Group of Houghton students holding signs and jumping in the air welcoming the incoming class during move-in.

New Student Orientation Weekend

We are excited to welcome you to campus!

Information for first-year and transfer student orientation weekend will be made available here as it becomes available. Please regularly monitor your email and this page for more updates.

Important Dates for Fall Semester

  • First Day of Classes: August 25, 2026
  • Homecoming Weekend: October 2-3
  • October Break: October 17-20
  • Thanksgiving Break: November 25-29
  • Finals Week: December 10-16
  • Christmas Break: December 17-January 10, 2027

Move-In Day

Friday, August 21, 2026

For all first-year and transfer students.


Suggested arrival times:

Non-western New York residents: 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Western New York residents: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Houghton staff students welcoming incoming families during move-in day.

Orientation Weekend Schedule

Friday, August 21

8:00am-1:00pm New Student Arrival & Move In

10:00am-1:00pm Information Fair (Student Employment, ID Cards, Health Forms and more!)

11:00am Mandatory Immigration Workshop for International Students (including Canadians)

11:30am-1:00pm Lunch

12:00 pm Transfer Student Lunch

1:00pm Student Council Meet & Greet

1:00pm Parent Session - Supporting Your Student from Afar

2:30pm New Student Dedication Service (Students, Families, and Employees Invited)

3:30pm New Student Class Photo and Family Goodbyes

5-6:30pm Dinner with Your Residence Hall Floor

5:00pm Commuter Dinner

6:15pm Residence Life Slip N Slide

9:00pm CAB (Campus Activities Board) Speed-Friending Event

Saturday, August 22

7:00am Optional Morning Hike & Devotion

8:30am Breakfast

10:00am Meet and Greet with President Lewis

11:30am Lunch

3:00 – 5:00pm Class of 2030 Activities

5-6:00pm Dinner

6:30–8:30pm Campus Carnival on the Quad

9:00pm Movie on the Quad

Sunday, August 23

9:00am Campus Worship Service

11:30am Lunch

1:00pm Rest and Leisure Activities

5:00pm Dinner

7:00pm Night of Worship (First Koinonia of the Year!)

Monday, August 24 New Student Academic Orientation Day

8:30am – 3:30pm – required for all incoming students as part of the INTS 102: First Year Seminar Course

Orientation Weekend Activities

*Activities are subject to change.

Connect with the Houghton campus:

  • Breakfast with President Wayne Lewis
  • Introduction to Spiritual Life Office
  • Get to Know Student Life
  • Succeeding in Residence Life
  • Placement Exams
  • Vocation and Calling
  • Getting involved with Student Council
  • And more!

Connect with other students:

  • Houghton Welcome Back Party
  • Game Night
  • Ski Hill Slip 'n Slide
  • Speed Friending Event
  • Class Retreat
  • Residence Hall Programs
  • Ropes Course and Transitions group activities
  • Sunday Service
  • Koinonia: Night of Worship
  • And more!
Houghton student helping new student move-in.

Tips for Move-In

Move-In is an exciting time on Houghton’s Campus! After you arrive to campus and complete your stop at the welcome tent, a team of volunteers will greet you, offer directions to your residence and help you unload your items into the hall. We provide carts for convenience but we do not have elevators (except for Lambein Hall)—so there will be carrying involved!

  • Stay calm and enjoy the process—we want you to enjoy setting up your new space, so don’t feel rushed. We have intentionally provided plenty of time for you to get settled before activities begin.
  • Talk with your roommate—Do you want to bunk your beds? Do you have a vision for decorating? Share your ideas for how to set up the room with one another or talk through it together on move-in day to create a space you’re excited to live in!
  • Less is more—Most of our students bring too much and then have to figure out how to make it all fit into their space. Bring what you need, there are always opportunities to add to the room after move-in.
  • Label boxes/bags with name and room number—this helps to make sure your items do not get lost between your vehicle and your room.
  • Stay cool—our residence halls do not have air conditioning. If it is a hot day, we recommend dressing to stay cool and comfortable. Bringing a fan for your room is a great idea for the first few weeks!
  • Check your Houghton Email—Orientation Weekend updates and move-in details will be sent out closer to August to your Houghton email account. It’s a good idea to make sure you are checking your Houghton email over the summer.

Living on Campus

Two Houghton students, one with Houghton tshirt and the other in an angry bird costume, helping during move-in.
Details About Your Residence HallWhat to pack

Your Resident Advisor (RA)

A peer, student leader. The RA lives on your floor and serves as a resource as you transition to Houghton’s community. They plan floor programs, create a welcoming living-environment, and are available for support throughout the year.

Your Resident Director (RD)

A live-in professional staff member who oversees the residence hall. RD’s are trained to provide whole-person care as they supervise the RA team, provide administrative leadership, and respond in times of need.

Housing Office

The Housing Office is responsible for all student housing, including room placement and meal plans. We encourage you to contact Housing@houghton.edu with any questions you may have about your residence hall space, your room, or your meal plan. Be sure to check your Houghton email for important Housing updates this summer.

Roommates

Once you receive your housing assignment and roommate information, reach out to your new roommate! We encourage a brief introduction to one another and working to coordinate who will bring certain items for your room. We recognize living with a community of new people is an adjustment and we are here to journey with you through this exciting transition. As you connect with your roommate, take advantage of the Residence Life resources including the Welcome Weekend Roommate Relationship event.

Interested in working on campus?

Discover work opportunities conveniently located on campus and learn about the next steps with Student Payroll. Be sure to bring a current driver's license/learner permit and social security card/birth certificate or a current passport with you to campus.

Explore Opportunities