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.
Registration for Pre-Orientation programs will open in May 2026
List of Pre-Orientation Programs
Download the Emory Welcome App
The Emory Welcome App is your guide to Emory! Incoming students and families should use this app as a guide throughout the summer and Orientation Week. Inside you will find information like how to register for classes, ways to get involved on campus, and Orientation schedules.
Click Here for Instructions to Download on Your Mobile Device
Pre-Orientation Frequently Asked Questions
Students may only register for one program. If you change your mind about the program you want to attend, you can change (or cancel) your registration by June 22, 2026 to receive a full refund. Please complete the change/cancellation form here.
Requests to move between programs must be submitted before June 22 and are subject to space availability.
Cancellations submitted after June 22 are not eligible for a refund. However, you should still notify the university if you are unable to attend so that space may be offered to another student.
If you choose to withdraw from Emory over the summer, you must still cancel your Pre-Orientation program registration prior to June 22 to receive a refund PRIOR to withdrawing.
Students who withdraw before completing the cancelltion and refund process will forfeit their pre-orientation registration fee.
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 stay on campus in their assigned residence hall for the duration of the program, except for students participating in SOAR who depart 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 17, 2026 will be moving in.