New Student Orientation

Program

Engagement

New Student Orientation is a multi-day program for all new Blue Jays in August that will leave you feeling prepared and excited to begin your first year at Johns Hopkins. With the leadership of a First-Year Mentor, students receive an overview of academics, student life, the Hopkins and Baltimore community, and what it takes to make a smooth transition to college.

Participation in all New Student Orientation sessions is REQUIRED of all incoming first-year and transfer students, unless a fall student-athlete is excused for a varsity sport practice or game by their coach.

2026 Dates

First-Year and Transfer Student Move-In: Sunday, August 23.
2026 New Student Orientation will take place on Sunday, August 23, through Sunday, August 30.
2026 New Student Convocation Sunday, August 30.
2026 First Day of Classes is on Monday, August 31.

Move-In

Move-In for new and existing students at Johns Hopkins University takes place in August. Over the summer, the office of On-Campus Living will send information about housing applications, the online housing portal, and how to sign up for specific Move-In appointment times.

Fall 2026 Move-In Dates

Pre-Orientation Move-In: Wednesday, August 19.
First-Year and Transfer Student Move-In: Sunday, August 23.
Second-Year Student Move-In: Saturday, August 29.

Schedule

This year’s New Student Orientation schedule will be released in late summer, but get a sneak peek by looking at last year’s schedule!

For incoming students, we encourage you to download the Hopkins Groups app to stay current on all the happenings on the Homewood campus, including NSO! Visit the NSO Hub on Hopkins Groups for full program descriptions and the most up-to-date information.

Pre-Orientation

Prior to participating in required New Student Orientation programming, incoming Blue Jays can sign up for an optional Pre-Orientation program. These programs offer the opportunity to connect with a small group of fellow students around a shared area of interest.

Learn More and Register

Undergraduate Core Team

New Student Orientation relies on its Undergraduate Core Team to help plan and implement orientation programming for all incoming Homewood students. Under the supervision of the Assistant Director for NSO, the Core Team, made up of four Core Team members and led by a Core Team captain, works closely with staff and key campus partners to plan, support, and implement NSO. Being part of the Core Team is an exceptional opportunity to develop skills in communication, leadership, event planning, collaboration, and working independently.