New Student Orientation and Information

We are excited to welcome you to campus!

Information for first-year and transfer student orientation 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 28
  • Homecoming Weekend: October 6-7
  • October Break: October 14-17
  • Thanksgiving Break: November 22-26
Orientation Schedule

Move-In Day

Friday, August 25


For all first-year and transfer students.
Check-in outside the Campus Center during your suggested arrival time:

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

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

11:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Commuter Students

Orientation Schedule

Friday, August 25

8:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. | Information Hub

Once you are moved in, swing by to get your student ID, parking pass, lunch ticket or if you just have a question!

11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. | Lunch

New students can get lunch for free with their nametag, and families may buy tickets online ahead of time or at the information hub

1:00-2:00 p.m. | Student Program

Student Council Meet and Greet

1:00-2:00 p.m. | Family Program

Supporting from Afar - An opportunity for families to hear about ways to support your students while they are at Houghton

2:30-3:30 p.m. | New Student Dedication Services

Celebrate our new students with our annual new student dedication culminating with a bagpipe processional around the Quad

3:30-4:45 p.m. | Class Photo and Family Social

New students gather for a class photo and enjoy refreshments before saying goodbye to families and friends

By 5:00 p.m. | Departure

Families depart following social as students head to dinner with their classmates and start their Houghton journey

Orientation Activities

Saturday, August 26 and Sunday, August 27*

*Activities are subject to change.

Connect with the Houghton campus:

  • Breakfast with President Wayne Lewis
  • Academic Department Receptions
  • Get to Know Student Life
  • Succeeding in Residence Life
  • Placement Exams
  • Student-led Workshops
  • Vocation and Calling
  • Getting involved with Student Council
  • And more!

Connect with other students:

  • Block Party
  • Game Night
  • Kickball after Dark
  • Open Mic Night
  • Residence Hall Programs
  • Tie-Dye
  • Field Day
  • Ropes Course and Transitions group activities
  • Sunday Service
  • Koinonia: Night of Worship
  • And more!

Interested in working on campus?

Discover work opportunities conveniently located on campus and learn about the next steps with Student Payroll.

Explore Opportunities