Last month, it was the first-ever Faux-Co and Broughdale Avenue was filled with students, similar to previous homecoming street parties.

Some estimate that even more students turned out than for previous homecoming parties on Broughdale.

Second year Health Sciences student Ishita Joshi believes it was in response to the decision to move the Homecoming date.

"It was kind of unfair that they did this to us. Actually they didn't involve the student council, the university student council which are meant to represent. So it's unfair that they didn't involve them," says Joshi.

For homecoming, Western University hopes cooler late-October temperatures and concerns about mid-terms now underway will limit parties.

"Safety, when we're talking about partying and celebrations is paramount for us," says Keith Marnoch, Director of Community Relations.

Marnoch adds the university really wanted to return the homecoming focus to the alumni, with the Mustangs/McMaster game the centre of events.

"Homecoming is a better experience for everyone when it's a little bit further into the school year. First year students especially have have greater connection with friends and colleagues. There's just more of a bond with people that they can really kind of rely on when they're out celebrating, frankly. And again, we're offering and setting things up so that they have the best opportunity to have a good experience."

There have been questions about how many of those that come to party on Broughdale are actually from Western, or for that matter, even from London.

Reports are that for Faux-Co this year there were two busloads of people that arrived and got dropped off to take part in the celebrations.

The hope is that won't be happening this weekend.

But police admit they don't know what to expect and are taking precautions.

"We have additional resources on hand in the event that we need to use them. We will have officers in and around the university area for the homecoming events," says Cst. Sandasha Bough.

While many students will be writing mid-terms on Saturday, they could be looking to blow off a little steam Saturday night and they already have a name for it.

"Broughdale After Dark" is the new thing. So, after 9 (p.m.) I think it won't be the same, but there will definitely be people on the street," says Joshi.

Marnoch says the university and community partners will evaluate events in the coming weeks.

He says the commitment remains to have Homecoming on the third weekend of October from this point forward.