Previous Orientation Week Highlights

Orientation Week is designed to help incoming students feel welcomed, connected, and excited to begin life at Caltech. In addition to educational sessions that provide information on key campus and academic resources, you'll also have opportunities to get to know your classmates, upper-year students, faculty, and staff through shared experiences, meals, and social events. Below is a glimpse of previous orientation week highlights.

Orientation kicks off with the official Class Photo, a long-standing Caltech tradition that brings the entire incoming class together. Because of Caltech's small student population, the entire incoming class fits into one frame - something that's both rare and uniquely Caltech!

Incoming students will enjoy meals alongside fellow first-year students, Orientation Leaders (also known as First-Year Caltech Connectors, or FCCs), faculty, and staff in a variety of relaxed and welcoming settings.

Highlights include a welcome dinner at the President's Residence and a picnic at Tournament Park. These shared meals help foster meaningful conversations and a strong sense of belonging early on.

Throughout the week, Orientation features a variety of social activities designed to help you explore campus life and connect with others in fun and informal ways. Previous events include a boba social hour, ice-cream truck, and a group trip to IKEA to wraps up orientation week.

These activities are optional, relaxed, and designed to help you feel at home, whether you're meeting someone new or spending time with your growing friend group.

On the first day of orientation week, families are invited to a family reception where they can meet fellow families and staff. This reception, alongside a panel discussion with campus leaders, provides a warm welcome to the Caltech community and offers an opportunity to learn more about the resources and support available to students throughout their time on campus.