The freshmen and sophomore classes are going home for the holidays—almost. The Class Officer Collective’s new event, “Almost Home for the Holidays,” will give freshmen and sophomores a place to celebrate some of their first holidays away from home.

The event, which will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 3, is free for all freshmen and sophomores. The freshmen COC officers originally started planning the event to give freshmen who were away from home somewhere to come together for the holidays. It was particularly planned with international students in mind, who are new to the university and the nation, to showcase how different cultures celebrate the holiday season.

The planning quickly took off, and the sophomore class officers decided to join in on the fun. With the goal of bringing students together, sophomores, who often feel secluded in their new living quarters on southside, will get the chance to reunite with the freshmen and their fellow classmates.

The goal of the event is to create a big, welcoming environment that mirrors what students encounter when they visit their families during breaks. The event will feature food, music and holiday activities.