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
Pre-Orientation Webinar: Academic Preview
(7:30pm – 8:30pm EDT)
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)
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)
Pre-Orientation Webinar: Health, Counseling, & Accessibility Preview (7:30pm – 8:30pm EDT)
JULY
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
Pre-Orientation Webinar: New Student & Family Welcome
(7:30pm – 8:30pm EDT)
📋 Enrollment Forms Open: Fill yours out here!
Provisional course schedules available in Polaris. Order your textbooks here!
📋 Enrollment Forms Close at 5:00 p.m. Fill yours out here!
New International Student Orientation Begins (F-1 and J-1 visa holders only) (5:00pm EDT)
New Student Arrival Day
Orientation Trips Begin
Orientation Trips Conclude
SEPTEMBER
New Student Orientation Concludes, Convocation Ceremony
First Day of Fall Semester Classes