Arrival and Orientation

Welcome to Bowdoin! We are so excited to welcome all new students to Bowdoin, including the Class of 2029 and incoming transfer and exchange students!

Students at the field house during orientation.

Students packaging beans at the food bank during the service orientation trip.

Archery lessons at the Schiller Coastal Studies Center

Visiting the North Haven Historical Society

The Arrival Day schedule will be finalized over the summer, but the big day for domestic students is August 25, 2025.

The big day for international F-1/J-1 visa holders is Friday, August 22, 2025. More information for international students here »

There's no need to rush it. By the time you arrive to campus, you will have:

Roommates and a room assignment
Hopefully everything you need from your packing list
An Orientation Trip assignment
A provisional class schedule for your first semester
An Arrival Day move-in time slot
and more!

In the meantime, feel free to explore:

First-Year Housing
First-Year Living and Roommates
What is Res Life Staff and what do they do?
Student Support Services
Frequently Asked Questions