Arrival Day Schedule 2023
Arrival Day 2024 updates coming soon! See Arrival Day 2023 schedule (below) for a preview of what's to come.
Arrival and Check-In
8:30 A.M.–1:00 P.M.
Sidney J. Watson Arena
Please arrive at Watson Arena during your scheduled thirty-minute arrival time between 8:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Water and public restrooms are available.
Orientation Trip Check-in
8:30 A.M.–4:00 P.M.
This event is for students only.
Sidney J. Watson Arena
After checking in, you may drop off the belongings you need for your Orientation Trip. Your student trip leaders will make sure you are equipped for the next four days. You can retrieve equipment from your room or borrow certain items from the Bowdoin Outing Club building between 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.
8:30 A.M.–1:00 P.M.
Appleton, Coleman, Hyde, Maine, Moore, Osher, West, and Winthrop Halls
After you check in at Watson Arena, members of the residential life staff will be in your hall to welcome you to your room.
11:00 A.M.–2:15 P.M.
Thorne Dining Hall or Jack Magee’s Grill, Smith Union
Enjoy a free lunch at Thorne Dining Hall for incoming students and accompanying family members and guests. At Magee’s Grill (lower level, Smith Union) you may purchase à la carte selections using cash or credit card.
12:00 P.M.–1:00 P.M.
Ladd House, 14 College Street
Join other students and families to learn about accommodations and resources for students with disabilities on campus from Director of Student Accessibility Lesley Levy.
1:00 P.M.–1:45 P.M.
Ladd House, 14 College Street
If you are in Bowdoin Advising in Support of Excellence (BASE), Chamberlain Scholars, or Geoffrey Canada Scholars (GCS), welcome to THRIVE! THRIVE is a campus initiative to foster achievement, belonging, mentorship, and transition among students who have historically been excluded from many spaces in higher education, in particular low-income students, those who are the first in their family to attend college. Join us to meet the THRIVE team and learn more about what we have to offer.
President’s Welcome to Families and Guests
2:00 P.M.–2:45 P.M.
This event is for families and guests only.
Studzinski Recital Hall
President Safa Zaki, Senior Vice President and Dean for Student Affairs Janet K. Lohmann, and Senior Vice President and Dean for Academic Affairs Jennifer Scanlon welcome families to the Bowdoin community.
2:45 P.M.–3:30 P.M.
Hyde Plaza (near the Polar Bear Statue), next to Studzinski Hall (Rain location: Main Lounge, Moulton Union)
Enjoy refreshments at the reception hosted by President Safa Zaki.
3:30 P.M.–3:45 P.M.
Sidney J. Watson Arena
Say goodbye to families and guests before meeting your Orientation Trip group and leaders. Please bring everything you plan to take on your trip. Families and guests are encouraged to attend the 4:00 p.m. session in Studzinski Hall or depart campus at this time.
An Overview of the First-Year Experience
4:00 P.M.–5:00 P.M.
This event is for families and guests only.
Studzinski Recital Hall
A panel of student affairs professionals will discuss the First-Year Experience and college departments and resources. Time will be set aside to answer questions. This session concludes Arrival Day for families and guests.
Orientation Trip Cookout
5:30 P.M.–7:00 P.M.
This event is for students only.
Dudley Coe Quad
Gather for some food and fun and meet the Orientation Trip staff and many of your classmates.
Students Return to Their Residence Halls
7:00 P.M.–7:30 P.M.
This event is for students only.
Appleton, Coleman, Hyde, Maine, Moore, Osher, West, and Winthrop Halls
Trip leaders will walk you back to your residence halls.
Floor Program with Your Proctor
7:30 P.M.–8:45 P.M.
This event is for students only.
Appleton, Coleman, Hyde, Maine, Moore, Osher, West, and Winthrop Halls
Gather with other members of your floor and meet your residential life proctors and resident assistants (RAs). Spend time with your floormates and begin building connections!
Proctor Open Hours
8:45 P.M.–10:00 P.M.
This event is for students only.
Appleton, Coleman, Hyde, Maine, Moore, Osher, West, and Winthrop Halls
Proctors’ doors are open until 10:00 p.m. if you have questions or need information.