We are excited to welcome the Class of 2029 to campus at Arrival Day on Thursday, August 28, 2025. Students, faculty, and staff have been collaborating throughout academic year 2024-25 to put together an Orientation schedule that introduces you to Bates and provides you with opportunities to form meaningful connections in your initial days on campus. 

Be sure to engage your Lyceum Summer Resources (which open to you in June 2025) and check your Bates email so you can access necessary information and resources prior to Arrival Day.

Here is the preliminary Orientation Schedule for fall 2025:

Thursday, August 28: Opening Day
Move-in occurs from 8:00am to 12:00pm; events for families occur until 2:45pm.
First-years are engaged with formal orientation programs through 10:00pm, and may attend optional social events through 1:00am.

Friday, August 29: Orientation Day 2
First-years are engaged with formal orientation programs from 7:45am through 5:30pm, and attend AESOP welcome events thereafter. First-years meet with their First-Year Seminar and have an opportunity to meet with their Pre-Major Academic Advisor from 9:00am to 11:00am. This is also the day first-years check out gear for their AESOP trip, as applicable.

Saturday, August 30: AESOP Day 1
First-years spend the day on their AESOP trips.

Sunday, August 31: AESOP Day 2
First-years spend the day on their AESOP trips.

Monday, September 1: AESOP Day 3
First-years return from their AESOP trips, and participate in various activities on campus in the late afternoon and evening.

Tuesday, September 2: Convocation Day
First-years attend Convocation, the college’s formal end to orientation, and kick-off of the academic year. In the evening, they participate in social events.

Wednesday, September 3: First Day of Classes
First-years attend their first day of fall classes. The annual Bates Leads Clubs, Orgs, and Jobs Fair occurs in the evening.