Fall Orientation

Questions about Fall Orientation?
Contact orientation@rit.edu.

Fall Orientation

Join us for an unforgettable Orientation experience that will set the stage for your success and help you feel right at home. 

Your New Student Orientation experience is designed to get you RIT-ready. It has two components: 

Welcome Days, New Student Move-in, and Family Orientation

Welcome Days are designed to help you arrive, get settled, and begin connecting with the RIT community. During this time, students will move in, check in for Orientation, explore campus resources, and participate in activities that support their transition to RIT. Families will also have opportunities to learn more about the student experience and the resources available to support their student’s success. 

Detailed information about Welcome Days will be shared as we finalize our program.

Fall Student Orientation

The formal Fall Student Orientation program begins on the second of two Welcome Days and is designed to introduce you to other new students, campus life, and the RIT community. Throughout the week, you'll connect with current RIT Tigers, including your Orientation Leader, who will help you navigate Orientation, become familiar with campus, and participate in educational and social programs. 

Note: Transfer students will have the opportunity to choose from two Orientation program options. Learn more about Transfer Orientation

Orientation Highlights

Orientation week is filled with opportunities to connect, learn, and have fun as you begin your time at RIT. In addition to the highlighted sessions and traditions, there are many other experiences woven throughout the week to help you meet new people and get comfortable on campus. The Orientation App, typically available in late-July, will give you a full view of the schedule and help you make the most of your week.

Get a preview of what’s waiting for you during Orientation: 

  • Student orientation leaders wearing “Tiger Strong” shirts lead a group dance or movement activity inside a large indoor arena, surrounded by incoming students.

    Orientation Kickoff

    Orientation begins with a kickoff program designed to help you feel prepared for the week ahead. You’ll meet your Orientation Leader, also known as your OL, who will be a key support and resource throughout the week, as well as the other students in your Orientation group.

  • A student stands behind an information table at an indoor event, talking with another student while promotional materials and orange-and-white balloon decorations are displayed.

    College Connections and Academic Programming

    Throughout Orientation, you’ll connect with your college, learn more about your academic program, and meet faculty, staff, and other students in your major. You’ll also have time to meet with your academic advisor, who can answer questions about your course schedule, degree requirements, and next steps as you begin your RIT journey.

  • Two students exchange a high-five at a crowded outdoor campus event, with other attendees, orange decorations, and RIT apparel visible in the background.

    Class Photo, Tiger Walk, and Convocation

    Celebrate the start of your RIT journey through some of the university’s signature Orientation traditions. You’ll join your classmates for the Class Photo, take part in the Tiger Walk, and attend New Student Convocation, a formal welcome from university leadership that marks your transition into the RIT academic community.

  • Students wearing hair nets and gloves stand around tables indoors, assembling food items into large bins as part of a volunteer or service activity.

    Connect and Serve

    Connect & Serve is an opportunity to give back, connect with the Rochester community, and build relationships with fellow New Tigers. Through a service-focused experience, you will work alongside other students to package meals for local community food shelters.

  • A group of students participate in a tug-of-war on a grassy campus lawn, pulling a thick rope during an outdoor activity with buildings and onlookers in the background.

    Social Events

    Orientation isn’t just about getting information—it’s also a chance to meet people, make connections, and have fun. Social events throughout the week give you space to hang out with other New Tigers, explore campus, and start building connections as you settle into life at RIT. 

Previous Next