Welcome to Boston College!
Boston College orientation is an engaging and detailed program that will introduce you to the many resources, people, and programs that make BC such a special place.
Key Dates
Registration opens on April 1.
The deadline is May 4.
At a Glance
Sessions begin in June and run through August. Session availability is based on your BC school.
Orientation is 3 days, beginning on Sunday and going through Tuesday. Students stay in residence halls during this time.
You'll meet fellow students, learn about BC's resources and programs, and register for courses.
Yes, all incoming first year students must attend orientation.
Orientation Process
First, choose a session.
Let's get going! Register early, as spaces fill up.
Morrissey - Morrissey College of Arts & Sciences
Carroll - Carroll School of Management
Connell - Connell School of Nursing
Lynch - Lynch School of Education & Human Development
| Session | Dates | Schools |
|---|---|---|
| Session 1 | June 8 - 10 | Morrissey, Carroll, Lynch |
| Session 2 | June 15 - 17 | Morrissey, Carroll, Connell |
| Session 3 | June 22 - 24 | Morrissey, Carroll, Connell |
| Session 4 | June 29 - July 1 | Morrissey, Carroll |
| Messina College | July 6 | Messina College |
| Session 5 | July 13 - 15 | Morrissey, Carroll, Lynch |
| Session 6 | July 20 - 22 | Morrissey, Carroll, Transfer Students |
| Session 7 | August 17 - 19 | All Colleges Geographic restrictions apply.* Expand the section below for eligibility details. |
Session 7 is NOT available to students from Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, D.C., West Virginia, or Wisconsin.In addition to the states indicated on the map below, Session 7 is available to all International students, including those from American Samoa, Guam, and Puerto Rico. Please be advised that this session will fill quickly and due to space limitations is available on a first-come, first-served basis only.
Register
You'll need to stay for the entire program, so be sure to review the start and end times and plan your visit accordingly.
Please note:
- Students may only register for Orientation sessions for which they are eligible.
- There are school restrictions based on which BC school you have been admitted to.
- There are geographic restrictions for Session 7, which is reserved for our international student population and students traveling from the western half of the country (please see the drop-down above entitled "Session 7 Eligibility").
Reservations for the Parent and Family program are completed by students at the same time they complete their own Orientation registration.
- Due to limitations on space, students may register no more than two guests joining them for Orientation.
- Siblings, friends, and unregistered parents and guardians will not be able to attend.
See program details below.
Check-in
Sunday from 12:30 - 2:30 p.m.
Check out
On Tuesday, the Orientation program will conclude around 2:00 p.m., at which point students will need to return to the Thomas More Apartments to collect their belongings and check out of their room.
We recommend that you make travel arrangements so that you can remain on campus at least until 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday. The complexity of the program makes early departures very challenging.
Students will need to set up BC 2-Step Verification to register for Orientation. These instructions were sent in the email you received from student services to register your BC account upon enrollment.
- BC 2-Step Verification uses Duo Security technology to confirm your identity using a second device such as a mobile phone. Many BC services, such as Housing registration, require BC 2-Step Verification for added security.
- Go to Setup/Manage BC 2-Step service (bc.edu/manage2step)
- Sign in with your BC Username and use your BC password.
- Follow the instructions on the screen to set up BC 2-Step Verification.
Prepare
You're registered! Now, review some of BC's academic offerings and get your tech right.
During Orientation, the Academic Planning Workbook will be used by you and your academic advisor to plan and register for fall courses.
A PDF version of the workbook can be found in mid-May under Student Checklists.
Visit the Agora Portal to submit your an ID photo, review the University's laptop options, and get access to other student-related online services.
All official communication from BC will be sent to your BC email address. Your new BC email account will be activated in early May. You set up your password in Agora. (Your account will be username@bc.edu).
What to bring
Ready to connect with your new community? Bring your BC Info, a computer and comfortable clothes.
Easy access to your Agora Portal login info, your BC Gmail login info, as well as your Eagle ID #
if you cannot bring a computer or tablet, one will be provided during advising and registration. Please indicate your need on your Orientation registration.
You will not have time to go back and forth to the residence hall during the day, so you need to carry your laptop and other registration materials with you on Monday and Tuesday.
Comfortable clothing (sneakers, sweater or rain jacket, and athletic apparel for Monday evening). Personal items (.ie., water bottle, toiletries)
Arrival & Check-in
We are looking forward to welcoming our incoming students and parents/guardians to Orientation this summer!
Full itineraries for both the Student and Parent/Family Orientation programs will be available in the BC Welcome App by the first week in June.
Orientation Arrival and Check-In
Orientation Check-In for students, parents, and guardians will be held on each Sunday from 12:30 - 2:30 p.m. in the lobby of the Thomas More Apartments located at 2150 Commonwealth Avenue (Brighton, MA). The Check-in is a process that will last approximately 15 minutes. Please plan your day accordingly, so that you may arrive on time. Once students check-in, they are free to explore campus and the area until the Orientation program begins at 3:00 p.m.
If you are driving to campus, please park in the Commonwealth Ave parking garage on levels 2-6 (parents/guardians will receive validated parking passes during Check-In that can be used to exit the garage). Please note that the parking garage is about a 5 minute walk from the Thomas More Apartments, so families may want to drop individuals with luggage at the Thomas More Apartments before proceeding to the parking garage.
Students will receive their nametag and Orientation housing assignment during Check-In on Sunday. Registered parents/guardians will also receive a nametag during Check-In. Housing is not provided for parents/guardians. For a list of local hotels, please visit this website.
The Student Program
Your three-day Orientation program will keep you quite busy! You will plan your academic program with a faculty adviser, register for fall courses, and become better acquainted with the people and resources that will help you get off to a great start.
The Orientation program will formily begin at 3:00 p.m. with a liturgy in the Catholic tradition. All are welcome and encouraged to attend. After the liturgy, we will walk to McElroy for dinner and welcoming remarks, followed by an introductory evening program. After the evening program, parents and guardians will leave for their respective lodging around 7:30 p.m. Students must remain on campus and reside in on-campus housing for the duration of the program.
On Monday and Tuesday, the Student Program will run independently from the Parent / Family Program. Students will move through much of Orientation with their assigned Orientation Leader and small group, navigating the campus, engaging in meaningful conversation, and creating connections with classmates.
On Tuesday, the students and parents/guardians will continue in separate programs and will come together for a closing program at 1:00 p.m. We advise you to make travel arrangements so that you can remain on campus until at least 2:30 p.m on Tuesday. The complexity of the program makes exceptions very challenging.
IMPORTANT: During Sessions 1-6, students are required to stay on campus in provided housing and are not to leave campus at any time. Orientation is a mandated program and students must attend all components of the three-day program.
We are looking forward to welcoming our incoming students and parents/guardians to Orientation Session 7 in late August!
Full itineraries for both the Student and Parent/Family Orientation programs will be available in the BC Welcome App by the first week in June.
Session 7 Orientation Arrival and Check-In
Students attending Session 7 will be able to check into their 2025-2026 academic year housing assignment the afternoon of Saturday, August 16, 2025 or prior to 3pm on Sunday, August 17th. More information and move-in sign-up information will be communicated by the Office of Residential Life over the summer. We highly recommend that international students and those traveling a long distance arrange their travel so that they may move-in on Saturday. Arriving on Saturday will provide you time to get settled and travel to local stores to acquire dormitory necessities and personal items, prior to the start of Orientation on Sunday afternoon. Detailed information about Fall Move-In will be emailed to students over the summer by the Office of Residential Life.
If you are driving to campus for Orientation, please park in the Commonwealth Ave parking garage on levels 2-6 (parents/guardians will receive validated parking passes during Check-In that can be used to exit the garage).
Orientation Check-In for students, parents, and guardians will be held on Sunday, August 17th from 12:30 - 2:30 p.m. More information about check in location and details will be communicated closer to this date.
The Student Program
Your three-day Orientation program will keep you quite busy! You will plan your academic program with a faculty adviser, register for fall courses, and become better acquainted with the people and resources that will help you get off to a great start.
The Orientation program will formally begin at 3:00 p.m. with a liturgy in the Catholic tradition. All are welcome and encouraged to attend. After the liturgy, we will walk to McElroy for dinner and welcoming remarks, followed by an introductory evening program. After the evening program, parents and guardians will leave for their respective lodging around 7:30 p.m. Students must remain on campus and reside in on-campus housing for the duration of the program.
On Monday and Tuesday, the Student Program will run independently from the Parent / Family Program. Students will move through much of Orientation with their assigned Orientation Leader and small group, navigating the campus, engaging in meaningful conversation, and creating connections with classmates.
On Tuesday, the students and parents/guardians will continue in separate programs and will come together for a closing program at 1:00 p.m. The complexity of the program makes exceptions very challenging so please plan your Fall move-in needs accordingly.
IMPORTANT: During Sessions 7, students are required to stay in their fall housing assignment and are not to leave campus at any time. Orientation is a mandated program and students must attend all components of the three-day program.
Customized Programs
Messina College
Messina College Orientation will be held Sunday, July 6th immediately following residence hall Move-in for students. The program is required for all incoming Messina College students and family members are encouraged to attend the Sunday portion of the program if their schedule permits.
The Orientation program is designed to introduce Messina College students to the people and resources that will help you get off to a great start at Boston College. The program will provide an overview of the academic experience, introductions to important university leaders and Messina College administrators, and create opportunities for students to connect with their Orientation Leader and fellow Messina students. The program will be conducted in-person and on the Brookline Campus of Boston College.
Orientation Registration
All Messina students must register for the Orientation program. Registration will open on April 1, 2025 and must be completed by June 1, 2025. Once students confirm their offer of acceptance to Boston College, they can register for Orientation via their Admitted Student Portal - this is the website where you viewed your acceptance letter and decision.
The registration form will allow students to register themselves and any family members who will be attending as their guests on Sunday.
In First Year Experience, we recognize that families come in all shapes and sizes. However, campus space limitations require us to restrict all students to a maximum of two guests for the program. If you have additional family members, including siblings or grandparents who you believe should attend the program with you, please let us know by emailing Messina College.
Arrival, Check-In, & Move-In
Immediately prior to the Orientation program, Messina students will Check-In and complete the Move-in process into their residence hall where they will reside for the academic year. Program Check-In and Move-in will be held on Sunday, July 6th from 8:00 A.M. to 10:30 A.M. More information about the move-in process can be found on the Residential Life website, but students should review the suggested First-Year Packing Guide to ensure that they are only bringing items that comply with University policy.
If you are driving to campus, please proceed to the Messina College located on the Brookline Campus of Boston College (400 Heath Street, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467) and then you will be directed to the designated parking locations.
Students and registered family members will receive a nametag and program schedule at Check-In.
Program Details
Following Check-In and Move-In on Sunday, the Orientation program will begin around 11:00 A.M. The Orientation program will include a Welcome Address & Luncheon, introduction for Messina College academics and resources, and community time with orientation leaders. The program will conclude for family members around 5:00 P.M. and following their departure, the Orientation program will continue for Messina College students until 9:30 P.M.
More information rearding the Messina College Orientation program will be included here by the beginning of June.
Transfer Students
This year’s Transfer Orientation will take place July 20-22 (Session 6). All of the program details outlined above apply to the Transfer Orientation experience. Be assured that we know you are not new to college, you are just new to Boston College and we have designed your Orientation program to give you opportunities to learn about the many activities and resources available to you at the University.
During Transfer Orientation, transfer students will live on campus in University housing. This offers a great opportunity to meet and socialize with other new transfer students. You will spend time with current Boston College students who have transferred from other institutions and with our Orientation Leaders.
Please be advised that Transfer Orientation is a mandatory program. You can register for Orientation Session 6 via the Agora Portal or your Admitted Student Portal.
International Students
As international students, we realize that many of you will be traveling a great distance to get to Boston. We strongly encourage you to arrive on campus on Saturday, August 16, before University Orientation begins on Sunday, August 17. Move-in information will be communicated to you by the Office of Residential Life over the summer.
Arriving on Saturday will give you time to get settled into your residence hall room and catch up on jetlag. It will also provide you the opportunity to travel to local stores to purchase bedding, personal items, toiletries and anything else you may not be able to pack in your luggage. From the time Orientation begins on Sunday afternoon to its conclusion on Tuesday afternoon, you will NOT be permitted to leave campus nor will you have time to run errands.
Beginning on Tuesday, immediately following the close of University Orientation, International Student Orientation will begin. It is a separate program run by the Office of International Students and Scholars and you will receive more information from them about the program later in the summer. Please be aware that International Student Orientation is required for all international first year, transfer students, and exchange students. For further information about coming to BC as an international student, visit the Office of International Students and Scholars.
Parents & Family
A three-day Parent and Family Orientation will run concurrently with the Student Orientation program. This program is designed to support the adjustment process that occurs when a student leaves home for college and to familiarize parents and guardians with the resources that are available within the Boston College community. Parents and guardians will hear from Boston College students, faculty, and administrators about this exciting and challenging transition. Through panels, discussions, and informal conversations you will have the opportunity to learn more about academic expectations and community standards. During this time, offices and services across campus will be open for consultation. The Parent / Family Program is not required, and you are welcome to come and go from the program as you wish or require. Due to space limitations, students are only able to have up to two guests attend orientation with them. Students will register these indiviudals upon registering for Orientation.
On Sunday of Orientation, the Parent / Family and Student Programs will operate together. Following Check-In, the Orientation will officially begin at 3:00 p.m. with a liturgy in the Catholic tradition. All are welcome and encouraged to attend. After the liturgy, we will walk to McElroy Commons for dinner and welcoming remarks, followed by an introductory evening program. After the conclusion of the evening program around 7:30 p.m., parents and guardians will leave for their respective lodging, while the Student Program will continue on into the evening.
Beginning Monday morning, the Parent / Family Program will run independently from the Student Program. On Monday evening, parents and guardians will have the evening free for dinner and exploring Boston. The Parent / Family Program will rejoin the Student Program for the closing session beginning at 1 p.m. on Tuesday afternoon. Upon its conclusion, students attending Sessions 1-6 will need to return to their residence hall at 2150 Commonwealth Avenue to pick up their bags and drop off their room cards before leaving campus. We advise you to make travel arrangements so that you can remain on campus until at least 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday.
For more information on the Parent Program, please download the BC Welcome App by searching “Boston College Welcome” in your app store, or by clicking here for the iTunes download or here for the Google Play download. Once downloaded and installed, please select and download the "BC Parent Orientation" guide within the app. This guide will be available by early June.
IMPORTANT: Please be advised that lodging is not provided for attendees of the Parent Program. A list of nearby hotels and accommodations is available here. We are happy to provide a space to store luggage during the program on Sunday and Tuesday, if needed.