Returning to campus this week means more than just a new syllabus; it means starting the semester strong with the connected community here in Manhappiness. The Kansas State Student Union offered a week of warm welcome activities. One such event to kick off the week was “Sip Into The Semester,” which showcased what Willie’s Soda Bar will be all about.
Opening in February 2026, Willie’s Soda Bar is a new dirty soda booth next to the Chick-fil-A in the union. From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Jan. 20, workers gave out free sodas to get students excited about the soda bar.
Lauren Kemp, coordinator for student leadership and engagement in Student Programs and Involvement, set this event up for success.
“SPI plans Week of Welcome each semester, and part of my role this spring was to coordinate an event for it — Sip into the Semester,” Kemp said.
This event not only served as a fun way to kick off the semester, but also as a preview of what is to come at K-State.
“The primary goal of Sip into the Semester was to welcome students back to campus and provide students with a pick-me-up on their first day of class,” Kemp said. “The event helped promote the upcoming opening of Willie’s Soda Bar in the Union and other Week of Welcome events happening throughout the rest of the week.”
Beyond the new soda bar, Kemp believes events like these help students create a structured routine at the beginning of a new semester.
“Events like Sip into the Semester help set a positive tone for the semester and ease any first-week stress,” Kemp said. “… By encouraging students to engage with campus life right away, they build routines that help them stay connected to K-State outside of classes.”
Freshman in biology Braiden Cooper is excited for what Willie’s Soda Bar will bring to campus.
“I think the soda bar coming to the Union is so cute,” Cooper said. “I’m excited to go to the Union in between classes and try different flavors.”
Ryan Duewer, freshman in electrical engineering, said he tried dirty soda for the first time with his friends at the event.
“We all tried the flavors and unanimously agreed that the Bluemont Boulevard was the best,” Duewer said. “It tasted like a Baja Blast with cream. The classic dirty soda was savory and I see the appeal of it.”
The Week of Welcome allows students and faculty to have a window of self-care during the first week of classes.
“Events like these, especially during a time that may bring feelings of both excitement and stress, allow students to pause for a brief moment, reset and refuel for the rest of their day,” Kemp said. “It’s okay to need a boost, and I hope that events like these can encourage students to practice self-care and reduce any anxious feelings that the first day of class can bring.”
