Welcome Weekend 2025 ‘one of best times of the year’
Activities for first-year and transfer students help with transition to college
Welcome Weekend 2025 ‘one of best times of the year’
Moving into college can be an overwhelming experience for many first-year students. At Miami University, the transition into residence halls can be an intimidating but exciting process. Hundreds of volunteers and Miami staff will help move in these new students as they arrive on campus to help ease the process.
After moving in, first-year and transfer students will have the opportunity to attend Welcome Weekend, four days packed with various events allowing new and returning students to experience key elements of Miami life. Miami aims to guide students through this process by giving them the resources needed to have a solid foundation for success at Miami.
“Welcome Weekend is one of the best times of year, in my opinion, because it is really focused on building community and coming together as a campus in a really exciting way before classes begin,” said Liz Walsh-Treviño, director of orientation and transition programs. “There are lots of different ways that students might get involved. There are large group events, small group opportunities, programs, and events for lots of different interests.”
Thursday, Aug. 21
Welcome Weekend Welcome Center
7-9 p.m., Armstrong Student Center
For students who move in early, go to the Armstrong Student Center atrium to check in for Welcome Weekend and create an individualized schedule. Take advantage of the photo booth to commemorate Welcome Weekend and have the opportunity to get a sweet treat.
Late Night Miami Preview
8-11 p.m., Armstrong Student Center
After checking in at the Welcome Center, get ready to sing and dance at a silent disco with glowing headphones to your favorite music channels. If dancing is not your scene, interact in some friendly competition in Red Zones with some fun games.
Friday, Aug. 22
Welcome Weekend Welcome Center
2-6 p.m., Armstrong Student Center
After moving in, head to the Armstrong Student Center atrium to check in for Welcome Weekend and create an individualized schedule. Take advantage of the photo booth to commemorate Welcome Weekend and have the opportunity to get a sweet treat.
Residence Hall Meeting
6:15-7:30 p.m., Individual Residence Halls
Before the kick off of Miami Activities and Programming (MAP) events, students will have the opportunity to meet their residence hall staff and other students to review the expectations and hall details.
“Part of what we do in the residence halls is try to get people connected,” said Rob Abowitz, director of residence life. “On their move-in day, that evening, they have residence hall meetings … Immediately after that, our staff either escort or direct students to all the things going on across campus.”
Welcome Home with MAP
7:30-11 p.m., Various Locations
MAP will give students an amazing Friday night full of various activities, crafts, and games. At the end of the night, make sure to catch the fireworks show that happens behind Benton Hall at 10 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 23
RedHawk Ready
9:30 a.m.-5:15 p.m., Various Locations
RedHawk Ready consists of various activities that range from canoeing to doing puzzles and crafts. The goal of this event is to give every student an activity that supports their lifestyles and interests. For more information about the individual activities, including times and locations, check out the Miami University events app. Within the app, download the Orientation and Welcome Weekend 2025 guide.
Residence Hall Rendezvous
7-8:30 p.m., Individual Residence Halls
Residence Hall Rendezvous is centered around connecting students with other residents in their individualized dorms. Check with your hall staff for details.
Saturday Under the Stars
8:30-11 p.m., Central Quad.
Spend your Saturday night in Central Quad watching an outdoor showing of “Top Gun: Maverick.” Make sure to capture your first Saturday night in college by taking a picture in the photo booth. Connect with new friends while making your own flower bouquet, enjoying some snacks, or grabbing a giveaway prize.
Sunday, Aug. 24
Love and Honor Convocation
3:30-4:30 p.m., Millet Hall
To end the weekend, students will attend the Love and Honor Convention led by President Gregory Crawford and University Ambassador Dr. Renate Crawford. This pep rally type event will create excitement for the new school year by showcasing Miami’s values and teaching the fight song.
“Our purpose is to help as many people as possible get connected and feel engaged, starting on that first weekend,” Abowitz said. “We’re creating opportunities for the students, and they have to act on that opportunity.”
Welcome Weekend isn’t just giving students an introduction to Miami’s campus, it is an opportunity to meet other students and start your Miami journey. Whether you are a returning student or first-year student, Welcome Weekend is designed to help you find your people and place on campus. It is an opportunity to be bold and try something new that can lead to new connections and friendships. To find out more information about the following events and customize your own schedule, check out the Miami University Events app.
