Pre-Orientation Programs


As our newest community members, you’re invited to connect with peers and upperclass students through one of our immersive Pre-Orientation Programs for first-year Atlanta campus students.

Pre-Orientation is an optional opportunity open to incoming first-year students (except the International Student Welcome, which is required for F1 students). Programs are designed around a specific focus and serve to connect students with various aspects of the Emory community.

We encourage incoming first-year students to review the different programs, their focus, and registration information below to see if they are interested in signing up for a Pre-Orientation Program. Keep in mind that students may only participate in one Pre-Orientation Program, as the schedules directly overlap. Availability is on a first-come, first-serve basis.

List of Pre-Orientation Programs

Ignite

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First STEM

Please note, this pre-Orientation program is by invite only.

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Summer Outdoor Adventure Retreat (SOAR)

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Welcoming Interfaith and Spiritual Exploration (WISE)

Get Details

Pre-Orientation Frequently Asked Questions

Students participating in Ignite, SOAR, and WISE will move into their assigned residence hall on Monday, August 17, 2026. 

Students participating in FirstSTEM and International Student Welcome will move into their assigned residence hall on Tuesday, August 18, 2026.

Participants of pre-orientation programs will stall on campus in their assigned residence hall for the duration of the program, except for students participating in SOAR who will leave on their trips Tuesday morning and return on Friday, Aug. 21.

For traveling ease, some students bring only what they need for the week of Pre-Orientation and have their family bring the rest of their belongings on Saturday Move In (August 22, 2026.) For others, it may be easier to move everything all at once during Pre-Orientation. We encourage you to do what is best for your student and family.

Although the details are still being finalized and individual Pre-Orientation Programs may communicate their own specific plans for the day, the primary focus of Monday, August 18 will be moving in.

Sample Move In Schedule

For Ignite, SOAR, and WISE

8-11 a.m.

Move In (Select your time in the MyHousing Portal)

9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Pre-Orientation program check in

12-2 p.m.

Lunch (optional, on your own)

1-3 p.m.

Campus Tours (optional) & Student Resource Fair

3-4 p.m.

Family & Student Farewell Break

4-5 p.m.

Pre-O Welcome & Kick-off Celebration

5-5:30 p.m.

Program-specific Welcome (students only)
Just for Families Session (parents/family only)

5:30-7 p.m.

Dinner & Break (students only)
Parent & Family Reception (parents/family only)

7:30-9:30 p.m.

Evening Social (students only)