Welcome Week kicks off with fall Move-In Day on Saturday, Aug. 22
NDSU faculty and staff are excited to welcome students back to campus on Saturday, Aug. 22.
NDSU Move-In Day is Saturday, Aug. 22 with first-year and transfer students arriving from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., while upperclassmen may check in during this time or at any time after.
Volunteers will be on hand to welcome new and returning Bison to campus and ensure the process goes smoothly. Additionally, several help desks will be staffed on Saturday in the Memorial Union from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. to assist with opening weekend activities, academic advising and how to purchase books and Bison gear. NDSU IT Services will be open the same hours in the Quentin Burdick Building, room 206.
“We are excited for Move-In Day 2026,” said Rian Nostrum, director of Residence Life at NDSU. “We love helping families transition their student to NDSU. The entire campus community has worked all summer for our new students’ arrival, and we cannot wait for Aug. 22.”
As students get settled, the dining centers will be open for lunch, and there will be a few activity options for the afternoon. Students are invited to relax in the library, attend a volleyball game at Benson Bunker Fieldhouse, or tour the Wallman Wellness Center before an ice cream social on Shepperd Arena South Lawn at 2 p.m.
Welcome Week activities will begin in the late afternoon on Saturday, with students participating in group meetings and dinner before the Saturday Night Live activity that evening.
“Welcome Week helps students make connections, learn about campus resources and get involved,” said Maggie Latterell, assistant director for New Student Programs. “We have a variety of events for students to choose from, including Saturday Night Live, Tie-Dye Night, Block Party and the Student Involvement Expo.”
New events available this year include a drone discovery workshop (registration required), fascinating food science and tours of the NDSU Gardens.
Some of the activities throughout the week include:
- Saturday Night Live, Saturday, Aug. 22, 7:45-11 p.m.
- Location: Memorial Union and surrounding area
- Several hands-on experiences, games and events will be available for students to participate in.
- Walk through the Gates, Monday, Aug. 24, 10:15 a.m.
- Location: corner of 12th Avenue and University Drive
- Walk with faculty, staff and other students through the university gates as part of the tradition to celebrate joining the NDSU community.
- First Day of School Photos, Tuesday, Aug. 25, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
- Location: Bison Statue
- Stop by the iconic Bison statue to take a first day of school selfie to share with family and friends.
- Tie-Dye Night, Wednesday, Aug. 26, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
- Location: Babbling Brook
- Grab a free t-shirt and tie dye it in NDSU colors to show off your Bison Pride.
- Block Party, Thursday, Aug. 27, 7-10 p.m.
- Location: Reed/Johnson/Weible Recreation Area
- Enjoy an evening of music, yard games, crafts, snacks and more, while making memories of a lifetime.
- Drone Discovery Workshop, Friday, Aug. 28, 2:30-4:30 p.m.
- Location: South Engineering, room 308
- An interactive workshop with the physics department where participants will build small educational drone kits and learn the basic computer coding skills necessary to operate them. No prior coding or drone experience is required.
- Bison Football vs. Jacksonville State tailgate and game, Saturday, Aug. 29, 2-7:30 p.m.
- Location: FargoDome
- Head up to the FargoDome for student tailgating from 2-4 p.m. before the first home football game starts at 4:30 p.m.
- NDSU Gardens Tour, Tuesday, Sept. 1, 10-11 a.m. and 3-4 p.m.
- Location: Horticulture Research and Demonstration Gardens
- Tour NDSU Gardens and see the beautiful flowers and plants on campus.
- Student Involvement Expo, Wednesday, Sept. 2, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Location: Putnam Green Space
- Over 200 student organizations and campus departments will be showcased.
Welcome Week activities will continue through Saturday, Sept. 5. Visit the 2026 Welcome Week to see the complete schedule.