July 2026
Welcome to Dickinson!
There will be a lot for you to do in the upcoming weeks to prepare for your arrival on campus. Watch for weekly emails listing three things for you to do or know for that week. Those action items will also be posted here for reference.
QUESTIONS?
Reach out to orientation@dickinson.edu anytime if you have questions.
July At A Glance
July is when everything starts to come together. Advising sessions begin, course requests open and you’ll take important steps to prepare for life on campus.
Here's What's Happening Now
- Preview the tentative Orientation schedule and start planning your first week on campus. Final schedules will be shared upon arrival.
- Celebrate with your fellow Dickinsonians at Summer Send-offs around the country!
- New Student Advising sessions run July 13–20, helping you explore academic interests and plan for fall courses.
- Enter your course requests beginning July 15 at 9 a.m. through SSB in Gateway. All requests are due by July 23 at 4 p.m.
- Complete the START Learning Program modules by Aug. 1. These online programs promote safety, respect and community well-being.
- Learn about move-in resources, including your housing assignment timeline, move-in date (Aug. 26 for most first-year students) and driving instructions.
- Dining Services is hiring. First year students that wish to work on campus must work for Dining Services. Check out this video to learn more!
- Explore the people, programs, and experiences that make Dickinson unique! Watch for information about Spotlight Sessions, opening July 22.
Sneak Peek Ahead
- Housing assignments and roommates will be available in early August.
- Schedule Adjustment Period opens Aug. 12.
- Textbook ordering opens through the online bookstore portal.
- Move-in Day is on Wednesday, Aug. 26! (Pre-O move-in is Sunday, Aug. 23.)
Three Things for July 8
Things to Do
Preview the Tentative Orientation Schedule. Start planning your first week on campus with a sneak peek at the daily schedules. Note that some dates and times are subject to change, and you will receive a final schedule when you arrive on campus.
Make Arrangements for Health Insurance. All students are required to have health insurance. International students will be auto enrolled in the college-sponsored health insurance plan. Domestic students may enroll in the college-sponsored health insurance plan or waive this plan by providing proof of coverage. Learn more about the student health insurance and if you are eligible to waive this plan.
Complete a Transition to College Survey. Psychology professors at Dickinson and several other schools are conducting a study on the transition to college. This brief survey will ask multiple-choice questions about your friendships, your hopes for college, and your well-being. Participants will have the option to enter a raffle to win one of 15 gift cards worth $25 each.
Things to Know
You can plan your tuition payments. Dickinson offers an interest-free monthly tuition installment plan through Nelnet Campus Commerce. This plan allows you to spread out your fall semester out-of-pocket balance over five months (June to October) and spring semester out-of-pocket balance over five months (November to March) for an enrollment fee of $50 per semester. If you have any questions or concerns, contact the Student Accounts Office stuaccts@dickinson.edu or dial 1-717-245-1953.
New Student Advising is NEXT WEEK! Our New Student Advising team will be hosting sessions from the Advising & Student Success Office July 13-20 to discuss your course requests—and how your emerging authentic interests fit with those courses for the fall. Please review the information on our website to prepare. NOTE: If you have not yet submitted your final transcript, please check you email from July 6 for instructions to ensure we have your transcript prior to New Student Advising.
We’ve partnered with myMicroFridge to provide convenient MicroFridge© rentals for students. Each unit combines a microwave, refrigerator and freezer and is delivered directly to your room before move-in and picked up after move-out. We recommend placing your order before August 1 to ensure availability for the fall semester.