Newsletter

Boba Social with ASU!

By Eva Jo McIlraith and Emma Dower

September 18, 2025

Students flooded through the doors of the Annex on Monday, September 8th to the sight of a long table filled with boba tea and two long rows of chairs facing each other. It was the evening of the Asian Student Union Boba Social, an annual tradition to kick off the new academic year. Characterized by “speed dating-style” socializing, sweet treats, and good music, the event is created with the intention of sparking initial connections with students to build upon throughout the year. Mia Piscitani ‘27 explained that Speed Dating attracts a lot of first year students, and it's a great introduction to ASU because students chat with people they don't know. Attendance records show that this event attracts the most new students.

Conversation began quickly as the first round of speed dating began between friends and strangers alike. ASU e-board members encouraged students to bond over prompts like share your lock screen photo and the story behind it. Following the event, one returning attendee reported that he always looks forward to this event because it creates a “community of like minded people” which forms “a sense of home at Hamilton.” Such a positive sentiment echoed across class years, as first year student  noted that the event was “Actually really cool!” (a rave review). 

Just as the event’s email slogan suggested, students brought their friends . . . to meet more friends! The event was an opportunity to appreciate a unique and universally beloved Taiwanese treat in the company of soon-to-be good friends. One attendee, Evan Fernando ‘29, even remarked that the Ceylon boba reminded him of tea back in his home country of Sri Lanka. Another attendee exclaimed that it was “more intimate,” and “a good way for people to meet each other before bigger events.” With this event, ASU led the charge to break the ice with incoming freshmen, creating connections across class years, friend groups, and cultures. Thanks for taking the first step towards building a stronger, deeper community on campus!