More than 2,200 students refused to let a little rain ruin their fun Friday night, as they stuffed themselves into Norris University Center for Northwestern’s first-ever campuswide welcome-back-to-school party.

Student organizers moved the event called “First Friday” — originally scheduled to occur on the Lakefill — inside to Norris’ main floor when weather reports predicted rain for the early evening.

Hordes of undergraduates packed into Norris both to celebrate the beginning of the new school year and to enjoy free food and entertainment organized by the First Friday committee, which was composed of student group leaders.

Vice President for Student Affairs William Banis called First Friday “a good first effort,” and added that a “playbook” should start being created to prepare for next year’s party.

Sara Whitaker, the First Friday committee’s spokeswoman, said she agreed with Banis.

“We had no idea what to expect,” said Whitaker, who also serves as the Associated Student Government’s campus public relations chairwoman. “Two thousand, two hundred people for Plan A would have been incredible. For Plan B … it made for a pretty amazing event.”

Rick Thomas, Norris’ new executive director, noted the electronics needed for the band and the DJ made the event necessary to be held indoors.

“The weather threw us a curve,” Thomas said. “We moved it in because it was too risky to have outside.”

Norris staff met with committee members and administrators at noon to decide whether to move inside. By deciding that far in advance, everything was set up in plenty of time, Thomas said.

The extra preparation time was necessary, because when the doors opened 6 p.m., students flooded into the Norris basement clamoring for the free barbecue-style food.

“Considering all the people that came at the same time, it went well,” said Jamie Woodruff, lead manager of food management at Elder Hall. Each of the managers of food halls closed were at the event.

Students had their WildCARDs scanned by student workers at the front of buffet lines and the cash machines were used from every dining hall on campus. Because of the supplies and manpower needed, all dining halls except for Sargent Hall and Foster-Walker Complex were closed for dinner Friday.

“There (were) tons of people here,” said Cory Kaufman, a student volunteer. “More than I’d have expected for a school sponsored event.”

The sudden influx of students caused what Kaufman and many other workers referred to as “chaos.”

To ensure that such a large-scale event would be well-staffed, Interfraternity Council leaders requested all their fraternities to supply three representatives to serve food or swipe cards.

Students said although it was the free food that brought them to the event, they stayed for other reasons.

“I was bummed because outside it would have been old-fashioned,” said Courtney Helm, a Music sophomore. She also said although an outdoor barbecue had a certain flair, she was still happy she came.

Student band Whitsend played from 6 to 7 p.m. and afterward, DJ Jordan Allen provided musical entertainment.

“I had never seen Whitsend before,” Helm said. “But I think I’ll be following them now — it totally opened my eyes.”

Medill freshman Maureen Johannigman saw the move inside as having a surprising benefit.

“We got to find people easier since we were all together,” she said.

Starting at 7:30 p.m., students flocked to Norris’ east lawn to watch a 20-minute firework display. Then at 8 p.m., about 50 students stayed at Norris and watched the motion picture “Dazed and Confused” in McCormick Auditorium.

McCormick freshman Tyrone Branch said he enjoyed the lights show.

“It was a lot better than studying,” he said with a laugh.

Other students found themselves staying longer just for the atmosphere.

“I liked the fact that you got to see so many people you don’t usually see,” said Stephanie Reeder, a Communication freshman. “I live on South Campus so I don’t get to see North Campus people a lot.”

Medill freshman Nina Kim said the event’s timing worked well.

“During new student week you’re supposed to meet a lot of people but it’s impossible to meet them all,” she said. “Something like this at the beginning of the year is great.”

“Norris as it is now isn’t really the student union,” Whitaker said. “So getting 2, 200 kids in Norris was an incredible success.”

Thomas echoed her sentiments.

“It was wonderful to have this many people here on a Friday night,” he said.

Reach Corrie Driebusch at [email protected].