Orientation, Move-In and Family Weekend

Blue Jay Families play an important role in transitioning students to their new home. The Office of Family Engagement is here to provide you with information you need.

New Family Orientation – Blue Jay Families: Hop on Board

Orientation for our new Blue Jay families will take place in the summer, prior to your students’ arrival on campus. Beginning in June, the Office of Family Engagement will offer online webinars to discuss various topics relative to your student’s preparation for the fall semester. The list of webinars and registration links can be found here on the Blue Jay Families: Hop on Board page. Families will learn about housing and dining options, academic and student support services, campus safety and transportation and student health and wellness. All of the webinars are recorded and will be found on the Blue Jay Families: Hop on Board page once available, usually within two or three days.

Required New Student Orientation – Hop on Board

New Student Orientation is exclusive for new and transfer students and runs from August 20-August 27, 2023. This program will help prepare your student to transition to JHU successfully. Your Blue Jay will learn about academics and student life, meet with an advisor and a First-Year Mentor (current student), and connect with their new community. All first year and transfer students will participate in the week long orientation, that runs from 9am-10pm daily. All New Student Orientation sessions are required unless excused for a varsity sport practice or game by their coach.

Move-In Dates for 2023

  • 3.5 Day Pre-Orientation move-in: Wednesday, August 16, 2023
  • New International Student move-in: Saturday, August 19, 2023
  • New Student move-in: Sunday, August 20, 2023
  • New Student Orientation (NSO): Sunday, August 20-Sunday, August 27, 2023
  • Second Year Student move-in: Saturday, August 26, 2023

Pies after the Good Byes: August 20, 2023 at 7:30 p.m. on Wyman Quad

After you’ve said “goodbye for now” to your student, we invite you to join the Office of Family Engagement on the Wyman Quad for a message from Rachelle Hernandez, Vice Provost for Student Affairs, and a special treat to take with you on your journey home. Please note, your student will begin the required New Student Orientation program at 7:30 p.m., which continues until classes start on Monday, August 28. They will likely not be available to reconnect with you after New Student Orientation begins.

Optional Pre-Orientation Programs

Hopkins offers a number of unique Pre-Orientation programs for students. The details of the programs and the dates can be found on our Pre-Orientation page. The Office of Family Engagement will be onsite when you move your student in early for these programs to Welcome you to Hopkins.

Family Weekend: October 6-8, 2023

Family Weekend is an opportunity for families and students to be together in the fall with activities for the whole family to enjoy. Family Weekend for 2023 has been confirmed for October 6-8, 2023. The schedule has not yet been finalized for the weekend, but our 2022 Family Weekend Schedule can be found here.

Please note that we ask all visitors to campus to be vaccinated, boosted, and in some cases, wear a mask at indoor events. More information on the current University requirements can be found here: Coronavirus Guidelines