Boston University’s Class of 2029 Matriculation ceremony will be held on August 29 at Agganis Arena.

Campus Life

BU’s New Orientation Week: a Fully Immersive, Weeklong Start to Campus Life

Students will attend class-wide events as well as sessions tailored to their interests, experiences, and identities

This week, Boston University rolls out the red carpet for its 4,200 incoming freshman and transfer students with a reimagined six-day orientation experience that goes well beyond the standard introduction to campus and classes. Instead, it’s designed to be a fully immersive transition to life at BU.

“This orientation is an invitation to engage deeply in our programs and our community, and it transforms the way we bring students into Boston University,” says Jason Campbell-Foster, dean of students. “It allows students to settle in and participate in everything BU has to offer, which was not possible to fit into the day-and-a-half-long sessions we used to have in June and August.” 

This new orientation experience for both first-year and transfer students began virtually in May and culminates in a week of events and activities just before classes start on September 2.

The overhaul has been in the works since last summer, Campbell-Foster says. The Orientation office gave its campus partners a year to prepare, as the changes have a significant impact on departments like Facilities, Housing, and Dining. 

In the past, holding orientation in June—three months before classes at BU started—could be overwhelming. “Students were wrapping up high school,” Campbell-Foster says. ”They were not retaining information as much as we would have liked.” 

This new model not only provides students with a holistic view of the BU community and available resources at a time when they are likely to retain it, but it is also more equitable since it eliminates the need for two costly trips for families—first for orientation and then again for move-in. Families were still able to visit campus this summer for tailored campus welcome visits, if they chose. 

“This also allowed us to think differently,” Campbell-Foster says. “Previously, orientations have always been like an instruction manual—here’s what to do, here’s how to do it. The new model is a way to be less ‘instruction manual’ and more an invitation to engage with communities that you value as an individual.”

A phased introduction to BU

Incoming Terriers have been engaging with BU since the spring. After submitting their deposits, students enrolled in a required online orientation course, featuring interactive videos and games contributed by departments across campus. Students had until July 1 to complete the course, but it will remain available throughout the year.

“The goal was to get important information online first,” says Hannah Pereira, director of BU’s orientation program. “So that way when students arrive on campus, they’re not just passively listening; they can focus more on building community and engaging more deeply.” 

Midway through the summer, students could join weekly virtual sessions with their assigned orientation groups, consisting of 20 to 25 students each. “That way, when they get here, it feels a little less intimidating,” Pereira says. “Students have people they’ve already connected with, they know their orientation leader already, and then they can go through the week together with a sense of community already in place.” 

Orientation also launched the 1839 Campaign, named after BU’s founding year. It consists of 18 weeks of newsletters for new students filled with tips, academic updates, and introductions to important campus offices, followed by 39 days of follow-up resources upon arrival on campus.

Orientation Week: A choose-your-own adventure

Orientation week begins with general events on Monday, August 25, and Tuesday, August 26, that include a welcome session at Agganis Arena, a two-hour academic block hosted by students’ schools or colleges, and a community-building session called “Find Your People.”

On Wednesday and Thursday, students select from a range of sessions tailored to their interests and experiences. Workshops cover topics such as getting involved on campus, time management, academic boot camps, financial literacy, and other relevant subjects. There is a “Grub Crawl,” a guided food tour around campus dining locations; an opportunity to attend a panel with international students representing different BU colleges and diverse regions of the world; a chance to meet the staff of BU’s identity centers and learn about the resources and programs available; and a scavenger hunt designed to help new students explore Boston’s sites and landmarks. 

The week also features sessions and fairs on resources, opportunities to explore campus, and time to connect over shared meals. The week concludes with the ceremonial Matriculation ceremony on August 29, where first-year students are formally inducted into the BU community.

Students live in the dorms and eat in the dining halls during the week, giving them time to make friends, familiarize themselves with the geography of campus, and navigate the day-to-day essentials, like where to do their laundry, Pereira says. “Six days is a nice, long time to be here and get the lay of the land before returning students arrive,” she says.

A series of fun activities is designed for the evenings, including a welcome barbecue (complete with a bounce house), a transfer student community dinner, and a magic show with tarot card readings.

Ultimately, the revamped orientation experience reflects BU’s commitment to encouraging what Campbell-Foster calls a “community of care,” ensuring that both students and their families are well-supported as they begin their academic journey.

“If we get Orientation right, it sets a positive tone for the next four years,” he says. “Our goal is to help students understand the greater responsibility they have both in the BU community and out in the world. We try to convey to students early on that you will come to life here and you have earned your spot in this really exciting and dynamic institution. 

“Let us show you a taste of what’s here for you.”