Updated March 20, 2026
You might be wondering: what will Golden Bear Orientation (GBO) look like? Below are two sample schedules for GBO Fall 2026 transfer students and first year students. The majority of programs during GBO are not held with the entire incoming class together and each GBO Small Group (over 250 of them!) are unique to provide personalized programming and ensure access to mealtimes. You will receive your specific schedule on the first day of GBO programming (Thursday, August 20) from your Orientation Leaders (OLs).
We understand that a model built for so many students will not accommodate every individual; if after reading through the sample schedules below you believe that you will need accommodations during GBO, please scroll to the bottom of this page* to find more information on how to request these accommodations.
See below for sample schedules based on your admit type.
Transfer Student Fall 2026 Golden Bear Orientation Sample Schedule
First Year Student Fall 2026 Golden Bear Orientation Sample Schedule
*Note
We recognize that a model built for so many students will not accommodate everyone. Please read over our policies for more information about participation requirements, and to let us know how we can best serve your needs for orientation.
Check In
Check In will occur on Wednesday, August 19, 2026. Check back in May for further details about Check In, including locations and times. We are working on new ideas for Fall 2026 to reduce lines and improve how we serve you during such a busy time.
Meals
Meals will be provided throughout GBO. You will have an assigned location and time for each meal. All meals will be able to provide options for dietary needs. If you do not see your dietary needs met, please directly ask one of the Cal Dining Staff present and inform your Orientation Leader as soon as possible.
Our Dining Options Include:
- Berkeley Dining @ The Residence Halls: The majority of your meals will be served at various Berkeley dining facilities located throughout the residential communities. Your schedule will be designed to allow you to explore different on-campus eateries over the five days, guided by your Orientation Leader.
- Bite of Berkeley: You will have one meal that allows you to sample local flavors from the Telegraph Avenue neighborhood, through collaborations with local restaurants. These eateries prepare a special, quick-service menu for GBO, offering dine-in or take-out depending on the restaurant’s size.
- Food Trucks at the Campanile: To efficiently feed 9,000 students daily, we utilize an excellent team of food trucks that allow all orientation groups to enjoy at least one picnic meal on the beautiful Campanile Esplanade.
Curious about what dietary restrictions can be accommodated? Please refer to our Frequently Asked Questions page.
Grouping, GBO Small Group Time & OL Choice
GBO Programming will begin on Thursday, August 20 by meeting your Orientation Leaders (OLs) and other new students in your GBO small group at Grouping. You will be with this group throughout GBO excluding College Programming on Monday. Students will engage in dialogue and community building with a small group of their peers and Orientation Leaders (OLs). OL Choice are times when your OLs will select programming specifically for your group.
New Student Welcome
Check back in May for updated details on the New Student Welcome.
Bear Foundations
Check back in May for updated details on Bear Foundations.
Bear Pact
Bear Pact is a mandatory performance that will teach you about important issues faced by college students: sexual violence and harassment, related policies, reporting options and resources, mental health, bystander intervention, alcohol and substance use. Learn about the many ways you can maintain a balanced lifestyle and the resources on campus that can help you in this pursuit. You will also gain strategies to take care of friends, classmates, and roommates.
Late Night Programming
Check back in May for updated details on Late Night Programming.
Resource Fair
The Campus Department Resource Fair will introduce incoming students to 70+ campus departments, including Berkeley Study Abroad and University Health Services. The fair will be hosted in person and will allow you to connect directly with staff from various campus departments.
Transfer Symposium
Check back in May for updated details on the Transfer Symposium.
Bears in the Bay
Your Berkeley experience extends beyond the campus and we know many of you are eager to explore the Bay Area. Bears in the Bay will take you to a venue in the Bay Area (past excursions have included SF MOMA, the Exploratorium, Oakland Museum, Bubble Planet). All transportation and tickets will be included.
Bay Area excursions will be assigned for individual GBO small groups. Transfers/UCEAP students will participate on Friday, August 21 and first years will participate either Saturday, August 22 or Sunday August 23.
Bite of Berkeley
We are surrounded by incredible and varied food options in the city of Berkeley. Exploring those is built into GBO! You and your small group will be assigned to visit a local restaurant for one of your lunch or dinner blocks during GBO.
Transfer Student Welcome
Transfer Student Welcome is a program in partnership with the Transfer Center, with its main goal being to welcome all transfer students to the Berkeley community and to discuss services and resources available to them.
Alumni Mixer
Transfer students will have the opportunity to learn career tips and information from alumni working in different industries. Check back in May for more details on the Alumni Mixer.
College Programming
College Programming consists of programming designed by each college (e.g College of Letters and Science, College of Natural Resources) to prepare students for life in that specific academic environment. During these events, there will be an introduction to your college and more specific sessions centered around what to expect from your college and major. Check the Cal Events app for specific events related to your major. Note: EAP students should not attend College Programming.
Affinity Spaces
Build community with fellow new students who share your identity! Affinity spaces are informal, social spaces for students from diverse backgrounds. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet staff and/or continuing students. You can self-select which social(s) to attend, or choose not to attend any, and you do not need to attend with your small group. Descriptions of each Affinity Space are available in the Cal Events app.
Banner Signing
An iconic GBO tradition! Come add your name to the Class of 2028 or Class of 2030 banners. These will be hung up at your graduation – book ends to your Berkeley career!
Group Closing
All good things must come to an end, and GBO is no exception. Closing with small groups and Orientation Leaders is an opportunity to wrap up the week and look to the coming semester. The group closing will include dinner.