Fall 2026 Orientation

Your Orientation experience is designed to get you RIT-ready. It includes three components:  

1. Virtual Orientation: Your essential pre-arrival mission! You'll complete this online, on your own time, before arriving on campus. All modules must be completed before you arrive for Spring Orientation. You will receive more information about Virtual Orientation in May. 
    

2. Welcome Days, New Student Move-in, and Family Orientation:  
   Monday, Aug. 17, and Tuesday, Aug. 18 

   Monday, August 17 is the primary Welcome Day and includes move‑in, Orientation check‑in, and a variety of activities, including a resource fair, designed to help you get settled. Tuesday, August 18 features limited programming and time to settle in before New Student Orientation officially begins at 4 p.m. 
    

3. New Student Orientation:  
   Our formal Orientation program will begin on Tuesday, Aug. 18. It is designed to introduce you to other new students and all that RIT has to offer. Throughout the program, you'll have the opportunity to connect with and learn from current RIT Tigers, such as your Orientation Leader. Your Orientation Leader (also known as your OL) will help you navigate Orientation week, become familiar with the campus, and participate in a series of educational and social programs.  
   
   Note: Transfer students will have the opportunity to choose from two Orientation program options. Learn more about Transfer Orientation
   
   We are currently putting the final touches on this unforgettable experience. While we build your detailed schedule, check out the Orientation Highlights. If you have any questions in the meantime, please reach out to our team at orientation@rit.edu. 

College 101: Laundry, Roommates, and Life Outside the Classroom

• Session I: Tuesday, June 30 at 7 p.m. | View the recording
  Session II: Thursday, July 9 at 7 p.m. | View the recording

This summer, as you get ready for the transition to college life, it’s helpful to think beyond classes and schedules to the everyday skills that support successful, independent living. Join current RIT students and staff for College 101: Laundry, Roommates, and Life Outside the Classroom, a practical webinar designed for incoming students and their families.

We’ll share tips, real-life examples, and campus insights to help you feel more confident navigating day-to-day life at RIT. Topics include:

• Doing laundry
• Staying safe on campus
• Finding a campus job
• And much more!

Monday, August 17 is the primary Welcome Day and includes move‑in, Orientation check‑in, and a variety of activities, including a resource fair, designed to help you get settled. Tuesday, August 18 features limited programming and time to settle in before New Student Orientation officially begins at 4 p.m.

Students living in RIT Housing will move-in at their scheduled move-in appointment time. View detailed information about the move-in process 

While the complete Welcome Days schedule will be available for you to view in the Orientation app, here are a few important things to know about Welcome Days:

• All students must check in for Orientation at the Orientation Check-in table, located on the Mezzanine Level of the Gordon Field House and Activities Center (GOR). You can check in between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Monday, August 17, and between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Tuesday, August 18.
• The Resource Fair, open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 17, in the Gordon Field House and Activities Center (GOR) is a great place to meet members of the RIT community, take care of business, and get information regarding the resources and services available at RIT and in the local community. 
• Campus Tours will be offered on the hour from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 17. This is a great way to familiarize yourself with the campus. Tours depart from the first floor of the Gordon Field House and Activities Center (GOR).
• Furnish your residence hall room or new living space at the Goodbye, Goodbuy! thrift sale on campus. The sale, located in the lower level concourse of the Gene Polisseni Center (POL), will be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 17, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 18. The sale will continue through Thursday, Aug. 20, open from 12-4 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 19, and Thursday, Aug. 20.

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, available later this summer, will give you a full view of the schedule and help you make the most of your week. Here are a few program highlights to give you a sneak preview: