The first week of September, Concordia hosted “Passport Week.” A weeklong series of activities designed to give students new experiences, highlight local spots and get students involved. Each day had a different theme, making the week feel like a “journey” through the community. 

Monday: Hiking Adventures 

The week began with an invigorating hike in Laguna Park. Students enjoyed fresh air, stunning views, and bonding with others outside the classroom. For Kailah Peery, a junior studying Business Marketing, the hike was very memorable. “The views were a lot better in general because you could see the beach from where we were,” said Peery. “There were a lot of hills and it was difficult to get up them, but it was rewarding in the end.”

The hike was about two miles long, lasting around an hour, with 20 participants. 

Tuesday: Shopping Favorites 

Conversations shifted indoors for an exciting discussion about the best shopping spots in Orange County. Students shared their favorite malls and local shops. On CU Recreation’s Instagram, they posted a listing of malls, shops, and thrift stores around Irvine. Bethany Wagner, a junior studying Business Marketing, said, “I love Zara because it has a lot of staple basic clothes.” 

Wednesday: Orange County Eats 

Food took the spotlight midweek. Students swapped recommendations for their favorite cafes and restaurants. Wagner noted, “My favorite restaurant is Rakkan Ramen because it's good food, not super expensive, and the servers have always been kind to us… Coffee Dose in Costa Mesa is a very cute spot, especially for pictures… I like the food and coffee there.” CU Recreation also posted a video for students where ASCUI President Brody Collins listed various food and drink locations in Orange County. Students can view the video as a reference when looking for a new place to eat with friends.

Thursday: CU Recreation Rentals

Students were able to learn all about the different gear and equipment available for rent from CU Recreation. From camping gear to beach cruising bikes, Thursday’s showcase revealed resources many students didn’t realize were available at their fingertips. See website https://concordia-university-irvine-b13e.booqableshop.com/ for gear and equipment rentals.

Friday: Surfing at Doheny Beach

Waves and sunshine set the tone as the Surf Club met at Doheny Beach. Around 70 students came out, with about 50 trying surfing for the first time. Mikel Villarreal, a senior Engineering major, highlighted what stood out most. “I think just seeing that [students] are new to the school and seeing them get involved, even if it meant driving off campus,” he said. 

The vibes at the beach helped make it a successful event. “It was good, there weren’t too many people…and the people who didn’t know how to surf were able to try it out,” said Villarreal. 

While Doheny might not have the biggest waves, Villarreal said it's perfect for beginners: “Probably not [the best waves]. In terms of teaching people, though, I think it’s a good place.” 

The next CU Surf event is taking place on Sat., Sept. 20. 

Saturday: Run Club to the Farmers Market 

Energy stayed high as Sat. morning kicked off with the Run Club taking a light jog to a local farmers' market. After the run, the students were able to cool down while exploring the farmers' market and other local vendors. 

Sunday: CU Birdies Golf Meet Up 

The week ended with the CU Birdies Golf Club gathering to discuss their favorite course. They shared tips and connected over their love for the sport. 

Passport Week was much more than just a series of activities; it was an opportunity for students to connect with one another, discover new hobbies, and take advantage of both local and campus resources.

Tags: Orange County

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