Instead of huddling in their dorms, dozens of Franciscan students braved the freezing temperatures of Saturday, Feb. 1 by trekking down the hill for The Rink at Franciscan Square’s skate night.

Hosted by Exc!te from 7 to 10 p.m., the event was an opportunity for students to get off campus and participate in some winter activities. Although temperatures fell into the teens, about 100 students turned out to skate. Most students arrived in large groups with their friends, while some couples used the event as a date night. 

Franciscan students received both free admission and free skate rentals for the event. With admission usually costing $8 per adult and skate rentals at $5 per pair, students saved $13 total. Although some students brought their own skates, most took advantage of the free skate rentals.  

Skates were not the only free item that students enjoyed. Exc!te provided snacks aplenty under a tent next to the skating rink. Huge stacks of Domino’s pizza weighed down one table, while another table showcased a variety of delicious cookies. However, the most popular refreshment was the hot chocolate. Students eagerly warmed their stomachs with the sweet drink, making sure to load their mugs with plenty of marshmallows. 

Many students took their hot chocolate and snacks to the benches encircling a blazing charcoal fire. There, they warmed up and socialized with other attendees. Then they returned to the ice rink to skate under the twinkling lights. Although most students simply skated circuits around the rink, a few more ambitious skaters attempted spins or skating backwards. 

Freshman Anna Offsay shared that the event was a welcome distraction from the freezing weather. “I love skating, so this was the perfect way to make the cold winter night feel a little bit better,” she said. 

Beyond skating, an anonymous commenter summed up the positive social aspects of the event, saying “Hot chocolate, cold air, and cute boys…what more could a girl ask for?”