What to do this week:

Monday: The Tech Council on Family Relations is holding a blood drive today, so stop by the SUB between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. today and donate.

Also, the Red Raider baseball team wraps up their fall practice season this week with the Red & Black series. That means four opportunities this week to catch a game. Head to the field today at 3:30 p.m. or click here for a full list of games.

Tuesday: Learn the iconic Thriller dance just in time for Halloween! It will be taught in the Rec Center at 7:15 p.m. in room 114.

Wednesday: Flu season is here, and there's no reason to put off getting vaccinated. Covenant Health Systems is making it easy. Swing by the Rec Center between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. and get your shot for $20.

Thursday: Halloween is still three days away, but it's in full swing on campus. Don't miss the Haunted Circus in the Architecture building. Get scared, have fun and raise money for the American Institute of Architecture Students. Bring your student ID for a discount.

Friday: Homecoming is approaching! Get your official homecoming shirt for $10 at Barnes & Noble in the SUB.

Saturday: Get prepped for Halloween at the drive-in with Paranormal Activity 2 and Case 39. See both for one price!

Sunday: If you're not trick-or-treating, get your friends and head to Nightmare on 19th Street for one last scare before the weekend ends.

FRESH face

Meet Rocio Rodriguez

hometown: Brownsville

major: Anthropology

How does Lubbock compare to her hometown?

"I'm from a border city, so the culture is completely different here."

What did she gain from IS 1100?

I already had good study skills, so I didn't gain much there, but my instructor was really awesome. "She knows the campus really well so she could always help with everything. Now I have a little connection that I'll probably always use."

Her favorite thing about Tech?

"There's a lot I like about the campus, but my favorite thing about the school itself is all the opportunities like clubs and study abroad." I'm 11 driving hours from home, so it's nice to have so many things to do close by so I won't get homesick.

Her tip to other freshmen?

Be sure to stop by the Fresh Plate at Murdough and get everything half off before 5 p.m.!

FRESH face

Meet Taryn Borchardt

major: psychology

hometown: Canyon

Why Texas Tech?

I was trying to choose a school where I could play Division 2 basketball, but I broke my right hand. That changed my plans but this is a good school, not too far from home and I like the atmosphere. Everyone is so spirited.

Favorite thing about Lubbock?

Canyon is small, so it was just time to try something different. My sister lives here, she goes to Covenant nursing school. I've enjoyed spending more time with her, just going to Wild West or going roller skating.

How did you make Tech your own?

I'm a new member of Pi Beta Phi, so that's been my way of getting to know a lot of new and different people.

What do you like about IS1100?

It's actually one of my favorite classes. Nothing about it is like a typical class. We do a lot of different things that are a lot more fun. To tell you the truth, you do learn beneficial things about how to survive in college.

Favorite Lubbock hangout?

Greek Circle. There have been lots of dinners and alumni events so far so I haven't had much time to hang out anywhere else.

FRESH face

Meet Grant McIntire

major: mechanical engineering

hometown: Houston

Why Texas Tech?

"Both my parents went to school here. Plus, the campus is really pretty and the people are nice."

How does Lubbock compare to his hometown?

Lubbock is a lot smaller, but I like that. People are much friendlier. "I've just been saying hi to everyone."

His favorite thing about Tech?

Meeting new people and living on campus. It's so easy to get around. I also like hanging out with my friends off campus.

His favorite hangout?

I like to go to the DMS and just be loud.

What to do this week:

Tuesday: They might be old, but they're legendary. Get your tickets to see the Eagles at 8 p.m. at United Spirit Arena.

Wednesday: Meet F.I.T. Tech at the Preston Smith Statue at noon for their weekly walk. Meet some new people and get some fresh air between classes.

Thursday: Donate blood and get registered to win a 42-inch HDTV anytime between 3 p.m. and 10 p.m. at First Baptist Church. To sign up to donate, email hannah.cuthbert@ttu.edu.

Also, celebrate the end of the week at the Underwood Center. The Flatland Film Series will present two Alfred Hitchcock films for a discounted student price. Films begin at 7 p.m.

Friday: Before you head out of town for fall break, stop at the Rec for one last workout. Turbo Kick starts at 12:10 p.m. and is a great way to start your holiday off with some high intensity sweating.

FRESH face

It's about time you started getting to know your peers! FRESH faces are outstanding IS1100 students who want to share a little bit of themselves with fellow students who are also new to Texas Tech.

Meet Kyle Shults

major: business

hometown: Houston

How'd he end up at Tech?

I have some family in the area, so it peaked my interest. "As soon as the plane landed for orientation, I was like, 'this is home'."

How is his new home different from Houston?

"No humidity, no traffic, and this is really much more of a community feeling."

His favorite thing about Tech?

"People are real nice. Back in Houston, these kind of people are hard to come by. People here hold the door open for you even if they don't know you. They're just nice."

His favorite local hangout?

The Rec. "I love the leisure pool."