Orientation will help you connect with the people and resources that will help you get off to a great start on the Heights.
Members of the Class of 2029 and incoming transfer students should carefully review all Orientation information included here in order to successfully register and prepare for Orientation.
Orientation Registration information will be available after 4/1/2025
2025 Orientation Sessions
Morrissey - Morrissey College of Arts & Sciences
Carroll - Carroll School of Management
Connell - Connell School of Nursing
Lynch - Lynch School of Education & Human Development
| Session | Dates | Schools |
|---|---|---|
| Session 1 | June 8 - 10 | Morrissey, Carroll, Connell |
| Session 2 | June 15 - 17 | Morrissey, Carroll, Lynch |
| Session 3 | June 22 - 24 | Morrissey, Carroll |
| Session 4 | June 29 - July 1 | Morrissey, Carroll, Connell |
| Messina College | July 6 | Messina College |
| Session 5 | July 13 - 15 | Morrissey, Carroll |
| Session 6 | July 20 - 22 | Morrissey, Carroll, Lynch, Transfer Students |
| Session 7 | August 17 - 19 | All Colleges Geographic restrictions apply.* Expand the section below for eligibility details. |
Session 7 is NOT available to students from Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, D.C., West Virginia, or Wisconsin.In addition to the states indicated on the map below, Session 7 is available to all International students, including those from American Samoa, Guam, and Puerto Rico. Please be advised that this session will fill quickly and due to space limitations is available on a first-come, first-served basis only.
Registration will open April 1
April 1
Orientation Information
PrintDuring your Orientation session, you will plan your academic program with a faculty adviser, register for fall courses, and become better acquainted with the people and resources that will help you get off to a great start here on the Heights.
Registering
Beginning on April 1, once you have confirmed your offer of acceptance at Boston College, you can register for Orientation via the Agora Portal or your Admitted Student Portal. Please read the important information below before you register for an Orientation session and book travel.
Before You Register for Orientation
Students may only register for Orientation sessions for which they are eligible. Students in the Connell School of Nursing and the Lynch School of Education and Human Development are restricted to particular Orientation sessions, due to their smaller class sizes. There are also geographic restrictions for Session 7, which is reserved for our international student population and students traveling from the western half of the country (please see the drop-down above entitled "Session 7 Eligibility").
Reservations for the Parent and Family program are completed by students at the same time they complete their own Orientation registration. Due to limitations on space, students may register no more than two parents/guardians joining them for Orientation. Siblings, friends, and unregistered parents and guardians will not be able to attend.
Please be aware that Orientation registration will open on April 1, 2024 and must be completed by May 3, 2024. However, we recommend you register for Orientation as soon as you can, so that you may choose from all available Orientation sessions for which you are eligible. Orientation sessions fill up quickly and we are limited in our capacity to accommodate changes throughout the summer.
Once registered for a session, students will receive a confirmation email and will be notified of program updates and requirements as their session approaches. Students are eligible to switch to an alternative, open session on their own in the Orientation Portal and are able to do so until two weeks prior to the session they are currently registered for.
Before You Book Travel for Orientation
Before you book travel, please be aware that Check-In for Orientation will take place from 12:30 - 2:30 p.m. on Sunday.
On Tuesday, the Orientation program will conclude around 2:00 p.m., at which point students will need to return to the Thomas More Apartments to collect their belongings and check out of their room. We recommend that you make travel arrangements so that you can remain on campus at least until 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday. The complexity of the program makes early departures impossible.
Preparing for Orientation
Wondering what you can do between now and your Orientation session? A lot! Here is a helpful list of some things you will want to do in preparation for Orientation:
Download the BC Welcome app! Later this spring, the BC Welcome app will contain two Orientation guides available for download: one for the Parent Program and one for the Student Program. These guides include a comprehensive Orientation schedule, campus map, FAQs, and links to additional BC resources and opportunities. More information about how to download the guides will be communicated in May.
Visit the Agora Portal to submit your BC ID photo, review the University's laptop options, and get access to many other important student-related online services. To view a helpful Student Checklist of Agora Portal to do’s provided by Student Services, please refer to the Student Checklists.
Start using your new BC email account which will be activated in early May. You will access your email through BC Google Workspace for Education at g.bc.edu. Your account will be your username directly followed by @bc.edu (for example, username@bc.edu). To sign in, use your Secondary Password (not your BC Password, which is used for Agora Portal). You may also access your email through the "My Services" tab at portal.bc.edu. You should begin to use this account on a regular basis, as it will be the primary way the University will contact you, beginning in early May.
Review the Academic Planning Workbook. During Orientation, the Academic Planning Workbook will be used by you and your academic advisor to plan and register for fall courses. A PDF version of the workbook can be found after May 15th under Student Checklists.
Disability-related accommodations. If you require disability-related accommodations at Orientation, please contact Rory Stein, Assistant Dean of Disability Services via email (steinr@bc.edu) or phone: 617-552-3470.
Finally, we suggest you arrive to Orientation with the following:
Easy access to your Agora Portal login info, your BC Gmail login info, as well as your Eagle ID #
- A personal laptop or tablet (if you cannot bring a computer or tablet, one will be provided for use during advising and registration)
- A backpack/bag. You will not have time to go back and forth to the residence hall during the day, so you need to carry your laptop and other registration materials with you on Monday and Tuesday.
Comfortable clothing (i.e.,sneakers, sweater or rain jacket, and athletic apparel for Monday evening)
Personal items (.ie., water bottle, umbrella, personal toiletries)
Bed linens, a pillow, and a towel will be provided in the residence halls for those attending sessions 1-6.
Sessions 1-6
We are looking forward to welcoming our incoming students and parents/guardians to Orientation this summer!
Full itineraries for both the Student and Parent Orientation will be available here by the first week in June.
Orientation Arrival and Check-In
Orientation Check-In for students, parents, and guardians will be held on each Sunday from 12:30 - 2:30 p.m. in the lobby of the Thomas More Apartments located at 2150 Commonwealth Avenue (Brighton, MA). Check-in is a process that will last approximately 15 minutes. Please plan your day accordingly, so that you may arrive on time.
If you are driving to campus, please park in the Commonwealth Ave parking garage on levels 2-6 (parents/guardians will receive validated parking passes during Check-In that can be used to exit the garage). Please note that the parking garage is a 4-5 minute walk from the Thomas More Apartments, so families may want to drop individuals with luggage at the Thomas More Apartments before proceeding to the parking garage.
Students will receive their nametag and Orientation housing assignment during Check-In on Sunday. Registered parents/guardians will also receive a nametag during Check-In.
The Student Program
Your three-day Orientation program will keep you quite busy! You will plan your academic program with a faculty adviser, register for fall courses, and become better acquainted with the people and resources that will help you get off to a great start on the Heights. During Sessions 1-6, students will stay in a residence hall with their peers.
Following Check-In on Sunday, the Orientation program will begin at 3:00 p.m. with a liturgy in the Catholic tradition. All are welcome and encouraged to attend. After the liturgy, we will walk to McElroy for dinner and welcoming remarks, followed by an introductory evening program. After the evening program, parents and guardians will leave for their respective lodging around 8 p.m. Students must remain on campus and reside in on-campus housing for the duration of the program.
On Monday and Tuesday, the Student Program will run independently from the Parent Program. Students will move through much of Orientation with their assigned Orientation Leader and small group, navigating the campus, engaging in meaningful conversation, and creating connections with classmates.
On Tuesday, the students and parents/guardians will continue in separate programs and will come together for a closing program at 1:00 p.m. We advise you to make travel arrangements so that you can remain on campus until at least 2:30 p.m on Tuesday. The complexity of the program makes exceptions impossible. For more information on what to know before you book travel for Orientation, please see the "Registering" box.
IMPORTANT: During Sessions 1-6, students are required to stay on campus in provided housing and are not to leave campus at any time. Orientation is a mandated program and students must attend all components of the three-day program.
Session 7
We are looking forward to welcoming our incoming students and parents/guardians to Orientation Session 7 in late August!
Full itineraries for both the Student and Parent Orientation will be available here by the first week in June.
Session 7 Orientation Arrival and Check-In
Students attending Session 7 will be able to check into their 2024-2025 academic year housing assignment between 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 17, 2024 or between 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 18th. We highly recommend that international students and those traveling a long distance arrange their travel so that they may move-in on Saturday. Arriving on Saturday will provide you time to get settled and travel to local stores to acquire dormitory necessities and personal items, prior to the start of Orientation on Sunday afternoon. Detailed information about Fall Move-In will be emailed to students over the summer by the Office of Residential Life.
If you are driving to campus for Orientation, please park in the Commonwealth Ave parking garage on levels 2-6 (parents/guardians will receive validated parking passes during Check-In that can be used to exit the garage). Please note that the parking garage is a 4-5 minute walk from the Thomas More Apartments.
Orientation Check-In for students, parents, and guardians will be held on Sunday, August 18 from 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. in the Vanderslic Hall Cabaret Room, located at 70 St. Thomas More Road (Boston, MA). Check-in is a process that will last approximately 15 minutes. Please plan your day accordingly, so that you do not miss any part of the program.
The Student Program
Your three-day Orientation program will keep you quite busy! You will plan your academic program with a faculty adviser, register for fall courses, and become better acquainted with the people and resources that will help you get off to a great start on the Heights. During Sessions 1-6, students will stay in a residence hall with their peers.
Following Check-In on Sunday, the Orientation program will begin at 3:00 p.m. with a liturgy in the Catholic tradition. All are welcome and encouraged to attend. After the liturgy, we will walk to McElroy for dinner and welcoming remarks, followed by an evening program featuring an esteemed member of the Boston College faculty. After the evening program, parents and guardians will leave for their respective lodging. Students must remain on campus and reside in on-campus housing for the duration of the program.
On Monday and Tuesday, the Student Program will run independently from the Parent Program. Students will move through much of Orientation with their assigned Orientation Leader and small group, navigating the campus, engaging in meaningful conversation, and creating connections with classmates.
On Tuesday, the students and parents/guardians will continue in separate programs and will come together for a closing program at 1:00 p.m.
IMPORTANT: During Sessions 7, students are required to stay in their fall housing assignment and are not to leave campus at any time. Orientation is a mandated program and students must attend all components of the three-day program.
International Students
As international students, we realize that many of you will be traveling a great distance to get here. That is why we highly recommend that you arrive on campus on Saturday, August 17, before University Orientation begins on Sunday, August 18.
Arriving on Saturday will give you time to get settled into your residence hall room and catch up on jetlag. It will also provide you the opportunity to travel to local stores to purchase bedding, personal items, toiletries and anything else you may not be able to pack in your luggage. From the time Orientation begins on Sunday afternoon to its conclusion on Tuesday afternoon, you will NOT be permitted to leave campus nor will you have time to run errands.
Beginning on Tuesday, immediately following the close of University Orientation, International Student Orientation will begin. It is a completely separate program run by the Office of International Students and Scholars and you will receive more information from them about the program later in the summer. Please be aware that International Student Orientation is required for all international first year, transfer students, and exchange students. For further information about coming to BC as an international student, visit the Office of International Students and Scholars.
Transfer Students
This year’s Transfer Orientation will take place July 21-23, 2024 (Session 6). All of the program details outlined above apply to the Transfer Orientation experience. Be assured that we know you are not new to college, you are just new to Boston College and we have designed your Orientation program to give you opportunities to learn about the many activities and resources available to you at the University.
During Transfer Orientation, transfer students will live on campus in University housing. This offers a great opportunity to meet and socialize with other new transfer students. You will meet with academic advisors who will be able to help you determine the courses you need to enroll in to fulfill University requirements, based on your previous academic transcript. And you will spend time with current Boston College students who have transferred from other institutions and with our Orientation Leaders.
Please be advised that Transfer Orientation is a mandatory program. You can register for Orientation Session 6 via the Agora Portal or your Admitted Student Portal.
The Parent/Family Program
At each Orientation Session, a three-day Parent Orientation will run concurrently with the Student Orientation program. The Parent Program is designed to support the adjustment process that occurs when a student leaves home for college and to familiarize parents and guardians with the resources that are available within the University community. Parents and guardians will hear from Boston College students, faculty, and administrators about this exciting and challenging transition. In panels, discussions, and informal conversations, you will have the opportunity to share your thoughts and learn more about important issues like academic expectations and community standards. During this time, offices and services across campus will be open for consultation. The Parent Program is not required, and parents and guardians are welcome to come and go from the program as they wish or require.
On Sunday of Orientation, the Parent Program and Student Programs will operate together. Following Check-In , the Orientation will officially begin at 3:00 p.m. with a liturgy in the Catholic tradition. All are welcome and encouraged to attend. After the liturgy, we will walk to McElroy Commons for dinner and welcoming remarks, followed by an introductory evening program. After the conclusion of the evening program around 8:00 p.m., parents and guardians will leave for their respective lodging, while the Student Program will continue on into the evening.
Beginning Monday morning, the Parent Program will run independently from the Student Program. On Monday evening, parents and guardians will have the evening free for dinner and exploring Boston. The Parent Program will rejoin the Student Program for the closing session beginning at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday afternoon. Upon its conclusion, students attending Sessions 1-6 will need to return to their residence hall at 2150 Commonwealth Avenue to pick up their bags and drop off their room cards before leaving campus. We advise you to make travel arrangements so that you can remain on campus until at least 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday.
For more information on the Parent Program, please download the BC Welcome App by searching “Boston College Welcome” in your app store, or by clicking here for the iTunes download or here for the Google Play download. Once downloaded and installed, please select and download the "BC Parent Orientation" guide within the app. This guide will be available as of June 1.
IMPORTANT: Please be advised that lodging is not provided for attendees of the Parent Program. A list of nearby hotels and accommodations is available here. We are happy to provide a space to store luggage during the program on Sunday and Tuesday, if needed.
Messina College
For students entering the Messina College, the First Year Experience team and the Boston College community is excited to welcome you and your family to an Orientation program this July.
Messina College Orientation will be held from Sunday, July 7th to Monday, July 8th immediately following residence hall Move-in for students. The program is required for all incoming Messina College students and family members are encouraged to attend the Sunday portion of the program if their schedule permits.
The Orientation program is designed to introduce Messina College students to the people and resources that will help you get off to a great start at Boston College. The program will provide an overview of the academic experience, introductions to important university leaders and Messina College administrators, and create opportunities for students to connect with their Orientation Leader and fellow Messina students. The program will be conducted in-person and on the Brookline Campus of Boston College.
Orientation Registration
All Messina students must register for the Orientation program. Registration will open on April 1, 2024 and must be completed by June 1, 2024. Once students confirm their offer of acceptance to Boston College, they can register for Orientation via their Admitted Student Portal - this is the website where you viewed your acceptance letter and decision.
The registration form will allow students to register themselves and any family members who will be attending as their guests on Sunday.
In First Year Experience, we recognize that families come in all shapes and sizes. However, campus space limitations require us to restrict all students to a maximum of two guests for the program. If you have additional family members, including siblings or grandparents who you believe should attend the program with you, please let us know by emailing Messina College.
Arrival, Check-In, & Move-In
Immediately prior to the Orientation program, Messina students will Check-In and complete the Move-in process into their residence hall building where they will reside for the academic year. Program Check-In and Move-in will be held on Sunday, July 7th from 8:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. More information about the move-in process can be found on the Residential Life website, but students should review the suggested First-Year Packing Guide to ensure that they are only bringing items that comply with University policy.
If you are driving to campus, please proceed to the Messina College located on the Brookline Campus of Boston College (400 Heath Street, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467) and then you will be directed to the designated parking locations.
Students and registered family members will receive a nametag and program schedule at Check-In.
Program Details
Following Check-In and Move-In on Sunday, the Orientation program will begin at 11:30 A.M. with a Welcome Address from University senior leaders. All are welcome and invited to attend.
After the Welcome Address, the program will continue with a Luncheon for Messina students and their registered guests in attendance. The program will close with a Dinner and Family Send-Off around 6:30 P.M. Following the departure of family guests, the Orientation program will continue for Messina College students only until 9:30 P.M.
The Orientation program will resume for Messina College students on Monday, July 8th at 9:00 A.M. and will continue until 6:00 P.M. that evening. The Monday portion of the program will include breakfast, lunch, and dinner for Messina College students.
Students must remain on campus and reside in on-campus housing for the duration of the Orientation program. The two-day Orientation program will keep students quite busy, so please do not plan any other activities or appointments during the program duration!
FAQ
Q: When can I register for Orientation?
A: Orientation registration will open on April 1, 2024 and must be completed by May 3, 2024. However, we recommend you register for Orientation as soon as you can, so that you may choose from all available Orientation sessions for which you are eligible. Orientation sessions fill up quickly and we are limited in our capacity to accommodate changes throughout the summer.
Q: What happens at Orientation?
A: Orientation is a busy and engaging three day program designed to introduce incoming students and their families to the people and resources that can best support your transition to the Boston College community.
During the Student Program, you will learn to navigate campus, plan your academic program with a faculty adviser, register for fall courses, and engage in meaningful conversation with your peers and Orientation Leaders.
At each Orientation session, a three-day Parent Program will run concurrently with the Student Program.. The Parent Program is designed to support the adjustment process that occurs when a student leaves home for college and to familiarize parents and guardians with the broad array of resources and supports that exist within the University community.
Full itineraries for both the Student and Parent Orientation will be available on the Orientation website by the first week in June.
Q: What should I bring to Orientation?
A: Please see the "Preparing for Orientation" box.
Q: Where do students reside during Orientation?
A: During Sessions 1-6 students will stay in one of our residence halls on Lower Campus. Students attending Session 7 will move into their Fall housing assignment upon arrival to campus.
Q: I am attending Session 7 (August 18-20, 2024). When can I move into my residence hall?
A: Students attending Session 7 will be able to check into their 2024-2025 academic year housing assignment between 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 17, 2024 or between 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 18th. We highly recommend that international students and those flying or driving a long distance arrange their travel so that they may move-in on Saturday, as opposed to the Sunday morning prior to Orientation Check-In. Arriving on Saturday will provide you time to get settled and travel to local stores to acquire dormitory necessities or personal items, should you need to.
Q: Where do parents/guardians reside during Orientation?
A: Lodging is not provided for attendees of the Parent Program. A list of nearby hotels and accommodations is available here. We are happy to provide a space to store luggage during the program on Sunday and Tuesday, if needed.
Q: Can I bring my siblings to Orientation?
Unfortunately, no. Due to limitations on space, students may register no more than two parents or guardians for Orientation. Siblings, friends, and unregistered parents and guardians will not be able to attend.
Q: How does academic advising and registration work at Orientation?
A: You will register for your first semester of courses on Tuesday of Orientation alongside a faculty member who has guided you through a personalized and thorough group-based academic advising process the day prior. Questions about the academic advising or course registration processes can be directed to your undergraduate college:
Morrissey College of Arts & Sciences: mcasorientation@bc.edu
Carroll School of Management: carrollug@bc.edu
Connell School of Nursing: ugnurse@bc.edu
Lynch School of Education and Human Development: lsehdungrd@bc.edu
Q: Will I be able to see my parent(s)/guardian(s) or leave campus during Orientation?
A: The Student and Parent Orientation Programs operate together on Sunday until approximately 8:00 p.m., at which point parents and guardians will leave for their respective lodging, while the Student Program will continue on into the evening. The two programs do not reunite until the conclusion of Orientation on Tuesday. Ultimately, Orientation is designed to give students and parents separate, but complementary, experiences. Students may not leave campus during Orientation and must attend all components of the program. Parents and guardians may come and go as they wish or require.
Q: I have special dietary restrictions. Can I be accommodated at Orientation?
A: Absolutely. All meals served during Orientation are buffet style and the included options are meant to satisfy a variety of palettes, allergies, and restrictions. If you find that the options in the buffet are not suitable during any Orientation meal, please find a representative from Dining Services who staff each meal. They will be able to accommodate. Should you have a medical condition that requires special nutritional accommodations, we encourage you to contact the University Nutritionist, Christina Karalolos: ypsilach@bc.edu.
Q: How do I get to BC from Logan International Airport?
A: There are two easy ways to travel between Boston College and Logan International Airport. By taxi or rideshare service, the trip costs approximately $40 and takes about 30 minutes without traffic. Alternatively, using the "T" (short for the MBTA, Boston's public transportation system) costs approximately $5 and takes about an hour.
To take the “T” from Logan Airport, take the Silver Line to South Station and then take the Red Line to Park Street. Then, take the Boston College Green Line outbound train (Line B to “Boston College”). Stay on the train until the last stop. For a faster route, you can pay $5 for a Logan Express bus from the airport to Hynes Convention Center. At Hynes, take Green Line B to Boston College Station. It will cost $2.65 for a one way trip on the “T.” For more information, visit the MBTA website.
Q: How much does Orientation cost?
A: No, you do not have to pay the Orientation Fee at the time you register for one of the seven sessions. The cost of orientation will be covered by the one time Orientation fee reflected on your Fall tuition bill. For questions regarding your bill, please contact Student Service at (617) 552-3300.
