August 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.
August at a Glance
August is your final stretch before officially becoming a Dickinsonian. You’ll finalize logistics, connect with your roommate, prepare for Orientation and get ready to move in.
Here's What's Happening Now
- View your roommate and housing assignment in the Housing Portal and explore resources to help you start your roommate relationship off right.
- This is the last week to choose your Orientation Spotlight Sessions for orientation. Please choose 3 sessions by August 7.
- Review your class schedule and make adjustments during the Schedule Adjustment Period beginning Aug. 12 at 8 a.m. EDT.
- Order your textbooks through the online portal and review tips from Dickinson Outfitters to prepare for pick-up.
- Prepare for move-in on Wednesday, Aug. 26, including labeling items, following campus signage and using available student support on arrival day.
- Download the Corq app to access your Event Pass and explore Orientation events, campus groups and maps.
- Participate in Convocation, your first Dickinson tradition, and share the livestream link with family and friends.
- Jumpstart your semester with SOAR (Strategies, Organization, Achievement Resources) by coming to OWLL (Old West Lower Level) to access academic support resources or set up a time management session.
Three Things for August 12
Things to Do
Review Your Class Schedule and Make Adjustments. The Schedule Adjustment Period will be open beginning Aug. 12 at 8 a.m. (EDT). Check your academic schedule to see what courses you are enrolled in for the fall term. If you don't have a full schedule of four courses, you should look for open seats in appropriate courses. If you need assistance, you can reach New Student Advising at 717-245-1997 or newstudentadvising@dickinson.edu.
Find Your Roommate & Housing Assignment! Go to the Dickinson Gateway and select the "Housing" icon. Once you review your information, check out the Residence Life & Housing website for some great roommate resources, including icebreaker questions to help you get to know each other. Connect with your roommate and check out your room and res hall specifications!
Order Your Textbooks. The textbook portal is open! Visit the Dickinson Outfitters website for additional information that will assist with purchasing and pick-up.
Things to Know
First-Year Vehicle Policy. First-year students may not bring vehicles to campus or Carlisle. Limited exceptions include medical needs, off-campus jobs with a pay stub and golf or equestrian athletes. Requests opened Aug. 4, 2026. Approved students must park only in West Kline’s far west lot with a green tag or risk fines and revoked permission.
MOB is Dickinson's student run activities board! They plan & host free events for all students during the academic year, including concerts, formals, campus takeovers and smaller events almost every Friday and Saturday (like late-night food bars, arts & crafts and trips). Start your year off right by attending the events that MOB has to offer!
New Student Guide Tip: “My top tip for new students is to try things that are new and scary. I've met a lot of my closest friends from putting myself out there and joining clubs that I never thought I would have previously. You never know who you'll meet or where something will lead you.” — Cara ’28
Three Things for August 19
Things to Do
Prepare For Move-in Day. The primary move-in day is on Wednesday, Aug. 26. Be sure to mark your boxes, bags and bins with your name, residence hall and room number so it all gets delivered to the right place. Utilize our driving directions, follow the signage and proceed directly to your residence hall. Student helpers will be available!
Get the Corq App. New students should download the Corq app and find their Event Pass to check into events throughout Orientation and beyond. Corq allows students to add events to their calendars and explore campus groups and offices, and it even has each session mapped out using Google Maps to help you find your place at Dickinson.
Explore Academic Support Resources. Visit the SOAR webpage for planners, calendars and study tools. Once classes begin, get help from a SOAR time-management strategist by emailing SOAR@dickinson.edu or visiting the OWLL.
Things to Know
Your First Tradition: Convocation. Orientation ends on Sunday with Convocation, our tradition of signing in to the college. Share this link with your family and friends so they can tune in to the livestream.
Extended Orientation Is Coming. All new students will participate in four weeks of extended Orientation. This is to support your continued transition to college life. The sessions will be held each Thursday from Sept. 4 to Sept. 25 from noon to 1 p.m. Don’t worry, no classes are held during this time, which is known as Common Hour.
Socialize with #dsonphotos! A variety of college social media accounts will be posting throughout move-in and Orientation, so we encourage you to follow along and join the conversation by including #dsonphotos in your posts.