The Student Health Improvement Program (SHIP) offered students a chance to win an iPod. To enter the contest, students had to do push ups. (Alexander Nkrumah photo)

Richmond students were welcomed back to classes on Tuesday by a wide array of information on free school services, employment opportunities and every student’s favorite — free stuff, courtesy of the Kwantlen Student Association.

The festivities were part of Welcome Week, which is going on at campuses all week.

Free stuff included airbrush tattooing, pizza and giveaways, including a contest for a home theatre system. Students like free food, said Reena Bali, Richmond’s KSA campus representative, who added that they’ve found that free food results in a better student turnout.

The KSA provided free airbrush tattoos for students. (Amy Reid photo)

The KSA booths displayed information for students about benefit plans, free services and a confirmation they are currently fighting for the UPass. At a nearby table, the Student Health Improvement Program (SHIP) program was giving away an iPod, but required contestants to do push-ups in order to enter the contest.

Other tables featured fitness centres recruiting new members and offering free swag. Big Sister and other mentor programs set up booths displaying information on volunteer opportunities. The Canadian Border Services Agency also had its own table, recruiting student employees.

The Richmond KSA began planning the event in December during the winter holidays, said Bali. She estimated that they spent less than half of the event’s $1,500 budget, adding that sponsors were easier to find this year, because of Kwantlen’s new university status.

For those who missed the events Tuesday in Richmond, Bali said the KSA will probably be giving away free snacks tomorrow. Thursday, Rock Band will be set up in the rotunda around noon on a large projector screen and the KSA will be giving away snacks and prizes.

“Today, I think, was a huge success due to all the planning and everyone’s hard work,” she said.

“And I hope the student’s liked it.”