Welcome to Mount Holyoke! Starting college is incredibly exciting. You've worked hard to get here, and all kinds of academic and social opportunities await you. Please visit the Orientation website - you'll find the pre-arrival to-do list, frequently asked questions, campus resources and much more information about how to plan for starting at Mount Holyoke.
A full Orientation schedule goes live in July!
Orientation hub >
Students do not have to register for Orientation, but parents, families and supporters should. Please register by 9 am on August 20.
Register for Orientation
Due to construction on campus, this information is subject to change.
Throughout Orientation, guests may park in faculty/staff spaces without a pass between 5 pm and 7 am, Monday–Friday, or on weekends (until 7 am Monday). Visitors may also park in the Gorse or Equestrian Center parking lots. Please note that visitor parking at the Willits-Hallowell Conference Center is reserved for those visiting the center. Please refer to the campus parking map.
Note: The list of accommodations on this page is offered as a courtesy and does not constitute an endorsement by the College.
Please note: These sessions are for incoming Athletic students. Learn more about Athletics at Mount Holyoke. Mount Holyoke Athletics Website
Mon, Aug 17, 2026 12pm to 2:30pm
Our welcome crew will be ready to greet you in the circle near the main entrance of the Kendall Sports & Dance Complex (look for signage!) to help you pick up your residence hall keys and...
Mon, Aug 17, 2026 2:30pm to 4:30pm
Take this time to get settled into your new residence hall room.
Mon, Aug 17, 2026 5pm to 6:30pm
Join us for a fun tailgate with yard games at the President’s House! You'll receive a special welcome from President Holley and Dean of Students and Vice President of Student Life Marcella Runell....
Mon, Aug 31, 2026 10am to 7pm
Check-in at Blanchard Campus Center to pick up room keys, receive orientation materials, and pick-up swag. Students can eat lunch and their guests are welcome to purchase lunch at the Community...
Mon, Aug 31, 2026 4pm to 5pm
Join orientation leaders for a tour of campus.
Mon, Aug 31, 2026 4pm to 5pm
For families and guests only. Join Mount Holyoke leadership for words of wisdom and to meet additional faculty and staff.
Mon, Aug 31, 2026 5:30pm to 7pm
International Student leaders, orientation leaders & current international students join new students in the Dining Commons for a welcome dinner.
Mon, Aug 31, 2026 7:15pm to 8pm
ISOC orientation leaders and new students gather for a brief check-in activity before students go back to their rooms to unpack & settle in.
Tue, Sep 1, 2026 9am to 11am
This event is required. Please stop by the McCulloch Center for Global Initiatives to pick-up welcome gifts and have your travel documents copied. Please bring your passport and I20 with you to...
Tue, Sep 1, 2026 9am to 11am
Students will have free time to settle into their rooms, unpack and sleep/rest before orientation sessions begin.
Tue, Sep 1, 2026 11:15am to 12:45pm
We will kick off our orientation discussion with introductions to key support staff, engage in activities to build community and have conversations with ISOC leaders and the MHC counseling team...
Tue, Sep 1, 2026 2:15pm to 4pm
Representatives from various departments will provide information about their role in supporting international students across campus life.
Tue, Sep 1, 2026 7:15pm
Social activity led by returning international students.
Wed, Sep 2, 2026 9am to 10am
Join ISOC orientation leaders and other returning international students for casual conversation about campus culture and tips for navigating college life in America.
Wed, Sep 2, 2026 10:15am to 12:30pm
This is FREE transportation to shop and visit local stores at the Holyoke Mall for students to purchase their essentials for school while exploring the community. To secure your seat on the bus,...
Community Center, The bus stop behind the Blanchard Dining Commons and across from Lower Lake
Wed, Sep 2, 2026 2:30pm to 3pm
Hear from LITS staff about strategies for identifying and reporting potential email and phone scams and tools for strengthening digital literacy skills.
Wed, Sep 2, 2026 3pm to 3:45pm
Information shared by the McCulloch Center team about understanding immigration responsibilities and resources.
Wed, Sep 2, 2026 4pm to 4:30pm
Information shared by the Student Employment team about responsibilities and resources for working on campus. There will be time for individual questions following the presentation.
Wed, Sep 2, 2026 7pm to 9pm
Social activity led by returning international students.
Thu, Sep 3, 2026
New students will move in between 8 am and noon. Details about move-in and Orientation will be sent to each student's MHC email address. Orientation begins after lunch.
Thu, Sep 3, 2026 8am to 12pm
Pick up room keys and Orientation schedules at this resource fair for new students and families.
Thu, Sep 3, 2026 10am to 4pm
Giving each new student a plant has been a well-loved tradition for more than 50 years! We welcome you to pick out your “New-student Plant” during the above times at the Botanic Garden's Talcott...
Thu, Sep 3, 2026 10:30am to 11:30am
Gather as a group before the opening day lunch to check in and talk about Orientation programming. Upper-class students will be on hand to answer questions, connect new and returning students, and...
Thu, Sep 3, 2026 11am to 1pm
Fearless First Academy Scholars will visit the Fearless First Resource Center to explore what resources are available and pick up any items they may need prior to going shopping the following...
Blanchard Hall, Blanchard 107 (Mini-fridge pick up: Wilder Hall)
Thu, Sep 3, 2026 11:30am to 2pm
Enjoy an opening day picnic!
Thu, Sep 3, 2026 1pm to 1:30pm
Words of welcome from Mount Holyoke College President Danielle R. Holley, Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students Marcella Runell, and your Orientation Leaders!
Thu, Sep 3, 2026 1:30pm to 4:30pm
The campus squirrels are always up to something, but this time they've gone too far! They're causing mischief in the library, and we need you to solve puzzles and follow clues to help us catch them...
Thu, Sep 3, 2026 1:45pm to 4:30pm
1:45–3 pm: Student Life and Services Panel Chapin Auditorium, Mary Woolley Hall Student life and academic professionals discuss your student’s transition into college life at MHC. Offices...
Thu, Sep 3, 2026 4:30pm to 5:45pm
President Danielle R. Holley welcomes new students and families. *Rain Location: Kendade Atrium
Thu, Sep 3, 2026 5pm to 6:15pm
Enjoy dinner and another opportunity to get to know your peers!
Thu, Sep 3, 2026 6:30pm to 7:50pm
This is an opportunity to meet your Orientation Leader and the rest of your small group. (Check Embark or your nametag to confirm your Orientation group.)
Skinner Green, Meet at Skinner Green, meet-ups will happen across campus.
Thu, Sep 3, 2026 8pm to 8:50pm
Students will meet in the common areas of their residence halls to get to know their staff and fellow new students. Then they walk over together to enjoy the movie “Dirty Dancing” under the stars!
Thu, Sep 3, 2026 9pm to 11pm
Come join your fellow new students and cheer when “nobody puts Baby in the corner” because “Baby’s starting Mount Holyoke in the fall!” Planned Parenthood Generation Action, an MHC student...
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Save the Date! We hope to see you at Family and Friends 2026.
