January Orientation Schedule
Welcome to WPI's New Student Orientation (NSO)! We’re excited to kick off your academic journey in January 2026. This page provides all the essential information about NSO, including activities designed to help you thrive academically, connect with classmates, and explore WPI's resources. Families are welcome to join you on Move-In Day, but the program will transition to students only at 2 PM.
The schedule may be subject to change, so please refer back to this page for updates. We look forward to celebrating your arrival at WPI!
Register for January Orientation 2026!
All new students are expected to attend this orientation in January.
Please RSVP with your information by January 5th, 2026 by filling out this form:
New Student Orientation Schedule
Monday, January 12
| 8:00am-12:00pm |
Residential Students: Move into Residence Halls and Pick Up Student IDs Location: Housing and Residential Experience Center, East Hall Description: See emailed directions from Housing and Residential Experience Center with details for your specific location |
| 2:00pm-3:00pm |
Welcome (Students and Families) Location: Innovation Studio 203 Description: Students and Families have the opportunity to connect with administrators, staff, and faculty. Refreshments provided.
|
| 3:00pm – 4:30pm |
Offices Open for Resources & Campus Tour Resources: Health Services, Financial Aid, Bursar, Registrar, SDCC, CWB, SAO, ARC, Rec Center, Library, Help Desk, Mail Room, Academic Resource Center, Global Programs, CDC, OAS, Campus Police. Location: Starting in the Innovation Studio, various locations to follow Description: Community Advisors will show students how to navigate campus, learn where their classes are, and get a feel on where to study, hang out, and make connections. Stops will be made on the way to hear from campus resources and what they have to offer.
|
Tuesday, January 13
| 8:00am-4:00pm |
IT Service Desk Open Location: Gordon Library, Main Floor Description: Stop by for questions on how to make sure you’re connected to WPI tech resources on campus
|
| 9:00am-9:45am |
Breakfast and Welcome Location: Campus Center Odeum (3rd floor) Description: Senior Community Advisors and Community Advisors will have breakfast with new students in the Campus Center, including a brief welcome and review of the day.
|
| 9:45am-10:00am |
Check-In for New Student Orientation Location: Innovation Studio 203 Description: Pick-Up your Student IDs & Check-In with the Staff
|
| 10:00am-10:15am |
Welcome to the Herd Location: Innovation Studio 203 Description: Welcome from the Provost, Dean of Undergraduate Studies, Dean of Students, and Transfer Admissions.
|
| 11:00am-11:45pm |
Transitioning to WPI Successfully Location: Innovation Studio, 203 Description: Oversight of the Insight Program & preparing for the Term System at WPI
|
| 11:00am-11:45pm |
Current Transfer Student Panel Location: Innovation Studio 203 Description: Hear from current WPI students!
|
| 12:00pm-12:45pm |
Lunch with Faculty & Staff Location: Campus Center Dining Hall (And Chairs Room & Taylor Room) Enjoy a lunch in the Campus Center Dining Hall with some of your faculty from your departments & staff. |
| 12:45pm-1:15pm |
Getting Involved Location: Innovation Studio 203 Description: Learn about student organizations, clubs & opportunities to get involved on campus. Hear from current student leaders & ask questions about what being involved at WPI is like.
|
| 1:15pm-1:45pm |
Bridge Crossing Location: Earle Bridge Description: Participate in this WPI tradition of crossing the bridge from Alden Hall to Boynton Hall. The crossing of the bridge symbolizes new students' entry into the WPI community and is remembered years later, when graduating students cross the bridge again. Also you will meet more faculty, staff, & be greeted by students from the Student Alumni Society.
|
| 2:00pm-3:00pm |
Activity with Community Advisors Location: Innovation Studio 203 Description: Enjoy time with your Community Advisors & make your own stuffed goat to take with you! Learn more about campus & get time to ask your CAs questions while having some social time as a group. |
| 3:00pm-4:00pm |
Interactive Qualifying Project Application Presentation Location: Campus Center Peterson Room (3rd Floor) Description: Learn about the IQP process from the Global School. |
| 3:00pm-4:30pm |
Offices Open for Resources Resources: Health Services, Financial Aid, Bursar, Registrar, SDCC, CWB, SAO, ARC, Rec Center, Library, Help Desk, Mail Room, Academic Resource Center, Global Programs, CDC, OAS, Campus Police. Location: Various Buildings Around Campus Description: Community Advisors will show students how to navigate campus, learn where their classes are, and get a feel on where to study, hang out, and make connections. Stops will be made on the way to hear from campus resources and what they have to offer. |