We understand that Golden Bear Orientation, Move-In Day, and the start of the fall semester has an impact on our campus, including faculty and staff. We also need your support in creating a welcoming and supportive environment on our campus for our new students! Here are answers to questions about what we are doing to welcome new students, how it will affect our campus, and ways the Berkeley community can contribute.
If you have a question that is not addressed here, please email New Student Services: nss@berkeley.edu
What are new students doing at the start of the semester?
Undergraduate first year and transfer students have a lot to accomplish at the beginning of the semester. They Move-In to campus housing August 20-21, 2024 and directly following they participate in Golden Bear Orientation and Getting Your Bearings (in-person programs that help orient them once they are on campus). For key dates, see our Dates & Deadlines page.
How will I be affected as a member of the Berkeley community and how can I prepare?
The biggest impact to staff and faculty will be on Move-In Day and also during Golden Bear Orientation. For the current dates, see our Dates & Deadlines page.
We have 9,000+ new students who will be transitioning to campus during those times!
About 8,000 new undergraduates will be moving in on a weekday, many accompanied by family and others supporting them.
During Golden Bear Orientation, you’ll see groups of new students, led by Student Coordinators, participating in various orientation activities.
All of these activities may lead to more crowds and lines than normal. However, we still encourage you to be present on campus to provide a welcoming and bustling environment for our students. Here are some suggestions for how to beat the crowds:
- Stay up-to-date with your bMail, where we will send updates regarding road closures and parking updates
- Bring your lunch that week so you don’t have to wait in long restaurant lines
- Give yourself a little extra time to get to meetings or appointments on campus
- Avoid scheduling vendor meetings or inviting outside guests to campus during orientation week
How can I support the new students?
If you are a faculty or staff member, we have many ways for you to be more formally involved. Learn about staff and faculty volunteer opportunities. If you believe your department should be more closely involved with the program, please email New Student Services at: nss@berkeley.edu.
Where do I direct key student questions?
Students may have a lot of questions as they come to campus. Here are some of the most common questions and some resources to point students to:
Housing move-in and parking
See our housing move-in page.
Additional housing questions
Including questions about assignments, roommates, and more. See housing faqs by audience type.
Golden Bear Orientation
Including check-in, schedule, and more. During GBO, New Student Services staffs a GBO Help Desk on Upper Sproul Plaza from 8:00am-6:00pm Thursday, August 22-Monday, August 22. See the Golden Bear Orientation overview for additional questions.
Getting a Cal 1 Card (the Berkeley ID card)
Find instructions for new students on how to get a Cal 1 Card.
Financial aid, registration, billing, enrollment, payments
Get help through Cal Student Central virtually, in-person, or through an online chatbot.
Meal plans and dining locations
Browse the dining website which has information on meal plans and dining locations and hours of operation.