Orientation Week

Orientation Week

After students complete move-in, Orientation Week begins! Orientation Week aims to provide a mix of fun and educational components to help students transition and acclimatize to the GW community and becoming a college student. Students will be provided with plenty of opportunities to connect with one another, from their residence halls, their colleges, and from across campus. There will also be opportunities to explore D.C. beyond the GW campus during Orientation Week.

Schedule

Sunday, August 20

• 8:30AM - 12:30PM: Small Group meeting with your Orientation Leader and optional campus tours
  • You will start off Orientation by meeting with your summer small group and Orientation Leader, for the first time in person!
• 1PM - 2PM: Lunch
• 2PM - 4PM: New Student Orientation Keynote
  • Gather with the Class of 2027 to hear from our Keynote Speaker.
• 4:30PM - 6:30PM: Resource Fair & Dinner
  • Join GW campus partners to learn about resources on campus and in the community.
• 4:30PM - 6:30PM: Transfer Student Social & Commuter Student Social
  • Transfer and Commuter students are invited to our socials, where you can mingle with current GW students and meet other transfers or commuters coming to GW!
• 8PM - 10PM: Buff & Blue Kickoff
  • You are encouraged to bring your Buff & Blue spirit, and learn some GW traditions at this high energy kick-off event! You will be addressed by GW President Granberg, Vice Provost and Dean of Students Colette Coleman, and student leaders from the Student Association, Residence Hall Association, George’s Army, and more!

Monday, August 21

• 9AM - 3PM: Orientation Session Blocks and Open Houses
  • Students will follow their specific group schedule through a variety of different sessions and presentations.
• 3:30PM - 5:30PM: Academic School Sessions
• 6PM - 7PM: Class Photo
• 9PM - 11PM: Late Night at the Rec
  • Students will have the opportunity to explore the Lerner Health and Wellness Center and engage in activities such as laser tag, dodgeball, basketball, esports, group fitness, and much more! Take the opportunity to learn more about our club sports teams and intramural sports offerings. Don't forget to collect free giveaways throughout the night! Can't wait to see you there!

Tuesday, August 22

• 9AM - 5PM: Orientation Session Blocks, Open Houses, and Roommate Agreements
  • Students will follow their specific group schedule through a variety of different sessions and presentations.
• 10AM - 3PM: International Student Orientation
  • Newly admitted GW students in F-1 Student status are required to attend our mandatory in-person New International Student Orientation. At orientation, you will learn essential information related to maintaining your immigration status as well as benefits that are available to you as an international student at GW. 
• 4PM - 7PM: Sustainability Green Move-In
  • Come out to the Office of Sustainability's Reuse Market on August 22 from 4:00 - 7:00 PM in University Yard to "shop" for gently used dorm essentials collected during Green Move Out! Deck out your residence hall room with second-hand bookshelves, dressers, storage bins, hangers, cookware, dishes, books, school supplies, and more all completely free-of-charge and totally sustainable. Don't miss out!
• 6PM - 8PM: Mount Vernon Campus Community Cookout
  • Join fellow Vernies for a community cookout on the MVC Quad and informally meet the staff who will be supporting you through your first year.
• 9PM - 11PM: GW Late Night Presents: To GW, and Beyond!
  • Grab a buddy and head to the University Student Center for a night of galactic themed fun! Presented by the GW Late Night Committee, you'll have the opportunity to hop on a moon bounce, team up with the Guardians of the Galaxy, triumph in trivia or table-top games, relax under the stars, and make fun space themed-crafts! Out of this world treats and prizes will also be available! 

Wednesday, August 23

• 9AM - 4PM: Lab Fair
  • This drop-in lab fair will offer students (mainly for athletes, health science students, and international students) who require additional blood tests to get their blood drawn. To learn more about what tests will be available, please reach out to the Student Health Center at [email protected]
• 9AM - 11AM: Roommate Agreements
• 12PM - 3PM: Mount Vernon Campus Pool Party
  • Catch some rays and cool off from the summer heat at the MVC Pool! Enjoy snow cones, snacks, and fun activities with friends as the summer comes to an end.
• 4PM - 7PM: National Mall Kickback
  • Celebrate the start of your GW career with a picnic and lawn games on an iconic D.C. landmark, the National Mall! This event will give you a chance to connect with your new peers and build community.

Thursday, August 24

• First Day of Class
• 11PM - 12AM: Late Night Monument Walks

Friday, August 25

• 7PM - 10PM: First Night
  • Kick-off the new year at First Night, an annual event that brings the GW community together! Explore the Foggy Bottom campus and enjoy some classic carnival games, attractions, and food. Get a group together and head to First Night on August 25th from 7-10 PM in U-Yard and Potomac Square!

Saturday, August 26

• District Connections
  • You will have the opportunity to experience the cultural and intellectual diversity of D.C., learn to navigate the city, and connect with their new classmates through excursions all over D.C. led by upperclass student leaders.

Sunday, August 27

• District Connections
  • You will have the opportunity to experience the cultural and intellectual diversity of D.C., learn to navigate the city, and connect with their new classmates through excursions all over D.C. led by upperclass student leaders.

Additionally, there will be programming specifically for Parents, Families, and Supporters.

Learn more about each component of GW's Orientation Program: