Move-in day for incoming students is happening one day later than usual this year. Historically held on the Thursday before the start of fall semester classes, this year’s move-in day will take place on Friday, August 23. 

The timeline shift is part of continued efforts to enhance the transition experience for incoming students and their families. With the start of Welcome Weekend on Friday, the Office of Orientation and Transition Programs will maximize schedule offerings and allow students to individualize their schedules. The Friday move-in is also more convenient for working parents who take time off to accompany their student to campus. 

While official move-in day is on Friday rather than Thursday this year, the logistics and schedule will remain similar to previous years. Hundreds of volunteers and Miami staff members will welcome new students and families as they arrive and help unload their belongings. 

After moving in, students will attend corridor meetings, then Welcome Weekend events officially kick off with Welcome Home. 

"Welcome Weekend provides an opportunity for new students to meet one another, get connected to campus, and learn about campus traditions,” Liz Walsh-Treviño, director of orientation and transition programs. “It’s one of my favorite times of the year. I'm especially excited about the individualized schedules each new student gets to choose.” 

As Walsh-Treviño mentioned, students will have the opportunity this year to customize their Welcome Weekend schedule through the new student portal. 

The new individualized schedules during Welcome Weekend is a direct response to current students’ feedback. “Students today are interested in more choices and in smaller group connections at the start of their college experience," Walsh-Treviño said. “This schedule provides those opportunities.”

Similar to previous years, a handful of residence halls have been assigned to move in a day early to alleviate traffic on the official move-in day. The #MoveInMiami fundraising campaign will remain on Thursday, August 22.

Welcome Weekend Schedule Highlights

A jam-packed Welcome Weekend schedule aims to help students find and meet each other and start to make Miami their new home. 

Welcome Home, Hosted by MAP

Friday, August 23, 7:30-11 p.m.

Miami Activities and Programming brings back their Welcome Home event on Friday night featuring activities, crafts, and games all over campus. From a roller rink in Armstrong Student Center to a ninja warrior course on Cook Field,  students will encounter a plethora of options for their first night on campus. As always, students are invited to Lewis Place to plant succulents for “plant your roots,” and end the night with a fireworks show behind Benton Hall. 

RedHawk Ready Individualized Schedule - New!

Saturday, August 24, 9:30 a.m.-5:15 p.m.

Students will each create an individualized schedule in their new student portal, based on their interests. With more than 50 options to choose from on Saturday, students have plenty of opportunities to become more familiar with campus and the city of Oxford while building connections and community.

Residence Hall Rendezvous

Saturday, August 24, 7-8:30 p.m.

Residence halls will host in-hall events to help students meet and get to know each other. Students will receive more information about their hall’s event from residence hall staff.

Saturday Under the Stars

Saturday, August 24, 8:30-11 p.m.

Based on the Class of 2028 popular vote, this year’s event will feature Minions: The Rise of Gru. Flower bouquets, a photo booth, snacks, and giveaways will also be available. 

Love and Honor Convocation

Sunday, August 25, 3:30-4:30 p.m.

The Love and Honor Convocation with President and Dr. Crawford is a great way for incoming students to celebrate the start of the academic year, get their class t-shirt, and learn the Miami fight song.

First Day Photos

Monday, August 26, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

All students are welcome to commemorate their first day of the academic year by stopping by the Armstrong Student Center to take a “first day of school photo” and grab a sweet treat!

Involvement Week - New!

New this year, Involvement Week will bring together the various opportunities to learn about getting involved on campus. It kicks off with the first day of class on August 26, 2024.