6 Things to Know about Going to AnimFest for the First Time
AnimationFest can be overwhelming for students who have never attended before. This year, I was one of those students. Here’s a few tips and tricks for transportation and the festival:
Call a SafeRide
This year, the buses to AnimFest left from Montgomery Hall at 6:00 am. This can difficult for students living off-campus, at the Hive or anywhere else that’s far away, and it isn’t safe to walk that early in the morning. The solution? Call a SafeRide. If you’re going with a friend, make sure you specify the number of people riding. SafeRide buses won’t take students unless they receive a specific request. You can request a SafeRide through the SafeRide app, which is available for free on the App Store.
Wake up EARLY
There’s only one bus going to Animation Festival, and it leaves at 6:00 am. It’s important to leave yourself as much time as possible to get ready and make it to Monty. Living in Apiary at the Hive, I woke up at 4:40 am, left my dorm at 5:00 am and called for a SafeRide.
Bring a sweatshirt
All of the events take place in the SCADShow theaters, so if you’re sensitive to the cold, make sure you bring something warm to wear. The ride on the bus was also FREEZING–even with a sweatshirt, I was cold. If you have room, consider stuffing a blanket in your backpack, especially if you’re planning to sleep on the way there.
Bring snacks
The ride there and back is 4 hours long, and the bus only makes one stop along the way, so bring your own snacks! Don’t forget to pack a water bottle too.
Be aware of start, end times & locations for screenings
With so many different screenings, events can overlap or run over their allotted time. It’s important to keep in mind the time and the different locations while at the festival to ensure you can see what you want. I ended up missing a screening because the one I’d been attending ran 10 minutes afterwards. By the time I made it to the theater, it was already full.. I still feel satisfied with my experience at AnimationFest, but now I know to memorize the schedule beforehand.
Make friends & have fun!
The best part of AnimFest was getting to meet other students, especially other animation majors and professors. It’s a great chance to network and make new friends, so bring your business cards, too!