Hundreds of Boston University students packed the George Sherman Union’s Metcalf Hall yesterday afternoon to learn about various clubs and activities on campus at the annual Fall Activities Expo.

The event, sponsored by the Student Activities Office, hosted more than 200 student organizations. The event caters mainly to new students, but is open to all of the BU community.

“It’s mainly freshmen,” SAO Activities Assistant and College of Communication senior Marisa Perazzelli said. “We’re excited to introduce [groups] to new freshmen.”

Student organizations distributed leaflets and took down student email addresses for club newsletters.

“Everybody is very enthusiastic,” Programming Council President and College of Arts and Sciences junior Kate Guastaferro said.

While students wandered between booths, student dancers performed on a stage in the center of the room. More than 50 people gathered to watch dance group Trú Soul.

Many clubs also used the event to promote new agendas.

“We’ve started a new newsletter, sent every month to members and alumni,” National Society of Minorities in Hospitality Vice President and School of Hospitality sophomore Jenny Back said.

But President and SHA junior Brian Gaines said he was disappointed with student turnout.

“It’s our first time at the expo,” he said. “We had wished for a better turnout.”

Even upperclassmen found the event useful for exploring new student groups.

“I want to become more involved,” International Students Hospitality Association President and SHA junior Charlotte Hwang said. “Before I graduate, I want to make friends who have the same interests as me.”

New student organizations for Fall 2006 began the approval process at last night’s first SAO consortium meeting.