Orientation
What is New Student Orientation?
Adjusting to college is both exciting and overwhelming. New Student Orientation (NSO) provides you with the tools to make the transition to life on campus as smooth as possible. Orientation begins with move-in and lasts until the first day of classes. You will be assigned to an orientation group led by our wonderful team of Orientation Leaders. These second-year students are experts on the Oxford campus and will help guide you through your first days at Oxford.
New Student Orientation Details
New Student Orientation will begin after move-in, on August 21st . You will receive a detailed schedule in July. New Student Orientation is designed to welcome you to the Oxford community and make your transition to campus as smooth as possible. You'll experience traditions such as the Oxford Olympics and have opportunities to meet faculty, staff, and students. All new students must register for NSO by July 27th!
Register for New Student Orientation here
WHAT'S PLANNED FOR MOVE-IN DAY
9:00 a.m. – Noon | Move-In |
11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. | Lunch |
Noon – 2:00 p.m. | Community Spaces |
2:15 – 2:30 p.m. | New Student Orientation Welcome |
2:30 – 3:15 p.m. | Orientation Leader Groups* |
3:30 – 4:20 p.m. | Campus Break |
4:30 – 5:00 p.m. | Coke Toast and Parent Farewell |
*Parent and family sessions take place during this time.
What Else Will We Do?
There are a variety of activities planned throughout orientation including social, wellness, and academic programs. You will participate in many of Oxford's beloved traditions including the annual Coca-Cola toast and Oxford Olympics. You will also meet one-on-one with your faculty adviser, who will help you start your academic career at Oxford. Most of all, you will begin to find your place in the Oxford community and have some fun while you do it!
Can Family Members Attend Orientation?
Yes! There will be special sessions designed specifically for the families' of new Oxford students on Move-In day. These sessions will be intended to inform families' how to best support their first-year student, preparing themselves for the transition, and identifying relevant resources on-campus for the success of your student!
GIVE US A HEAD COUNTRegister for New Student Orientation here. Please register by July 27 to let us know how many family members and supporters will be joining you and to request a specific t-shirt size.
Students can invite family and supporters to campus to help them move in. We have a special program for guests on Friday, August 21, which will end just before dinner. At that point, we ask that family members departcampus and allow their students to fully engage in the rest of the orientation program.
What Do I Need to Do Now?
To prepare for your arrival on campus, make sure you are keeping up with your Emory email communications and completing the items on your First-Year Checklist, including the Oxford First-Year Experience Canvas Course. This will give you all the tools you need for a successful start at Oxford College.
Pre-Orientation Program
Ignite Oxford
2026 Ignite Oxford Pre-Orientation: Monday, August 17 – Thursday, August 20
Register for Ignite Pre-Orientation here
As our newest community members, you’re invited to connect with peers and second-year students through our immersive pre-orientation program for first-year Oxford campus students!
Ignite Oxford is an immersive 4-day, 3-night optional experience dedicated to building community and helping incoming students acclimate to Oxford College prior to the start of New Student Orientation.
Through a variety of group activities, Ignite Oxford helps incoming students gain a deeper understanding of what it means to be an Oxford student. You will set in motion your own "OX-perience." Connect with other incoming first-year students and learn about student life from second-year mentors. Experience Oxford culture and traditions. Explore the surrounding communities, build a network of support, and grow a sense of belonging through social opportunities and peer-to-peer mentorship. At the end of week, enter New Student Orientation with confidence and excitement. Registration will begin on May 15th, 2026.
Move-In, Participant Info, Cost and Registration
*Ignite Participants will move-in on Monday, August 17 from 9 am - 2 pm ET
Total Number of Ignite Participants: 90
Type of Registration: Online, 2-step process; First come, first served
Cost: $275
Who Can Participate in Ignite Oxford?
All incoming first-year students are eligible to participate, except for F-1 international students. Incoming F-1 international students are required to participate in International Student Welcome, which takes place at the same time as Ignite Oxford.
First-generation college students are highly encouraged to participate in the program.
If you are an Oxford College varsity athlete who is arriving to campus early and you are interested in attending Ignite Oxford, please email leadership@emory.edu and your coach to learn how Ignite Oxford can fit into your pre-season schedule.
Cost & Financial Aid
Ignite Oxford costs $275 for each participant. This covers the cost of housing, meals, transportation, programming, activities, and Ignite Oxford swag!
We aim to accommodate student needs and will provide financial assistance for students who express need. If your deposit fee was waived when you applied to Emory, you qualify for a pre-orientation fee waiver. If you did not receive the deposit fee waiver but payment for this program is burdensome for you, please contact leadership@emory.edu at your earliest convenience.
If you are unable to participate in Ignite Oxford and wish to withdraw from the program, you must do so by June 30 to receive a full refund. Any cancellations after July 1 will be ineligible for a refund. We will do our best to accommodate as we are able, so please let us know as soon as possible if you can no longer participate.