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 May through August, 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 12, 2026
2026–2027 Academic Year Golden Bear Experience
Fall 2026 First-Years (Freshman)
| Event/Program | Date(s) |
|---|---|
| June 2-June 23 | |
| Course Enrollment Begins | July 16 |
| Exemption Requests Due | July 19 |
|
Pre-Arrival Modules via bCourses: Golden Bear Prep, SHAPE, PartySafe at Cal, Hazing Prevention and Bear Pact |
July 21-Aug. 9 |
| Campus Move-In (Visit Housing website for further information.) | The week of Aug. 17 |
| Golden Bear Orientation Check-In | Aug 19 |
| Golden Bear Orientation | Aug. 20-24 |
| Getting Your Bearings | Aug. 25-Sept. 13 |
| Fall Classes Begin | Aug. 26 |
Fall 2026 Transfers
| Event/Program | Date(s) |
|---|---|
| June 16-June 30 | |
| Fall Course Enrollment Begins | July 14 |
| Exemption Requests Due | July 19 |
|
Pre-Arrival Modules via bCourses: Golden Bear Prep, SHAPE, PartySafe at Cal, Hazing Prevention and Bear Pact |
July 21-Aug. 9 |
| Campus Move-In (Visit Housing website for further information.) | The week of Aug. 17 |
| Golden Bear Orientation Check In | Aug. 19 |
|
Golden Bear Orientation |
Aug. 20-24 |
| Getting Your Bearings | Aug. 25-Sept. 13 |
| Fall Classes Begin |
Aug. 26 |
Spring 2026 First-Year, Global Edge Program (GEP), and Transfers
| Event/Program | Date(s) |
|---|---|
| Oct. 7-28 | |
| Fall Course Enrollment Begins |
Mid-November |
| Exemption Requests Due | Dec. 14 |
|
Pre-Arrival Modules via bCourses: Golden Bear Prep, SHAPE, PartySafe at Cal, Hazing Prevention and Bear Pact |
Dec. 9-Jan. 11 |
| Campus Move-In (Visit Housing website for further information.) | Jan. 15 |
| Golden Bear Orientation Check In | Jan. 16 |
| Golden Bear Orientation | Jan. 16 |
| Getting Your Bearings | Jan. 17-Feb. 16 |
| Spring Classes Begin | Jan. 20 |