Orientation

What is New Student Orientation?

We know adjusting to college is both exciting and tough. 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 22. 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.

What's planned for move-in day

9:00 a.m.–Noon	Move-In
10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.	Campus Tours (depart every 30 minutes)
Noon–2:00 p.m.	Oxford Expo Resource Fair and Campus Tours
11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.	Lunch
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.	Discovery Seminar Adviser Welcome*
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?

Students can invite family and supporters to campus to help them move in. We have a special program for guests on Friday, August 22, which will end just before dinner. At that point, we ask that family members depart campus 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

2025 Ignite Oxford Pre-Orientation: Monday, August 18 – Thursday, August 21

Total Number of Ignite Participants: 90

Type of Registration: Online, 2-step process; First come, first served

Cost: $275

Registration for Pre-Orientation will open on May 11 at 5pm ET!

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.

Who Can Participate in Ignite Oxford?

All incoming first-year students are eligible to participate, except for students on an F1 visa. Students on an F1 visa 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.