Welcome Day
Saturday, August 22, 2026
Get ready to kick off your Penn State journey! Welcome Day is held the Saturday before fall classes begin and is designed to bring new students together to launch the semester with energy, excitement, and essential resources for success.
Welcome Day is required for all first-year students!
Stay through the end of Welcome Day for your chance to win a laptop, television, Beats headphones, Penn State apparel, and more! (Must be present to win.)
Please register here to confirm your attendance: Welcome Day Registration form. Parents and family members do not need to attend.
You'll connect with your peers, meet faculty and staff, and learn more about what it means to be a Penn Stater.
Welcome Day schedule (Tentative)
Starting at 10:00 a.m. — Registration
📍 Campus Quad (outside, center of campus)
Additional details are being finalized, but you can expect to participate in the following activities:
- Kickoff Event — 📍 Campus Quad (Center of Campus)
- Team Building — 📍 Campus Quad (Center of Campus)
- Resource Rally — 📍 Locations vary by assignment
- Community Lunch — 📍 Brodhead Bistro/Bistro Plaza
- First-Year Seminar Meetings — 📍 Locations vary by assignment
- Faculty Meet & Greet — 📍 Locations vary by assignment
- Student Social Activities
What to bring & wear
- Comfortable clothing and athletic shoes – You'll be moving around campus for various sessions.
- Reusable water bottle – Hydration stations are located throughout campus.
- Rain gear – Ponchos will be provided if needed, but you're welcome to bring your own umbrella.
Welcome Week continues!
Your Penn State Beaver experience doesn't end on Welcome Day! Join us throughout Welcome Week for fun activities, opportunities to meet new friends, and chances to get connected across campus.
Friday, August 21
Nittany Night Out
5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Economy Pool
Transportation provided.
Saturday, August 22
Nittany Night In: Fire pit & games
8:00 p.m.
Behind Harmony Hall
Sunday, August 23
Nittany Neighbors
Time TBD
Harmony Hall Lobby
Meet your neighbors, resident assistants, and residence life staff while getting to know your new home.
Monday, August 24
First day of classes
Welcome to your first day as a Penn State Beaver student! Good luck—you've got this!
Tuesday, August 25
Sand volleyball & fire pit
8:00 p.m.
Behind Harmony Hall
Relax after class with volleyball, games, and s'mores around the fire.
Wednesday, August 26
Missed Your Mug & Spin-It to Win-It
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Kuga Pavilion
Enjoy free root beer, spin the prize wheel for giveaways, and pick up your Welcome Week mug while supplies last. Open to commuter and residential students.
Thursday, August 27
Chippy with Ippy
12:15 p.m. – 1:15 p.m.
Campus Quad
It's more than just chips! Stop by for snacks, campus happenings, programming ideas, and a chance to connect with Student Affairs & Engagement.
Friday, August 28 – Monday, August 31
Art Four Your Heart (4-Day Event)
Student Activities Suite (SUB 115)
Begins Friday at 12:15 p.m. and continues through Monday at 1:15 p.m.
Take a break, get creative, and contribute to a community art project while enjoying self-guided art activities throughout the weekend.
Saturday, August 29
Off-campus trip: Heinz History Museum & Pittsburgh Strip District
Time: TBD
Cost: $5 per student
Trip includes transportation and museum admission. Meals and personal shopping expenses are not included.
Get connected. Get involved. Make Beaver your home.
The best way to make friends and build your Penn State experience is to get involved. We can't wait to see you throughout Welcome Week!
