Your first year starts here!

New student orientation for the Class of 2029 is Wednesday, Aug. 20 through Wednesday, Aug. 27.

Through our new student orientation, you will learn to navigate campus, find a sense of belonging, adjust to the rigor of a liberal arts education, and begin to develop a sense of purpose as you acclimate to life at Denison with support from faculty, staff, and fellow students.

Participation in new student orientation, both on and off campus, is required for all incoming first-year students.

First-year student have their photo taken in front of a giant light-up Denison sign.
First-year staff cheer on new students as they arrive for move-in day.
A group of first-year Denison students. Each has a red lanyard and 1st Year tag.
Members of the Class of 2028 sign their class banner.
Denison first-year students
First-year students gather in front of a stage for part of orientation.
First-year students dancing
Denison first-year students pose for a selfie
A stack of orientation packets feature a cover design that includes a photo of Swasey Chapel against a blue sky and the words "Your 1st Year Starts Here"
First-year students dancing at a social event.
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A new student orientation leader guides first-year students down Chapel Walk in front of Swasey Chapel to an orientation session.

Important Dates

  • Wednesday, Aug. 20
    Move-In Day*
    Induction Ceremony for the Class of 2029
  • Thursday, Aug. 21
    Family Orientation Programming
  • Thursday, Aug. 21 - Saturday, Aug. 23; Wednesday, Aug. 27
    On-Campus Orientation
  • Sunday, Aug. 24 - Tuesday, Aug. 26
    Off-Campus Orientation

*Students coming from abroad and members of the Cross Country, Field Hockey, Football, Soccer, and Volleyball teams will move onto campus early. Please see the International Students and Student Athletes sections below for details.

The full 2025 New Student Orientation schedule is coming soon!

On-Campus Orientation

On-campus orientation at Denison University offers a comprehensive introduction to campus life, including resource fairs, informative sessions, and opportunities for students and families to engage with the community. Highlights include move-in assistance, an induction ceremony for the Class of 2029, and various themed orientation activities to help students prepare for their new home on The Hill. 

International Students

Monday, August 18: Move-in day for students coming from abroad

The Center for Global Programs will help you settle into your residence hall, open a bank account, apply for cell phone services, explore campus, and learn about the Granville and Columbus communities before you take part in new student orientation with your classmates.

Your First Days on Campus

Students choosing to participate in the English for Academic Purposes (EAP) program will move in on Sunday, August 17.

Off-Campus Orientation

Denison includes a wide variety of Off-Campus Orientation Experiences as part of its new student orientation. These trips provide a unique and enjoyable transition to life at Denison while creating an opportunity to form friendships with other entering first-years who share your interests and passions.

Explore Experiences

Student Athletes

Members of the Cross Country, Field Hockey, Football, Soccer, and Volleyball teams will move onto campus early. These students will remain on campus for practices during the Off-Campus Orientation experiences but will join the on-campus orientation with their full class cohort.

  • Tuesday, August 12: Football move-in
  • Friday, August 16: Cross Country, Field Hockey, Soccer, Volleyball move-in

Athletes will be contacted by their coaches with additional early move-in details.

If you have any questions, email firstyear@denison.edu or call 740-587-6224.