Group of Houghton students holding signs and jumping in the air welcoming the incoming class during move-in.

New Student Welcome Weekend

We are excited to welcome you to campus!

Information for first-year and transfer student welcome weekend will be made available here as it becomes available. Please regularly monitor your email and this page for more updates.

Important Dates for Fall Semester

  • First Day of Classes: September 2
  • Homecoming Weekend: October 4-5
  • October Break: October 18-22
  • Thanksgiving Break: November 27-Dec. 1
  • Finals Week: December 16-20
  • Christmas Break: December 21

Move-In Day

Friday, August 30, 2024

For all first-year and transfer students.


Suggested arrival times:

Non-western New York residents: 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Western New York residents: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Houghton staff students welcoming incoming families during move-in day.

Welcome Weekend Schedule

Friday, August 30, 2024

8:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
New Student Arrival & Move In
Campus Center

10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Information Fair at Campus Center

  • Payroll
  • On Campus Jobs
  • Center for Student Success
  • Safety & Security/Parking Pass, Mail/ID info

11:00 a.m.
Mandatory Immigration Workshop for International Students (including Canadians)
Chamberlain 123

11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Lunch at Dining Hall
Free for new students with nametag; others pay at register/order ahead online/QR code at the Welcome Desk in Campus Center

12:00 p.m.
Transfer Student Lunch
Lennox Dining Room

1:00 p.m.
Student Council Meet & Greet (student program)
Larder Courtyard

1:00 p.m.
Supporting from Afar (family program)
Wesley Chapel

2:30 p.m.
New Student Dedication Service
Wesley Chapel

3:30 p.m.
New Student Class Photo and Family Social (Families depart following social)
Gillette Lawn

Welcome Weekend Activities

*Activities are subject to change.

Connect with the Houghton campus:

  • Breakfast with President Wayne Lewis
  • Academic Department Receptions
  • Get to Know Student Life
  • Succeeding in Residence Life
  • Placement Exams
  • Student-led Workshops
  • Vocation and Calling
  • Getting involved with Student Council
  • And more!

Connect with other students:

  • Block Party
  • Game Night
  • Kickball after Dark
  • Open Mic Night
  • Residence Hall Programs
  • Tie-Dye
  • Field Day
  • Ropes Course and Transitions group activities
  • Sunday Service
  • Koinonia: Night of Worship
  • And more!
Houghton student helping new student move-in.

Tips for Move-In

Move-In is an exciting time on Houghton’s Campus! After you arrive to campus and complete your stop at the welcome tent, a team of volunteers will greet you, offer directions to your residence and help you unload your items into the hall. We provide carts for convenience but we do not have elevators (except for Lambein Hall)—so there will be carrying involved!

  • Stay calm and enjoy the process—we want you to enjoy setting up your new space, so don’t feel rushed. We have intentionally provided plenty of time for you to get settled before activities begin.
  • Talk with your roommate—Do you want to bunk you beds? Do you have a vision for decorating? Share your ideas for how to set up the room with one another or talk through it together on move-in day to create a space you’re excited to live in!
  • Less is more—Most of our students bring too much and then have to figure out how to make it all fit into their space. Bring what you need, there are always opportunities to add to the room after move-in.
  • Label boxes/bags with name and room number—this helps to make sure your items do not get lost between your vehicle and your room.
  • Stay cool—our residence halls do not have air conditioning. If it is a hot day, we recommend dressing to stay cool and comfortable. Bringing a fan for your room is a great idea for the first few weeks!
  • Check your Houghton Email—Orientation Weekend updates and move-in details will be sent out closer to August to your Houghton email account. It’s a good idea to make sure you are checking your Houghton email over the summer.

Living on Campus

Two Houghton students, one with Houghton tshirt and the other in an angry bird costume, helping during move-in.
Details About Your Residence HallWhat to pack

Your Resident Advisor (RA)

A peer, student leader. The RA lives on your floor and serves as a resource as you transition to Houghton’s community. They plan floor programs, create a welcoming living-environment, and are available for support throughout the year.

Your Resident Director (RD)

A live-in professional staff member who oversees the residence hall. RD’s are trained to provide whole-person care as they supervise the RA team, provide administrative leadership, and respond in times of need.

Housing Office

The Housing Office is responsible for all student housing, including room placement and meal plans. We encourage you to contact Housing@houghton.edu with any questions you may have about your residence hall space, your room, or your meal plan. Be sure to check your Houghton email for important Housing updates this summer.

Roommates

Once you receive your housing assignment and roommate information, reach out to your new roommate! We encourage a brief introduction to one another and working to coordinate who will bring certain items for your room. We recognize living with a community of new people is an adjustment and we are here to journey with you through this exciting transition. As you connect with your roommate, take advantage of the Residence Life resources including the Welcome Weekend Roommate Relationship event.

Interested in working on campus?

Discover work opportunities conveniently located on campus and learn about the next steps with Student Payroll. Be sure to bring a current driver's license/learner permit and social security card/birth certificate or a current passport with you to campus.

Explore Opportunities