New Student Orientation

Welcome to Bowdoin. We are so excited to welcome all new students to Bowdoin, including the Class of 2028 and incoming transfer students

Important Dates for New Students

Dates are subject to change—always check this page (and your Bowdoin email) for the latest!

JUNE

Jun 10
Monday, June 10, 2024

Pre-Orientation Webinar: Academic Preview
(7:30pm – 8:30pm EDT)


Jun 11
Tuesday, June 11, 2024

Choose options for your First Year Writing Seminar and take your placement surveys (June 11–21)

📝 Placement surveys open (12:00pm EDT)

Pre-Orientation Webinar: Orientation Trips Preview
(7:30pm – 8:30pm EDT)


Jun 12
Wednesday, June 12, 2024

Pre-Orientation Webinar: International Students, Welcome and Discussions
(8:30am – 9:30am EDT)

Pre-Orientation Webinar: Transfer Student Advising Preview
(7:30pm – 8:30pm EDT)


JUN 13
Thursday, June 13, 2024

Pre-Orientation Webinar: Health, Counseling, & Accessibility Preview (7:30pm – 8:30pm EDT)


JULY

July 17
Wednesday, July 17, 2024

First Year Writing Seminar Assignments and placement survey results available in Polaris

Optional drop-in placement Zoom sessions hosted by some departments and programs (July 17–22)

Select options for your remaining three courses (July 17–31)


AUGUST

Aug 7
Wednesday, August 7, 2024

Pre-Orientation Webinar: New Student & Family Welcome
(7:30pm – 8:30pm EDT)


Aug 7
Wednesday, August 7, 2024

📋 Enrollment Forms Open: Fill yours out here!


Aug 12
Monday, August 12, 2024

Provisional course schedules available in Polaris. Order your textbooks here!


Aug 16
Friday, August 16, 2024

📋 Enrollment Forms Close at 5:00 p.m. Fill yours out here!


AUG 23
Friday, August 23, 2024

New International Student Orientation Begins (F-1 and J-1 visa holders only) (5:00pm EDT)


AUG 26
Monday, August 26, 2024

New Student Arrival Day 


AUG 28
Wednesday, August 28, 2024

Orientation Trips Begin


Aug 31
Saturday, August 31, 2024

Orientation Trips Conclude


SEPTEMBER

SEP 2
Monday, September 2, 2024

New Student Orientation Concludes, Convocation Ceremony


SEP 3
Tuesday, September 3, 2024

First Day of Fall Semester Classes