Each winter, members of the Jayhawk community across the country gather in their cities to welcome prospective KU students and their families for an evening of conversation and connection.

Winter Reception events set the tone for a student’s KU journey by turning curiosity into genuine community. These gatherings give prospective students a chance to meet current KU students from their hometown area, learn what life at KU is really like, and see what makes the Jayhawk community so special.

What to Expect at a Winter Reception

Each reception is hosted by KU supporters — alumni, parents, and friends of the university — who share a love for KU and want to help future Jayhawks feel at home. Guests mingle, listen to a short student panel, and then ask questions about academics, campus life, and what to expect when they arrive in Lawrence.

Keira Cohen, a senior from Scottsdale, Arizona studying music therapy, has been a panelist at the Arizona event for several years. “It is casual,” she said. “You mingle for a little bit, then we sit down. We have prompts from the moderators, and then we open it up to the audience for things they specifically care about.”

The relaxed format encourages conversation and connection. Parents or guardians often attend, too, and appreciate hearing from students and hosts who know KU firsthand.

For Talia Copoloff, a freshman from Phoenix, the Winter Reception was one of her first chances to connect with fellow Jayhawks and start picturing herself at KU. 

“I took a campus tour on my official visit in September 2024, and everybody associated with the school was so wonderful and the campus was so beautiful that KU just felt right,” she shared. “Meeting people at the Winter Reception and hearing how much they absolutely adored their experience at KU definitely made me feel sound in my decision.”

Why Our Hosts Matter

Winter Receptions wouldn’t happen without the Jayhawks who volunteer to host them. Whether they’re alumni, parents of current students, or close friends of KU, these hosts create an environment where students can feel the KU spirit long before they arrive on campus.

Keira said, “The Arizona host is taking his own personal time and personal space to open his home and say, ‘Hey, KU is awesome. I went there and just sent my own kid there, too.’ And I know that makes a difference.”

Hosts often add thoughtful touches, from Jayhawk décor to replays of iconic basketball championship games, creating a welcoming atmosphere that helps students imagine themselves as part of the KU family.

Current Students Share KU Experiences

Current KU students bring authenticity and energy to each event. They talk about classes, involvement, and what day-to-day life at KU is really like. Keira often gets questions about class sizes and student experiences. “I have had a 500-person lecture, and I have had a four-person class,” she said. “There is a huge variety, and they love to hear about that.”

She also likes to give families a glimpse of the community and support she’s found at KU. One of her favorite stories is about her choir professor, who was expecting a baby during the semester. 

“We planned a surprise baby shower for her,” Keira said. “We decorated one of the rooms in Murphy Hall, brought food, and sang to her. It was such a small thing, but it shows how close everyone is. Those are the stories you really want your parents to hear about.”

Those personal stories make a big impact. “Meeting current KU students made me excited to get involved once on campus at KU,” shared Talia. She also noted that hearing from a variety of students helped showcase all the options available to students: 

“The different panelists stood out most to me since there was so much diversity in majors and campus engagement.”

— Talia Copoloff, University of Kansas student from Arizona

Making the Most of the Event

If you feel nervous about attending, Keira’s advice is simple: “There are enough people that you can hide in the back if you don’t want to talk. If you want to be talked to, you can. You can make the event what you want.”

She also encourages families to come prepared with questions: “Your parents might love talking to people, even if you’re not as comfortable doing that yet.”

Whether you want to learn about majors, involvement opportunities, or student support, Winter Reception events are a comfortable place to ask. 

Connections That Last

Keira has seen firsthand how these events can shape a student’s college decision. “There is a current freshman who came to the Winter Reception who has told me multiple times that I am the reason she came to KU,” she said. “She told people, ‘I went to this event, and this girl convinced me to go to Kansas.’”

Those one-on-one conversations often make the biggest difference. Meeting someone from your hometown who loves KU can make it easier to imagine your own path there. 

“It was really comforting knowing there were other people from Arizona that are in school at KU,” said Talia.

Why Families and Supporters Should Come Along

Winter Receptions aren’t just for students. They can help a student’s support system feel connected and confident too. Families or guardians can ask about safety, support services, career preparation, and student life directly from people who have experienced KU. 

These events can also create new friendships with supportive family members who are going through the same process. It’s often the beginning of a Jayhawk experience that lasts for a lifetime.

Keira summed it up best: “Being a Jayhawk has that connection to so many other people. That is something I personally love about KU. I wanted to go to a place that is proud of who they are, and Jayhawks are so proud!”

Ready to Join In? 

Winter Receptions are relaxed, informative, and genuinely fun. They’re a chance to meet alumni who care, talk with current students, and see if KU feels like home. 

Bring a family member or friend, bring your questions, and come see what it means to be part of the Jayhawk community. “The Winter Reception is an amazing opportunity to learn about what KU has to offer and it's a good way to network and make connections prior to getting on campus,” said Talia.