are a few to get you started this year:

Saturday, Aug. 23

Visit the Oxford Farmers Market for fresh seasonal produce, local artisans, baked goods and more. The market is located in the parking lot north of Memorial Park at the corner of Main and Church Streets and takes place every Saturday, from 9 a.m. to noon.

Map My Classes, put on by the University Libraries from 10 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., gives students the chance to familiarize themselves with the campus map, locate classes, plan routes to get to class on time and make sure they’re in the right place on Monday morning. Additionally, they offer tours of the library and its resources.

Oxford Community Yoga puts on outdoor classes every Saturday through October from 9-10 a.m. in Uptown Park. These are free to attend, and no experience level is needed to participate.

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Sunday, Aug. 24

First-years are invited to experience the Love and Honor Convocation from 3:30-4:30 p.m., where they will celebrate the academic year, get their class T-shirt and learn the Miami fight song.

Monday, Aug. 25

If skating is your thing, you’re in luck. Goggin Ice Center will be hosting a free “Welcome MU” students skate from 9-11 p.m.

Tuesday, Aug. 26

Everyone can “Paint a Rock, Leave a Mark” at The Conservatory’s Formal Gardens from noon-1 p.m.

Photo by Parker Green | The Miami Student
Shademakers Garden Center created a fall-themed layout for Oxtoberfest.

Alternatively, the Oxford Community Arts Center is offering Shakespeare in the Park: A Midsummer Night's Dream at 7 p.m. in the Oxford Community Arts Center Pavilion. Chair and blankets not provided; DORA (open container) drinks are permitted.

Wednesday, Aug. 27

University Libraries will be providing tours of the best study spots on campus from 11-11:30 a.m., which includes tips and tricks on how to make the most of your study time.

There will be a free Oxford community yoga class at the Uptown Park Pavilion from 7-8 p.m. Bring a mat or blanket and water.

Thursday, Aug. 28

Come learn the ropes of a beloved Miami tradition. Intro to broomball will be offered from 6:45-8:45 p.m. at the Goggin Ice Center.

Friday, Aug. 29

Miamians and locals alike can enjoy Red Brick Friday Streets and Eats from 6-10 p.m. in Oxford Uptown Park. This family-friendly event will feature a zip line, live music, food trucks and end-of-summer vibes.

Stumbata@miamioh.edu