These are the critical dates for the Golden Bear Experience, including Golden Bear Orientation (GBO). This page is updated often so please refresh your web browser each time you visit.
From September through January, you as a newly admitted student will receive emails with important information and approaching deadlines. Check your UC Berkeley email account regularly and be sure to follow instructions and timelines to ensure a smooth orientation, successful academic advising, and proper course enrollment.
Updated March 24, 2025
2025–2026 Academic Year Golden Bear Experience
Fall 2025 First-Years (Freshman)
| Event/Program | Date(s) |
|---|---|
| June 3-June 24 | |
| Course Enrollment Begins | July 17 |
| Exemption Requests Due | July 20 |
| Golden Bear Prep and Vector Solutions Safe & Inclusive Campus Training | July 22-Aug. 10 |
| Campus Move-In (Visit Housing website for further information.) | Aug. 19-20 |
| Golden Bear Orientation Check-In | Aug 20 |
| Golden Bear Orientation | Aug. 21-25 |
| Getting Your Bearings | Aug. 26-Sept. 14 |
| Fall Classes Begin | Aug. 27 |
Fall 2025 Transfers
| Event/Program | Date(s) |
|---|---|
| June 24-July 8 | |
| Fall Course Enrollment Begins | July 15 |
| Exemption Requests Due | July 20 |
| Golden Bear Prep and Vector Solutions Safe & Inclusive Campus Training | July 22-Aug. 10 |
| Campus Move-In (Visit Housing website for further information.) | Aug. 19-20 |
| Golden Bear Orientation Check In | Aug. 20 |
|
Golden Bear Orientation |
Aug. 21-Aug. 25 |
| Getting Your Bearings | Aug. 26-Sept. 14 |
| Fall Classes Begin |
Aug. 27 |
Spring 2026 First-Year, Global Edge Program (GEP), Global Management Program (GMP), and Transfers
| Event/Program | Date(s) |
|---|---|
| Oct. 7-26 | |
| Fall Course Enrollment Begins |
Mid-November |
| Exemption Requests Due | Dec. 14 |
| UCEAP GBO Participation Opt In Requests Due | Dec. 17 |
| Golden Bear Prep and Vector Solutions Safe & Inclusive Campus Training | Dec. 9-Jan. 11 |
| Campus Move-In (Visit Housing website for further information.) | Jan. 15 |
| Golden Bear Orientation | Jan. 15-16 |
| Getting Your Bearings | Jan. 21-Feb. 16 |
| Spring Classes Begin | Jan. 20 |