Students overflowed the hallways and rooms of the Memorial Union Friday night at the University of Wisconsin’s Union Bash.

This yearly get-together introduced new students to the opportunities available through the unions and provided students a night of free entertainment and refreshments.

Some of this year’s events included a condom casino, African dance lessons, henna tattoos, karaoke and a Comedy Sportz performance.

Lauren Brunstad, university student and coordinator of the Bash, outlined her goals for the event.

“The main objective of [the Bash] is to show what the Union is all about — the venue we have throughout the year and also into the future,” Brunstad said.

University freshman Sara Tibebu said she enjoyed the chance to become familiar with the Union.

“If it wasn’t for the Bash, I wouldn’t know about most of the stuff at the Union,” Tibebu said. “And of course the free stuff is cool.”

Fellow freshman Natalie Lau agreed.

“This is a great chance to explore all my options and see what entertainment the university has to offer,” she said.

Students identified various favorite activities at the Bash.

“I like the African dancing,” said Pat Taylor, freshman. “Instead of just sitting around explaining things, they’re making the audience a part of the learning.”

Freshman Nick Rotchadl said he often comes to the Union Terrace to see the bands.

“Tonight, I also enjoyed the condom casino,” Rotchadl said. “I’m sure they’ll come in handy.”

The condom casino and henna tattoos were the most frequently mentioned favorites.

Taylor and Rotchadl said they would definitely return to the Union for more activities throughout the year.

Not all of the students attending the Bash were freshman — many upperclassmen returned for another experience.

Sophomore Libby Pollitt said she had a great time at the Bash last year.

“I brought back a freshman to come this year, that’s how fun it was,” Pollitt said.

Junior TJ Chapp said he also harbored fond memories of the Bash in past years.

“The MU Bash is like a marketplace,” Chapp said, “Because it’s a conglomerate of opportunities to try new things — and it’s all free.”

Bash coordinator Brunstad remembered her freshman experience, which she said is part of the reason she took the job.

“It was so much fun,” Brunstad said. “I was walking around wide-eyed because there was so much to do.”

Despite the huge crowd, the long waits and the traffic jams in the hallway, students said they were pleased with the variety and focus of activities.

“The Memorial Union seems like a very cool, very cultured place that’s rich with activity,” Taylor said.

“The activities are excellently directed toward college students — it’s all very college chic,” Pollitt added.