How to make the most of Welcome Week 2016

President Joseph E. Aoun walks with students to the Taste of Boston event on Centennial Common following the President Convocation at Matthews Area at Northeastern University on Sept. 8, 2015. Photo by: Matthew Modoono/Northeastern University

The time has arrived. Welcome Week 2016 starts Wednesday, kicking off a 10-day celebration of all that Northeastern has to offer, whether you’re a new or returning student. Festivities run through Saturday, Sept. 10, and include a host of events and activities to get you acclimated to campus. Here, we highlight some ways to dive in.

Welcome home

It’s an exciting time and there’s a lot to know about moving to your new home away from home. We have you covered with guides and tips for on-campus and off-campus move-in. Realized you forgot something? No worries. Shuttle bus trips to nearby Target, Bed Bath & Beyond, and Best Buy will be available throughout the week. Check the Welcome Week schedule for specific times, dates, and pick-up locations.

Northeastern University President’s Convocation, Matthews Arena on Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2015. Photo by: Matthew Modoono/Northeastern University

Receive a big university welcome

On Sunday, Sept. 4, you can meet classmates and get covered in school spirit during “The Start of Something Great,” your inauguration to life as a Husky. The event starts at 6 p.m. at Centennial Common.

…And a presidential welcome

In the week’s cornerstone event, President Joseph E. Aoun will welcome new students and transfer students to the university at the President’s Convocation and March, held at Matthews Arena on Tuesday, Sept. 6, starting at 8:45 a.m. Immediately after Convocation, be sure to hit up the campus quads to celebrate the start of the semester with Fall Fest. The free festival offers music, giveaways, games, and a “taste of Boston,” including food from a sampling of the city’s cultural hubs.

On Tuesday at 7 p.m. new students will return to Matthews Arena to take part in an event for the First Pages program, which requires all first-year students to read a challenging and engaging book. Pulitzer Prize-winning author Tracy Kidder will address the incoming class and discuss his book, Strength in What Remains: A Journey of Remembrance and Forgiveness. The university’s individual colleges will also be hosting welcome events throughout the day. Check the Welcome Week schedule for a complete listing of times and locations.

Scenes during Fall Fest ’15 on Centennial Common at Northeastern University on Sept. 7, 2015. Photo by: Matthew Modoono/Northeastern University

Get involved

Whatever you’re into—whether it’s debate, sports, anime, arts and crafts, music, or professional development—Northeastern has a club or organization for you. Be sure to chat with representatives from the hundreds of organizations that will be at Fall Fest to start exploring.

Have some fun

The campus will be alive with activities and games all week. You can watch a movie on the big screen on Wednesday, Aug. 31 at Blackman Auditorium; try your hand at some classic board games at Stetson East on Wednesday, Aug. 31, and Thursday, Sept. 1; jump in on basketball, Wiffle ball, or volleyball pick-up games happening throughout campus during Welcome Week; cut a rug at the afterHOURS concert featuring local band “Build a Machine” on Tuesday, Sept. 6; compete in road races held throughout the week; or play a game of big pink volleyball at the Marino Center Thursday, Sept. 8.

Take a tour of Boston

Whether you’re new to the area or a Boston native, there are plenty of opportunities to explore what the city has to offer. This week, Northeastern has organized a range of activities for you, including a walking tour of the city, an afternoon on the Charles River, a famous Duck Boat Tour of Boston landmarks, and a visit to Fenway Park.

Tickets or registration are required for some events. See the full Welcome Week schedule for more information.

Get connected

Be in-​​the-​​know by connecting with Northeastern’s social media channels. On Twitter, @Northeastern delivers daily university news and updates on campus life; handles such as @434CSC, @NUDining, @NUStudentLife, and @NUOrientation keep you in the loop on campus conversations; and @GoNUathletics is the source for all Northeastern sports news.

You’ll want to check out Instagram (@Northeastern) and Snapchat (northeasternu), as well as Facebook (Northeastern University).

Don’t forget to tag your tweets and Instagram posts with #NUWelcomeWeek and download the Northeastern Orientation and Parent/Family programs app.