Dear Class of 2030, Transfer, 3-2 and Exchange Students,
On behalf of the First-Year Experience (FYE) team, we're excited to welcome you to Caltech! As an incoming student for Fall 2026, Orientation Week will be the start of your Caltech journey.
During Orientation Week, you'll build connections with your fellow incoming students, engage with faculty and staff, and explore the many resources that make Caltech's community so unique. Whether you're getting to know campus, learning about academic and co-curricular opportunities, or preparing for your first term, our goal is to support a smooth transition and help you feel connected from day one.
We encourage you to check back on this page throughout the summer for updated information and important Orientation Week details.
Saturday, September 19, 2026 | Move-In Day | 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Move-In Day marks the official start of your Caltech experience for most incoming students (unless you have already arrived on campus through an approved pre-arrival program, such as FSRI, athletes, integrated core, international students, or another approved early arrival program). One week before your arrival, you'll receive your temporary housing residence and detailed move-in instructions to help you prepare for the day. You will receive your specific room number on September 19.
Student volunteers and Caltech staff will be available throughout campus to assist with unloading, check-in, and finding your residence. A Welcome Center will also be available to answer questions, provide campus information, and connect you with key resources. Several campus offices will be open throughout the day to help support your transition.
Additional details, including the full Move-In Day schedule and Orientation Week programming, will be available in late August.
Saturday, September 19 through Friday, September 25, 2026 | New Student Orientation Programming
During orientation week, incoming students are fully immersed in the Caltech community and learn important information about resources and support systems that assist students in navigating the academic and co-curricular experience. Orientation programming supports new students in building a sense of community, forming connections with their peers, and gaining familiarity with student resources and services.
First-year, transfer, 3/2 and exchange students are required to attend orientation programming. Orientation takes place on the Caltech campus.
The full Orientation schedule will be available in late August. In the meantime, we encourage you to explore highlights from previous orientations on our website. If you have any early questions about orientation, please visit our contact page.
Saturday, September 19, 2026 | New Family Orientation Programming | 3:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Family Orientation is a half-day program designed to welcome family members to the Caltech community. Family Orientation provides an overview of the resources, services, and support systems available to students and offers guidance on how families can support their students throughout their transition to college. Participants will also have the opportunity to engage with campus leaders, staff, and fellow family members.
Family Orientation takes place on the Caltech campus and is open to family members of incoming students. Additional details will be available in late August.
