As the entire Boston College community prepares to reunite on campus this fall semester, students and staff alike are thrilled to be returning to the in-person traditions that make the BC experience so singular. The 2021–22 academic school year will begin with the Weeks of Welcome: a series of diverse events and gatherings for first-year and returning students alike, hosted by the Division of Student Affairs and campus partners. Whether your student is just beginning the college journey or coming back to campus after this unprecedented year, there is much to look forward to.
A First-Year Welcome
Weeks of Welcome will kick off on Thursday, August 26 with five days of events and orientation sessions to help first-year students acclimate to their new campus and community. Between welcome dinners, evening gatherings, and academic and extracurricular information sessions, students can participate in over 25 events and 12 welcome receptions as they get to know the BC campus and meet their first college friends. Some highlights include:
First Night Festival, August 26:
As soon as your student has settled into their new home in one of BC’s residence halls, they’ll be able to join the rest of the Class of 2025 for a vibrant 9:00 p.m. kickoff event with food, music, fire pits, prizes, games, and more!
Class of ’25 Photo, August 28:
On Saturday afternoon, the entire first-year class will gather to form a gold-and-maroon maroon and gold“25” on the field at Alumni Stadium for their class photo. Afterwards, they’ll meet the Boston College Marching Band and get introduced to BC’s storied sports teams and Eagles fandom during the annual SuperFan 101 event.
DiscoverBOSTON, August 28:
On this four-hour tour, returning students take first years to visit Boston’s highlights, from the riverside Esplanade and the shady Boston Common to the cobblestone streets of the North End. Many groups also visit Boston’s world-class museums, which are free with an Eagle ID.
BC Boardwalk, August 28:
The first Week of Welcome is anchored by a boardwalk-themed carnival in Conte Forum hosted by the Campus Activities Board (CAB), complete with giveaways, rides, games, and classic carnival snacks.
Parent Orientations, August 25-26:
Let’s not forget about the parents! You’ll have the chance to get acquainted (or reacquainted) with BC during Parent Orientations, open to all first-year parents between the hours of 3:00–6:00 p.m on August 25 and 26.
An Eventful Return
For sophomores, juniors, and seniors, this fall will also be a season of renewal and celebration, as our Weeks of Welcome extend well past the start of classes on August 30. After a year apart, new and returning students will be able to take part in these campus-wide fall traditions, including the first-ever Sophomore Social, which will take place during Opening Weekend (August 27–28).
Student Involvement Fair, September 3:
Hosted by the Office of Student Involvement, this annual fair is a great opportunity to explore the diverse range of student organizations and resources on campus. Members from over 200 organizations—from dance troupes and club sports teams to cultural clubs and identity-based affinity groups—will be present and eager to say hello.
Taste of Off-Campus, September 8:
At this popular event, the University invites more than a dozen local restaurants to offer a sampling of their food to students who are living off campus. From delicious cupcakes to international and vegetarian options, there’s something for everyone.
The Mass of the Holy Spirit, September 9:
A Jesuit tradition that dates back to the Middle Ages, the Mass of the Holy Spirit is held to usher in each new academic year and officially welcome all students to campus. University President Father William P. Leahy, S.J. will celebrate the Mass on the Plaza at O’Neill Library.
Fall Career and Internship Fair, September 23:
Each fall, the Boston College Career Center kicks off the year with their largest recruiting event. In a typical year, some 2,000 BC students attend, exploring career and internship opportunities in a wide range of industries and connecting with prestigious employers from Boston and beyond.
Get (Re)connected
These are just a few of the events taking place at BC in the coming months. To explore all the excitement ahead, you and your student can download the new Weeks of Welcome app or peruse the full Event Calendar on the Division of Student Affairs website. We’re so looking forward to getting together again.