On Sept. 25 a group of teenagers loaded with blankets and sleeping bags invaded campus to take Washburn University for a test drive.

The high school students were here for the Ichabods at Night event, an opportunity for prospective students to see what Washburn has to offer them. Not only did they have the opportunity to stay on campus with student hosts, the 15 students had a chance to check out classes, extra-curricular activities and financial aid opportunities.

It’s all part of an effort to help prospective students decide whether Washburn University is the right place for them or not. The event traded traditional college visits for experiences of actual college life. Instead of stuffy tour guides, the students were paired with actual Washburn students and stayed in the residence halls rather than in hotels with their parents.

Ichabods at Night started Friday night with a quick campus tour, followed by a college-favorite pizza dinner before the Lady Blues volleyball game against the University of Central Missouri. Prospective students were then introduced to some of the resident advisors of the Living Learning Center at an ice cream social. Then it was off to the residence halls for some much-needed rest to prepare for a busy second day.

Saturday the participants joined their Washburn hosts for Family Day pre-football fun. They tailgated and enjoyed the day’s activities then headed to Yager Stadium to watch the Ichabods take on the University of Central Missouri.

For students interested in helping the university with future Ichabods at Night events, information on being a student host is available in the Admissions Office. The next event will bring high school students to campus Oct. 2 and 3 and any student living on campus is encouraged to sign up to host prospective students.

“We can never have too many hosts,” said Priscilla Samarripa, admissions counselor.