Orientation

Our New Student Orientation (NSO) program will have something for all of our new students, including first-year, transfer, Davis Scholar, and exchange students. The program includes social and educational events, small group conversations, information about academics and course registartion, and a variety of other activities that will enrich your Wellesley experience and help you feel at home in our diverse community.

Many of the items you receive from us will feature the color green and the Orientation theme, yet to be announced. Green is the class color for the incoming Class of 2029, so you will notice many instances that green is used in conjunction with the class year. The Orientation logo design will help you recognize our Orientation materials.

We cannot wait to welcome you into this community! We will be updated our website regularly with information for incoming students, so be sure to come back regularly. 

Our virtual New Student Orientation (VNSO) is designed to help entering students feel prepared as they enter the college experience here at Wellesley. On July 28, students will be invited to join our virtual Orientation platform via email. During this time, students will meet their Orientation Mentor (OM) Group (composed of fellow entering students!) and begin connecting with their assigned student leader, aka, their OM. Students will also receive all sorts of information and resources via the Orientation platform. Content will be posted daily, but you are not required to check it every day. We recommend checking it at least once a week until you get to campus. 

In addition to these resources, we are hosting live events every Tuesday night at 8:00 PM EST via Zoom, starting on July 29. In these live events, students will meet key department leaders who will help answer important questions as you transition into this community. These will be recorded and posted in our Orientation platform and are not required events (although we strongly encourage you to attend!). 

Friday, August 22 | International Student Move-in

Sat, August 23 - Tuesday, August 26 | International Student Orientation

Incoming students who hold a non-immigrant visa such as F-1, J-1, L-2, etc. are required to attend Wellesley’s International Student Orientation (ISO) from Saturday, August 23 to Tuesday, August 26. Registration to attend ISO is required for non-immigrant students.

ISO is optional for other students who may identify as international. However, please note that due to capacity restrictions, U.S. Citizens and Legal Permanent Residents who identify as international who register will be placed on a waiting list. We will contact you by early July to confirm whether or not you are approved to attend the 2025 International Student Orientation. We strongly recommend that you either wait to purchase flight tickets or purchase travel insurance.

Wednesday, August 27 | Opening Day

Domestic Student move-in day will include programming for parents and families, with a special Welcome Ceremony and Parent Reception. Students will continue to engage in Orientation programming that night through Sunday, August 31.

Thursday, August 28 - Sunday, August 31, 2025 | New Student Orientation Programming

Our New Student Orientation program is designed to:

• Introduce you to the Wellesley College community, our history, our shared values, and our rich traditions.

• Provide opportunities for you to meet members of the college community, develop friendships, and establish personal connections with faculty, staff, and other valued members of the extended Wellesley family.

• Familiarize you with the campus and its resources, including academic advising and support services.

• Prepare you to become actively engaged in this community of life-long learners, as you embark on your liberal arts education.