A local college kicks off the school year with a celebration.

Confetti fell on the heads of 1,800 new students at Queens College in Flushing on Wednesday. Musicians led them through the front gates as dancers and stilt walkers performed.

Each year, the college focuses on a theme examining the culture of another country. The students were also treated to a concert.

 “We bring them to the gates to say that now we are taking care of them, and then at graduation we lead them out of the gates meaning from now on we send you over to the world,” said Queens College President Felix Matos Rodriguez.

“I feel like I'm not alone, someone is going to be there to help me, someone is going to push me and that's really helpful,” said student Deanna Fedkowskyj.

Classes are scheduled to begin on Thursday.