The beginning of the new semester is certain to be accompanied with new sounds, sights and laughter as freshman students get ready to get into gear. Tamsui Campus will be extra lively starting from September 10th as the 2015-16 Annual Student Club Fair takes place, inviting freshman students to partake in the array of the 139 exciting groups that focus on education, skill training, services or just plain entertainment.

Upon first sight the large display of tents, booths, games and even a giant fort, may be a bit confusing. There are students in traditional garments, strange electronic games, funny looking robots and occasionally loud James Brown songs blaring through the crowd. Many students pointed and flinched as they watched men in military uniforms carrying assault rifles (airsoft) and dawned in intimidating face paint. Yet, the flyers in their hands and warm smiles couldn’t be mistaken for anything but a friendly and fun time. “Come play war games with us next Wednesday.” One of the soldiers said to a nearby student.

“The student clubs are mandatory, but there are so many interesting things to do, who wouldn’t want to participate.” Said the girl working at the service counter. “This is the week that incoming students choose the club that most interests them.” She finished. Some of the clubs include the Japanese Cultural Research Team, Roller Skating, Seeding (Child Services Club), Association of Military Services, Chinese Zeither Club, Buddhism, Team Follow Jesus, International Affairs Learning Society, Karate, Taekwondo, Capoeria, Baji, Kendo, Fencing, TKU Entrepreneur Association, Rugby, Soccer, Mahjong, Chinese Chess, Film, Piano, We are Family, Debate Club, TKU Music Club Culture, Badminton, Ukulele, Boxing, TKU Dance Fantasy, Cosmetics Group, Aikido, Kendo, Horseback Riding, Robot Club and more.

“I joined the Campus Culture Construction Team so that I could experience new things.” Said Yi-jie Zeng, second year student of the Department of Business Management. Even in the heat, the Baji club leader continued to perform powerful kung fu movements for by passers. “We haven’t had much luck reaching international students.” Said the kendo team leader. “Maybe it’s because we are uncertain how to reach out to them.” When asked if she was able to teach dance to international students, TKU Fantasy Dance Team Captain, Yun-chia Hsieh, responded, “I would just keep to using simple English words and rely mostly on body language.” Be sure to take a close look at what the Student Club Fair has to offer, you are sure to see something you like. (Article Shao-qi Zhang/ Yi-feng Lu)