Your Guide to Welcome Weekend

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Everything you need to know before you arrive, unpack, and begin your Sacred Heart University journey

Key Highlights

  • Welcome Weekend takes place August 27–30, 2026, and includes move-in, academic sessions, and social events before the first day of classes on August 31
  • Both residential and commuter students participate in Welcome Weekend, with a mandatory commuter meeting on August 29
  • Signature events include the class of 2030 photo, the First 50 Days Kickoff, a hypnotist show, food trucks, and outdoor movie nights
  • Orientation Leaders will be available to help first-year students throughout the weekend, connecting them to campus traditions, resources, and each other
  • Welcome Weekend kicks off the First 50 Days, SHU's signature program designed to help new students build connections and find their place on campus

Welcome to the Class of 2030!

Starting college is a big moment, and at Sacred Heart University, it begins with more than just move-in day. Welcome Weekend is a four-day experience built to help first-year students settle in, meet classmates, and start building the community that will carry them through all four years. Every part of Welcome Weekend is designed with one goal: making SHU feel like home.

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Welcome Weekend runs from Thursday, August 27, through Sunday, August 30, 2026, with the first day of classes beginning Monday, August 31.

The weekend covers everything from residential move-in to academic sessions to community-building events. It is not optional. Both residential and commuter students are required to participate, ensuring that every member of the class of 2030 starts their SHU experience together.

Throughout the weekend, Orientation Leaders, upperclassmen who know SHU inside and out, will be available at Welcome Weekend events to answer questions and help you get settled. They’ll make sure you have everything you need to feel confident heading into your first week.

A Day-by-Day Look

Thursday, August 27: Move-In and First Connections

Move-in begins Thursday morning, with residential halls opening at staggered times based on your building assignment. Check your SHU email for your specific move-in window, label all your belongings, wear comfortable clothes, and be prepared for a busy day.

Once you are settled, the energy shifts quickly. Thursday evening features Pioneer Paint Night at Pioneer Pavilion, mandatory floor meetings in your residence hall, and a hypnotist show at the Edgerton Center for the Performing Arts.

After helping you settle in, family members can say their goodbyes before the evening events begin, giving you a chance to dive into your first Welcome Weekend activities with your peers.

Friday, August 28: More Move-In and Community Building

Move-in continues Friday for additional residence halls. Beyond getting settled, the day opens up with a full afternoon of events, including the Big Red Welcome at Pioneer Pavilion, the SHU Marching Band’s fall preview show at Sikorsky Credit Union Field, and the class of 2030 Welcome BBQ where you can sign up for the weekend’s knockout and pickleball tournaments.

Friday night starts with a gameshow featuring cash prizes, an outdoor movie screening with a DIY popcorn bar, and late-night karaoke at Red's Pub. These are the kind of moments where friendships start.

Saturday, August 29: Class Traditions and the First 50 Days Kickoff

Saturday is when the full class of 2030 comes together. At 4 p.m., every new Pioneer gathers at Sikorsky Credit Union Field for the class photo. Grab your Big Red superfan shirt and be there.

That evening, the class of 2030 kickoff takes place on the Chapel Quad from 8 to 10:30 p.m. At 9 p.m., the Chapel of the Holy Spirit's bell tower is lit in a longstanding SHU tradition marking the official launch of the First 50 Days. Expect a DJ, a 360-degree photo booth, balloon art, food trucks, lawn games, and giveaways.

Commuter students: Your mandatory meeting takes place Saturday morning at 10:30 a.m. in the Chapel of the Holy Spirit. All additional social events throughout the weekend are open to you as well.

Sunday, August 30: Academic Sessions and Final Celebrations

Sunday shifts toward academic preparation. Each college holds a mandatory academic session where you will meet faculty, advisers, and fellow students in your program. Sessions are scheduled by college:

After your session, Sunday afternoon offers a Classroom Crawl so you can find your rooms before classes start. There’s also Paws and Pour at Pioneer Pavilion, where you can meet Wellness Center staff, enjoy free coffee and spend some time with therapy dogs. Mass on the Grass takes place at 5 p.m. on the Chapel Quad, another beloved SHU tradition. The weekend closes with Pavilion Jam, featuring live music, a caricature artist, lawn games, s'mores, and bowling at the Valentine Health & Recreation Center.

Tips for Families

Families play an important role in Welcome Weekend, especially during move-in on Thursday and Friday. After helping students settle in, families should plan to say their goodbyes before the mandatory evening events begin. The Family Farewell takes place at Pioneer Pavilion both Thursday and Friday from 4 to 5 p.m.

Before families pack the car, they should review SHU's suggested items list to make sure nothing essential is left behind. Label everything with students’ names, hall, and room numbers. Carts will be available on campus, but expect a full and busy day.

SHU students are in good hands. The entire Welcome Weekend experience is built to help them feel settled, supported, and excited about what comes next.

You Are Ready for This

Welcome Weekend is not just an orientation. It is the beginning of everything. The friendships you make during these four days, the traditions you participate in, and the community you start building will stay with you long after the weekend ends.

Your first day of classes is Monday, August 31. But your SHU story starts the moment you arrive.

You can also follow @shufirstyearprograms and @shuorientation on Instagram for updates and event reminders throughout the weekend.