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In the middle of the quad this week, away from the bustle of the rest of orientation week, was a unique sight 鈥� a round, white and red tent known as a 'yurt.'

Yurts are traditional portable Mongolian tents, and the orientation week committee rented one for this year鈥檚 festivities. It鈥檚 a simple concept 鈥� a space for relaxation, collaboration, and for more personal connections to be forged between students.

The content of the yurt was entirely determined by those who visited it. A peek inside revealed a grassy floor covered with rugs, pillows and blankets, with musical instruments and craft supplies littering the perimeter. A sign at the back read, 鈥淚 just realized I could be doing what I鈥檓 doing more relaxed.鈥� 聽

And outside: a parachute, barbecue, wading pool, and assorted random objects like pool noodles and disembodied mannequin legs. When we dropped in, students were playing with the parachute, making kites, and constructing a tiger from pieces of wood and random household objects.

Students were welcome to stop by at any time, whether just to watch activities or to take part in something. There was no pre-determined schedule of events or rules about how to interact with the space, but impromptu jam sessions, yoga classes and crafting workshops occurred throughout the course of the three days.

鈥淚t鈥檚 really neat attraction,鈥� said Jamie Nickerson, a first year arts student who ended up spending an hour and a half at the yurt on Monday afternoon after getting separated from his group.

鈥淚t鈥檚 very chill, and it鈥檚 great way to get to know people,鈥� added Danica Rice, another first year, who also pointed out that the more laid-back atmosphere of the yurt was a nice change from the high energy events of the rest of orientation.

The yurt is indicative of an attempt on the part of the orientation week committee to make the experience more about student engagement, offering opportunities for students to connect, share ideas, and do more than just party during their first week at Dal.

鈥淔or me, it鈥檚 about personal connections,鈥� explains Brian Riley, a local Halifax artist and one of the yurt鈥檚 facilitators. 鈥淭he yurt is an attempt at something a little different 鈥� it鈥檚 an alternative to other events for the week.鈥�