UD Welcome Days
UD Welcome Days
UD Welcome Days offers opportunities to connect with your new community, explore all that the University of Delaware has to offer and consider how you will contribute during your time here. Though the first weekend is packed with festivities, welcome celebrations extend through the first few weeks of the semester.
Make the most of your first-year experience—and cross an item off your UD Bucket List—by joining us for this opening weekend tradition.
Signature Events
- Involvement Fair
- Gameday 101
- Twilight Induction Ceremony
- Ask Me Tents
- Perkins Live
- and much more!
Fall 2026 Welcome Days Schedule
Move-In
7:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m., Bob Carpenter Center
Move-In Day marks the beginning of your college journey. You'll be greeted by staff, student volunteers and Resident Assistants (RAs) who are here to help you settle in.
Family Send-Off
7:30 a.m.–3 p.m., Bob Carpenter Center
All Blue Hen families are invited to the Family Send-Off! Write your new Blue Hen a postcard, enjoy some refreshments and meet staff from across campus as you prepare to move your student on campus!
Blue Hen Connections: Transfer & Commuter Welcome Reception
3–4:30 p.m., Trabant University Center, Multipurpose Room A
Join fellow transfer and commuter students for an afternoon of connection, conversation and community building. Meet other students navigating similar transitions, connect with campus staff and student leaders, enjoy refreshments and learn about opportunities to get involved at UD. Whether you're transferring from another institution or commuting from home, this reception is a great way to start building your Blue Hen network.
Blue Hen Beach Bash
8–11 p.m., Harrington Turf
Surf’s up! Don’t miss the Blue Hen Beach Bash, our Welcome Days kickoff for Perkins Live. Enjoy beach-themed activities, novelties, games, entertainment and free food. Learn more about our late-night programming opportunities offered this fall, and start building community on campus.
Headphone Disco
11 p.m.–1 a.m., Central Green
Dance the night away at our headphone disco! Each attendee will get a pair of headphones where they can tune into one of three DJs!
Connect at the Rec
12–3 p.m., Carpenter Sports Building
Come hang out at the Carpenter Sports Building, also known as the "Lil Bob," for an afternoon of fun, games, food and connection! Meet other first-year students, explore the recreation center, enjoy a live DJ, play pick-up sports and lawn games, and enter raffles to win prizes.
Transfer Touchpoints: Diamond Painting
3–5 p.m., Trabant University Center, Lounge
Take a break, get creative and connect with other transfer students! Join us for an evening of diamond painting, conversation and community building. No artistic experience is necessary. All materials will be provided along with light refreshments. Come create something unique while getting to know other transfer students!
Gameday 101
7–10 p.m., Delaware Stadium
Gameday 101 is the ultimate kickoff to your Blue Hen experience! Join fellow incoming students for a pep rally and tailgate to learn the fight song, alma mater and other gameday traditions with the help of our marching band, spirit squad and Delaware athletic varsity teams.
Ask Me! Tents
7:30 a.m.–12 p.m., Delaware Ave., Academy St., North Campus and South College
Stop by and visit one of our Ask Me Tent locations from 7:30 a.m.–12 p.m. to ask questions, get directions to your academic orientation and meet some of your peers!
Academic Orientations
8 a.m.–12 p.m., Various Locations
Academic orientations begin at different times depending on your program, department or college. This is for everyone, including transfer students.
The full academic orientation schedule will be posted later this summer.
Involvement Fair
1–4 p.m., South Green
Looking for ways to get involved on campus? Don't miss the Involvement Fair! The fair will showcase more than 300 clubs, organizations, businesses and activities available to students. Whether you're looking to meet new people, seek out leadership roles or just explore your interests, there's something for everyone. Don’t miss out on this chance to make new connections and create unforgettable experiences. See you there!
Wellbeing Fair
1–4 p.m., South Green
The Wellbeing Fair brings the community together on the South Green to celebrate the services we offer for our students. Please come out to learn more about our physical and mental health services, prevention and educational programs, and everything else we do to help you thrive at UD!
Center for Black Culture Welcome
3–5 p.m., 192 South College Ave.
Visit the Center for Black Culture to meet the staff, reconnect with old friends and meet new people. Light refreshments will be provided.
Commuter Connections: Blueprint for Success
4–6 p.m., Trabant University Center, Lounge
Start your year with intention! Join fellow commuter students to create a vision board, set goals, connect with one another and reflect on what you hope to accomplish during your time at UD this year. We'll provide all materials, snacks and inspiration; you just bring your ideas and aspirations! Connect with other commuters, share your goals and leave with a personalized roadmap for success this academic year!
Restorative Yoga
5–6 p.m. and 7–8 p.m., Warner Hall, Room 101
Enjoy peaceful, gentle yoga poses in Warner Hall led by a certified instructor. Come as you are! Bring a mat if you have one, and if not, there will be mats available for you.
UThrive: Support
5:30–6:30 p.m., Warner Hall, Room 102
Beginning your journey at UD can be an exciting and sometimes overwhelming transition. This walk-in support group offers a welcoming space for students to connect, share experiences and navigate the ups and downs of adjusting to life at the University. Through open discussion, interactive activities and shared learning, students can explore common challenges such as stress, independence, relationships and mental health. Join peers who are going through similar experiences and build skills, confidence and a sense of belonging as you settle into UD.
Commuter Connections: Twilight Induction Ceremony Meet Up
6–6:30 p.m., Trabant University Center, Lounge
Heading to the Twilight Induction Ceremony? Start the evening by connecting with commuters! Join us and meet other students navigating the commuter experience before we walk to the ceremony together as a group. Whether you already know someone or are coming solo, this is a great opportunity to begin building your Blue Hen community before one of UD's signature traditions!
Twilight Induction Ceremony
7:45–8:30 p.m., Central Green
Break out your UD blue and gold apparel and gather with your fellow classmates to be formally welcomed into the Blue Hen community. President Carlson, UD leadership and prominent faculty and student leaders will welcome you and encourage you to reflect on what it means to be a Blue Hen.
Ask Me! Tents
8 a.m.–4 p.m., Delaware Ave. and Academy St.
Stop by and visit one of our two Ask Me Tent locations from 8 a.m.–4 p.m. to ask questions, get directions, pick up a snack and meet some of your peers!
UThrive: Puppies & Pizza
5:30–6:30 p.m., Warner Hall, Room 101
We all need a space to recharge, particularly as we navigate adjusting to campus life. Come hang out with adorable puppies/dogs and enjoy FREE pizza in a chill, judgment-free zone designed to support your mental well-being.
Night on North
7–10 p.m., Laird Campus Turf Field
Happy First Day of Classes! Join Student Diversity & Inclusion for a Night on North filled with community, performances, food, vibes and prizes. Bring a friend and pop out to the North Campus Turf. Come when you can; leave when you want!
Ask Me! Tents
8 a.m.–4 p.m., Delaware Ave. and Academy St.
Stop by and visit one of our two Ask Me Tent locations from 8 a.m.–4 p.m. to ask questions, get directions, pick up a snack and meet some of your peers!
Mobile Food Pantry
12–2 p.m., Parking Lot 19
Start the fall semester on the right foot! If you've been hungry, are hungry or may get hungry, the Blue Hen Essentials team invites you to the Mobile Food Pantry on Wednesday, August 26, 12–2 p.m. in Lot 19. We'll have items like fresh produce, canned proteins, pastas, snacks, cereal and more! A limited number of bags are available, so please come prepared. RSVP form will be sent out at a later date.
Patch Perfect
2–4 p.m., Central Green
Show Blue Hen pride and represent your building by picking up a custom UD patch that can be put onto totes, bags and more!
UThrive: Activity
5:30–6:30 p.m., Warner Hall, Room 102
Beginning your journey at UD can be an exciting and sometimes overwhelming transition. Join us for a mental health activity night designed to support students as they adjust to campus life. This welcoming event offers a relaxed, fun space to connect with others, engage in interactive activities and explore ways to manage stress and support your well-being. Through creative exercises, conversation and shared experiences, students can learn tools for navigating challenges related to independence, relationships and mental health. Come meet peers who are newer to this community and build a sense of connection, balance and belonging.
Turf's Up
7–9 p.m., Laird Campus Turf Field
Join us for a fun and relaxed evening at Turf’s Up! Come hang out on the Laird Turf with lawn games, good vibes and time to connect with friends. We’ll have food and treats available, along with a variety of activities to enjoy throughout the night. Whether you’re feeling competitive or just want to unwind, Turf’s Up is the perfect way to spend your evening—stop by and see what’s happening!
Back to School Shopping
4–6 p.m., Perkins Student Center, West Lounge
Pop out to the Back to School Shopping event with Student Diversity & Inclusion and We’re First! You can get free school supplies, free food and free UD merch. We will also be raffling two coupons for a free undergraduate cap and gown, even if you’re a first-year student! We’ll be in the Perkins West Lounge from 4–6 p.m. on Friday, September 4!
UD Fight Song
And then we'll fight! fight! fight!
for Delaware,
Fight for the Blue and Gold,
And when we hit that line,
Our team is there
with a daring spirit bold
And when we strike with might
Let foes beware
Our glorious name we'll uphold
And then we'll fight! fight! fight!
for Delaware,
Fight for the Blue and Gold,
Delaware will shine to-night,
Delaware will shine.
When the sun goes down and
the moon comes up,
Delaware will shine.
And then we'll fight! fight! fight! for Delaware...
