05C6A1F1-C99D-14EC-0F2180E13E569149
01EE9865-C8BB-3E93-CC98E8995EAC4429
Welcome to College Hill!

Orientation

Orientation is required for all new admission and transfer students.

August 18-26, 2026

Arrival on campus and residence hall move-in will take place between 8:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. on August 18. Hamilton’s Orientation program consists of two parts: our signature Orientation Adventure Trips, and on-campus orientation programming. New January Admission students are encouraged to participate in an August Orientation Adventure Trip, and will have additional on-campus orientation programming when they arrive on campus the following January.

Tentative Schedule

Additional information for International and January Admission students is outlined below.

International Student Orientation (ISO) takes place from August 16-18, 2026. Students who are participating in ISO should plan to arrive on campus by August 16, and should refer to their email for additional information about ISO.

International Student Services
International Student Orientation

Note: August 13 & 14, 2026 are the earliest dates to arrive on campus. You may not enter the U.S. more than 30 days in advance of the report date on your I-20.

New January Admission students are encouraged to participate in an August Orientation Adventure Trip, and will have additional on-campus orientation programming when they arrive on campus the following January.

  • Jans who participate in trips should plan to arrive on campus on August 18, and depart on August 24. 
  • Jans may participate in all programming between August 19-24, and additional Jan and family sessions are offered on August 18 and the morning of August 24. 
  • Please refer to the full orientation schedule for details.

August Orientation

Hamilton’s August Orientation program (August 18-26, 2026) consists of two parts: our signature Orientation Adventure Trips, and on-campus orientation programming. New January Admission students are encouraged to participate in an August Orientation Adventure Trip, and will have additional on-campus orientation programming when they arrive on campus the following January.

Trips

January Orientation

January Orientation (January 17-20, 2026) is required for all new students arriving on the Hamilton campus in the spring semester; students should plan to arrive on campus and move into their residence halls on the morning of January 17, 2026.

Welcoming the Class of 2029

Cars, SUVs, minivans, and airport shuttles filled with new students and families were greeted by raucous singing and cheering Orientation leaders and President Steven Tepper in his full Alexander Hamilton costume. The Class of 2029 and transfer students arrived on College Hill on Aug. 19 to begin Orientation, embark on adventure trips, and matriculate into Hamilton.

Read about move-in day
Hua Xing ’29 is cheered on after winning the semi final round of Rock Paper Scissors.
Student leaders welcome cars as they drive up College Hill Road
Orientation leaders welcome cars of new students as they drive up College Hill Road.
Student leaders welcome cars up College Hill Road
Joseph Nguyen ’29 gets help putting a shelf together from his parents in Major residence hall.
Joseph Nguyen ’29 gets help from his dad putting a shelf together in Major Residence Hall.
Harper Wallace ’29 goes through photos she wants to hang with her mother, Jen, in her room in North Hall.
Harper Wallace ’29 and her mother, Jen, go through photos to hang in Harper's room in North Hall.
Joaquin Torrez ’29 and Jessie Smith IV chill out after moving into Major Hall.
Joaquin Torrez ’29 and Jesse Smith ’29 relax after moving into Major Hall.
irst year students, with the help of family members, carry their treasures they acquired from the Cram & Scram sale.
First-year students, with the help of family members, carry the treasures they acquired at the Cram & Scram sale.
Orientation 2025
Students and their family members gleefully make their way through the gauntlet of welcoming Orientation leaders.
Professor Mike McCormick, left speaks with Justin Nasdor ’29 and his parents, Roz and Bob during a meet and greet with faculty.
Biology professor Mike McCormick, left, speaks with Justin Nasdor ’29 and his parents, Roz and Bob, during a meet and greet with faculty.
First year student Diya Dhillon ’29, right, chats with Yin Zhang from the Office of Global Learning.
Diya Dhillon ’29, right, chats with Yin Zhang from the Office of Global Learning.
Juliana Abraham ’29 and her parents, Mili and Jaison, take a selfie before saying their goodbyes
Juliana Abraham ’29, right, and her parents, Mili and Jaison, take a selfie before saying their goodbyes.
Student leaders hype up the new students during the opening ceremonies on the Steuben Football Field
Orientation leaders hype up the Class of '29 during opening ceremonies on Steuben Field.
Hua Xing ’29 reacts after loosing the game of Rock Paper Scissors to Champion Ratiana Konczyk ’29
Hua Xing ’29 reacts after losing the game of Rock Paper Scissors to Champion Tatiana Konczyk ’29.

Related Stories

First Year's First Thoughts collage - Class of 2029

Class of 2029: First Years’ First Thoughts

With their first semester at Hamilton now completed, members of the Class of 2029 took a moment to look back at their favorite classes, extracurricular clubs they’ve joined, and the faculty and ALEX advisors who have influenced them. Read about a few of our newest students — favorite spots on campus, go-to meals, and what they’ve added to their Hamilton bucket lists.

The Chapel in spring.

2025 in Review: Top News Site Stories

Big — in fact GREAT — Names on campus. Student research with a practical use. Memorable seasons for the Continentals. Check out our most popular stories from 2025.

Contact

Contact Name

Tessa Chefalo

Assistant Dean of Students for Student Engagement

Phone
315-859-4894

Help us provide an accessible education, offer innovative resources and programs, and foster intellectual exploration.

Make a Gift

Site Search

Menu