First Year Experience

Your Kenyon journey starts now.

You are a vital part of our community, and we’re eager to help you thrive throughout your first year and beyond. The months and weeks before you arrive in Gambier are an exciting, busy time. We know you and your family will have lots of questions about what to expect and how to prepare for the year ahead. Kenyon’s first-year experience team will keep you connected throughout the spring and summer, here on this site and by email.

Your first step is meeting other Kenyon students this summer.

There are many ways to connect with fellow new and upperclass students before you arrive on campus. Kenyon hosts both in-person Welcome receptions across the country and virtual student-to-student sessions. These events also give you the opportunity to learn more about Kenyon Support Services and what to expect in the Fall. Check your email for more details.

Summer Welcome Receptions

Choose your path with course exploration and registration.

Summer is the perfect time to dive into Kenyon’s curriculum and First-Year courses available via First Things First. Then, during Fall Orientation you will meet with your Faculty Advisor to discuss your areas of interest and academic plans before registering for your Fall Courses.

First Things First (PDF)

We will welcome you to Fall Orientation on August 23.

You are already part of the Kenyon community, and we hope Gambier begins to feel like home starting with Orientation. For now, mark your calendar for move-in day on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025. Course registration takes place during Orientation in August after you meet with your faculty advisor.

Preliminary Schedule

Beyond Orientation

We know your transition to Kenyon does not end on the first day of class. Throughout the year the first-year experience team will help you stay connected and informed about student organizations, resources for support, course registration, housing selection for sophomore year and more.

Contact the First-Year Experience Team 2025-26 Academic Calendar

Move-In Day and Orientation 2024

Middle Path was a busy place on Move-In Day.

Hundreds of new students were welcomed to campus on Move-In Day.

Getting settled was a team effort for students and their families.

Vehicles from across the country were packed to the max, just waiting to be unloaded.

No time to waste in making Gambier their new home away from home.

Rooms started to feel like home as students moved in.

Students and their families were all smiles as they got comfortable in their new digs.

Campus buildings came alive with students — some old, some new — on Move-In Day.

President Julie Kornfeld lending a helping hand as new students and their families move into residences.

A small jar of flowers welcomed each first-year student to their new campus residence.

Additional Resources

Inside Views

Everyone’s first-year experience is a little different, but most students will tell you that they benefited from the guidance they received from their faculty, Kenyon staff and older peers. Consider this collection a taste of conversations to come.

Getting Started at Kenyon

Associate Professor of English Sarah Heidt '97 offers advice on launching your academic journey.

Crossing Middle Paths

First Person: Student Life at Kenyon
As it turns out, the toughest part of the admissions process is not waiting for the decision, but for the first semester to begin.
By Emilie Hankla '26

Date November 14, 2022

Categories

Student Life
Why I Love Office Hours

Kenyon Blogs
It’s always been true: Dropping in for a chat with Kenyon’s friendly and accessible faculty is one of the best ways to set yourself up for success (and get some dog love).
Categories

Student Life
Kenyon Kribs - related video

Kenyon Kribs

Most first-years get to share a room with another member of their class. Mary Angela Ricotta ’20 shared her Norton Hall single with a couple of fish.