Orientation Schedule

Large group of students sitting in the college's amphitheater holding candles at night time collection.

Orientation Schedule 

 

Schedule for New Student Orientation
 
Below is a glance at Move In Day for all new first year students. The official schedule with details for move in day and the rest of the week will be released in August. New Transfer Students will move in on Monday, August 24, 2026. More details will be released later in the summer.

Please remember, if you will be arriving to campus before the New Student Orientation, your move in dates and schedule may look a little different. You will receive more information for those programs later as well.

Glance at move in day (August 25, 2026):

Residence Halls open: 8am

Move-in and Unpack: 8am - 12pm

Swarthmore Showcase: 10am-2pm (in the Swarthmore Town Village)

Lunch Break: 12pm-2pm

First Student Meet Up:  2:30pm

Family Welcome Event: 2:45pm

Family Farewell Event:  3:30pm*

All Student Meeting: 4:30pm

*We kindly invite families and friends to depart campus after the Family Farewell ends, so that your student can focus on Orientation 2029!

Please note that the above "At a Glance" calendar is provided for planning purposes only, and is not inclusive of all events scheduled on August 25, 2026.

SUMMER Communication Timeline (tentative)

Additional information about Orientation will be shared throughout the summer. Some important communications to be on the lookout for:

  • Mid-May: We will email you with info on how to set up your Swarthmore email account and network access, and how to complete new student forms through your New Student Checklist.
  • June 1: Your first set of new student forms are due in your New Student Checklist. Each checklist item lists its due date, so please be sure to pay attention to these deadlines throughout the month of June.
  • Mid-July: We will email you with info on how to complete academic placement exams online.
  • Late July: Your final high school transcripts (and official standardized testing, if applicable*) are due to the Admissions Office. You will also receive your housing assignments and shared with you via our Housing Portal.
  • Early-mid August: Your academic placement exams are due 
  • August 20-24: International Student Orientation.
  • August 25: New Student Move-In Day.  
  • Late August: New Student Orientation. Academic advising and course registration.