Colgate first-years strolled down Oak Drive last Thursday to explore the village of Hamilton as part of the first-ever Hamopoly event, a unique twist on the Monopoly board game.
Hamopoly, sponsored by Colgate's Office of Residence Life and the Hamilton Business Alliance, is intended to introduce first-years to the community they'll call home for the next four years.
"It's a good way to learn about Hamilton and what it has to offer," said Ryki Levine '13.
After taking the short walk from campus to the Palace Theater, Levine and other participants were given game boards with Hamilton merchants listed on them.
They had an hour and a half to visit local stores, chat with employees, and have their game boards signed. For each signature collected, students were given a ticket for prizes.
Many downtown stores also offered 13 percent discounts to the first-years.
Megan Wyett, assistant director of residential life and one of the event organizers, said the event is an important step in "building bridges between the Colgate campus and business of Hamilton."
Wyett and store owners hope to make Hamopoly an annual event.
"This event is helpful because it lets students, their parents, and the Colgate community know we are here to support them," added Leslie Yacavone, owner of the Peppermill kitchen store.