Laughter, applause and many voices filled the Fireside Room on Jan. 21 as students came together for a karaoke night hosted by the Office of Student Life as part of their Week of Welcome.

From 5 to 8 p.m., students packed into the Fireside Room, some nervous to take on the mic and others ready to cheer from the sidelines. Friends lined up song requests; audience members sang along from their seats and encouraged performers with cheer, creating a lively welcoming atmosphere.

For performer Jamie Ludwig, karaoke night was all about sharing the experience with friends.

“I chose this song to sing with friends, “Ludwig said. “It’s just more fun when you’re up there together.”

Despite the crowd, Ludwig said nerves never really set in.

“I felt excited right before going on, the audience’s reaction made me really happy.”

Although it wasn’t her first time singing in front of a crowd, the energy of the room made the experience stand out. Performers were met with applause regardless of vocal ability, and missed lyrics were followed by laughter and encouragement rather than embarrassment.

She said that a supportive environment is what makes karaoke such fun and an enjoyable event.

“Yes, I would do karaoke again, I enjoy how it brings people together.”

The event was organized by the Office of Students Life to kick off the semester and give students a relaxed way to kick off the semester and a way to connect during Week of Welcome.

Sara Pogue, one of the event organizers, said karaoke is a recurring event because the students consistently enjoy it.

“It’s retro, it’s fun and students love it,” Pogue said.

Pogue said the event was added to campus life by giving students something to look forward to in the evening and encouraging social interaction.

“It adds some nightlife to campus, It’s really encouraging to see students happy, bringing friends they don’t see as often and making new connections.

Throughout the night, memorable moments included spontaneous group performances, loud singalongs and plenty of laughter. By the end of the event, the Fireside Room felt less like a campus space and more like a shared living room filled with music.

As Week of Welcome continued, karaoke night served as a reminder that sometimes the best way to bring students together is a microphone, a familiar song and a room full of encouragement.