Quinnipiac University

Admitted Students

Summer Orientation

A new student in a gold Bobcats shirt doubles over with laughter surrounded by new students

Admitted Students

Summer Orientation

At Orientation you will begin your journey as a Bobcat! Our program is designed to help you and your family begin acclimating to our community. As you become acquainted with our campus, you’ll register for courses and learn about resources and services from a variety of campus partners. We’ll teach you about our traditions, and we’ll help connect you with other incoming students and their families. Each session will offer programs for both students and family members.

Plan for June Orientation

Several orientation groups sit on the quad by the Quinnipiac library on a sunny summer day

Orientation is designed to assist new students with finding their way around Quinnipiac, register for classes, learn more about procedures and expectations — and start meeting fellow Bobcats!

Registration for Orientation is available in Q-Start, the new student onboarding portal. We'll send you more information as the dates get closer.

First-Year Students

Date options for first-year students are:

  • Monday-Tuesday, June 8-9

  • Thursday-Friday, June 11-12

  • Monday-Tuesday, June 15-16

  • Wednesday-Thursday, June 17-18

  • Monday-Tuesday, June 22-23

  • Thursday-Friday, June 25-26

Transfer Students

Transfer student orientation is Thursday, August 20. Transfer students may opt to attend the two-day orientation in June.

 

Student Orientation Schedule Overview

Below is an overview of what to expect during your Orientation program.

Please note: The schedule is subject to change as plans are finalized.

June Student Orientation includes two days of programming with an overnight stay on campus.

Please note: The schedule is subject to change as plans are finalized.

Day 1

Check-In & Resource Fair (8:30 - 10:15 a.m.)
We'll welcome you in the Recreation Center, where you'll be able to check in and grab a contentinal breakfast. We will host our resource fair in Burt Kahn Court. 

Opening Ceremony
Welcome from university leadership and Orientation staff.

Orientation Group Meeting
Orientation Leaders (OLs) will do introductions, review expectations for the day, lead the students through icebreakers and team-building exercises.

Lunch
Students will eat lunch with their Orientation group.

Setting Up for Success Group Meeting
Students will meet with their group to review QU platforms, reporting systems, etc. 

Safety Resources for Your Orientation Experience
Students will receive an overview of the offices available to them during their orientation experience if they need any support.

Taking Care of You: Health and Well-Being at QU
Discover the top things to know about your mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing resources from campus partners in Recreation, Wellness, Hartford HealthCare, and Community, Assessment, Response and Evaluation (CARE) team. Then, take part in a fun and engaging wellness activity to kick off your Bobcat journey.

Living Off Campus, Thriving On Campus
Commuter students will learn about services and resources available to them with Campus Life staff and commuter orientation leaders. 

Home Sweet Campus: Thriving in Residential Life
Residential Life staff will discuss life in the residence halls, Living-Learning Communities (LLC), First-Year Residential Experience (FYRE), etc. with the residential students. 

Your Journey at QU
The Office of Belonging will welcome students and highlight the importance of inclusivity throughout their journey at QU.

Building Belonging: Getting Involved at QU/Group Meeting
Students within their orientation groups will explore ways to get involved outside the classroom.

Dinner
Students will eat dinner with their Orientation group.

Celebrating You at QU
Students will participate in several activities within their group, facilitated by their OLs.

Evening Entertainment
Students will have an opportunity to meet and mingle with other new students.

Day 2

Move Out (7:30-8 a.m.)
Students will pack belongings and drop them off in the Recreation Center.

Breakfast
Students will eat breakfast with their Orientation group.

Academic Support Services
The Learning Commons staff will review how to access resources, tips for the start of year and success in the classroom, and introduce the Academic Coaches.

Academic Meeting & Course Registration
Students will meet with faculty/staff from their respective school/college. Overview and expectations of the school/college with be reviewed. Students will register for courses and meet with other students who are in the same school/college.

Lunch
Students and OLs will eat lunch in academic groups.

I Wish I Would Have Known…
Students will learn about things the Orientation Leaders wish they had known when they were beginning their time at Quinnipiac and be given an opportunity to ask any remaining questions.

Closing Ceremony (2-3:30 p.m) *families welcome to attend in The SITE
We'll close out the session, teach students about more Quinnipiac traditions and encourage them to stay connected with our staff throughout the summer!

Luggage Pick-Up and Departure (2:30-3:30 p.m.)
Students make their way to the Recreation Center to retrieve belongings and then exit to North Lot where they will depart campus.

University Honors Program Meeting (2:45-3:30 p.m.) Honors Students Only 
Students who have been enrolled in the University Honors Program will meet with Program Directors. This is mandatory for all Honors students.

A group of students sit and talk on the Quad grass with the Sleeping Giant in the background
A group of students sit and talk on the Quad grass with the Sleeping Giant in the background

Family Orientation Schedule Overview

Below is an overview of what to expect during your Family Orientation program.

Please note: The schedule is subject to change as plans are finalized .

Check-In and Resource Fair (8:30-10:15 a.m.)
Family members will check-in with our staff, receive their schedule for the day and grab a contentinal breakfast. We will host our resource fair in Burt Kahn Court. 

Opening Ceremony
Welcome from university leadership and Orientation staff.

Welcome and Transition to College
Tom Ellett, Chief Experience Officer (CXO), will welcome families and discuss how to best support their student during this time of transition.

Student Safety and Wellness Panel
Staff from the Community, Assessment, Response and Evaluation (CARE) team, Counseling, Health Service, Public Safety, and Student Conduct will share services, resources, and answer questions.

Residential Life and Housing Overview
The Office of Residential Life and Office of Housing will provide the top 10 things you need to know before August.

Lunch (Mount Carmel Campus Dining Hall)
Family members may eat outside or in the dining hall.

Residence Hall Tours (Meet in the Recreation Center)
Family members may tour the residence halls.

Open for Business Hours (1:30-4 p.m.)
Family members will have the opportunity to choose their own adventure for the afternoon. Various offices will have satellite spaces located in the student center and on Mount Carmel Campus to answer questions and provide important information.

Coffee & Dessert hosted by Parents & Families Development (1:30-4 p.m.)
Stop by for an afternoon coffee and sweet treat as you learn more about how to get involved through the Office of Development for Parents & Families. Here at Quinnipiac, we believe the Bobcat community is for parents and family members, too! Receive information and ask questions about our Leadership Council, volunteer opportunities, year-round events, and the upcoming Class of 2030 Summer Welcome Receptions.

Pathways to Academic Success: Learning Commons, Accessibility Resources, and Academic Requirements (2-2:30 p.m.)
Staff will provide an overview of tools and support available to help your student thrive academically at Quinnipiac. This session introduces key resources from the Learning Commons and Accessibility office, and important academic requirements to set your student on the path to success.

Navigating Campus Essentials: Financial Aid & One Stop (2:30-3:30 p.m.)
This session will help you understand important processes, deadlines, and services available to you as a Quinnipiac student through Financial Aid and One Stop.

A new student and mom smile as they walk into Orientation while students cheer for them
A new student and mom smile as they walk into Orientation while students cheer for them

What to Pack

All first-year students, including commuters, will be spending the evening in one of our residence halls. We recommend casual dress, since you will be moving around campus quite a bit.

  • Photo identification, such as driver’s license, state ID or passport (it must have a photo)

  • A personal device with wireless internet capabilities. A personal device can be a laptop computer, tablet, iPad or Chromebook. A smart phone will not work, especially for course registration. 

  • Casual dress (comfortable shoes, sneakers)

  • Spending money (meals are included, but snacks, Quinnipiac gear, etc. are not)

Two students sit on the grass at Orientation and look at a laptop with blue waves on it
Two students sit on the grass at Orientation and look at a laptop with blue waves on it

We recommend the following for an overnight stay:

  • Clothing for a second day

  • Pajamas

  • Warmer clothing for nighttime

  • Linens (blanket, pillow, sheets and/or sleeping bag)

  • Towel and washcloth

  • Toiletries (soap, shampoo, toothpaste, medications, etc.)

  • Shower sandals

  • Chargers (laptop and phone)

A new student carries a bag and backpack as he enters Quinnipiac Orientation
A new student carries a bag and backpack as he enters Quinnipiac Orientation

Places to Stay

If you plan to spend the night in the area, below are some hotels we recommend.

Cambria Hotel New Haven
20 Dwight Street
New Haven, CT 06511

Courtyard by Marriott New Haven Wallingford
600 Northrop Road
Wallingford, CT 06492

Fairfield Wallingford Meriden (Marriott)
100 Miles Drive
Wallingford, CT 06492

Hilton Garden Inn Wallingford/Meriden
1181 Barnes Road
Wallingford, CT 06492

Homewood Suites by Hilton Wallingford-Meriden
90 Miles Drive
Wallingford, Connecticut, 06492

Omni New Haven Hotel at Yale
155 Temple Street
New Haven, CT 06510

Residence Inn Hamden New Haven (Marriott)
2312 Whitney Avenue
Hamden, CT 06518

Explore more hotel options in the area

Plan Your Visit

No matter where you're coming from, Connecticut has a lot to offer. With beaches, amusement and adventure parks, hiking, boating, theater, history, museums, concerts, restaurants, shopping, resorts, and more, there's always something to do. 

Have questions? We’d love to hear from you.