How to enjoy Welcome Week like a pro

Welcome Week is an opportunity to celebrate everything Northeastern has to offer. File photo by Adam Glanzman/Northeastern University

The subtle change in the air at the start of September means one thing: Welcome Week 2017 has arrived. This weeklong celebration of the spirit of Northeastern is jam-packed with activities for new and returning students alike. Here are some ways to jump in.

Home is where the Husky is

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 and Beyond, and Best Buy will be available throughout the week. Check the Welcome Week schedule for specific times, dates, and pick-up locations.

Welcome, from the president

In the week’s biggest 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 morning, Sept. 5. Immediately after Convocation, be sure to check out the campus quads to celebrate the start of the semester with Fall Fest at 11 a.m. The free festival offers music, giveaways, games, and a “taste of Boston,” including food from a sampling of the city’s cultural hubs.

Then, head back to Matthews Arena for First Pages—held this year in collaboration with the Valerie Gordon Human Rights Lecture—where author and social justice advocate Bryan Stevenson will address the incoming class and discuss his book, Just Mercy. Like the President’s Convocation, this event is mandatory for new and transfer students, who should be seated in Matthews by 6:45 p.m. for the event.

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 buzzing with activities and games all week. You can run in a Boston 5K on Monday, Sept. 4, for a tour of the city on foot; or join a Wiffle ball or sand volleyball game any day during the week. You can get your groove on at afterHOURS with local soul band “Miss Fairchild” on Tuesday, Sept. 5, or catch a screening of Wonder Woman on the quad on Friday, Sept. 8. The full schedule includes much, much more, and, of course, free ice cream nearly every day.

‘I love that dirty water’

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.

Plug in

Get the latest news and updates by connecting with Northeastern’s social media channels. On Twitter, @Northeastern delivers daily university news and updates on campus life. 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 #NUexperience to join in the conversation.

Also be sure to follow @434CSC@NUDining@NUStudentLife, and @NUOrientation to stay in the loop on campus conversations; and @GoNUathletics for all things Northeastern sports.