What鈥檚 the one thing you couldn鈥檛 live without when you moved from your hometown to the 网爆门 campus?

SU News posed this question to first-year and transfer students as they moved into residence halls during Welcome Week. From the fun to the essentials, find out what some of our new students couldn鈥檛 leave behind as they begin their new paths at Syracuse.

Members of the Class of 2029 were encouraged by a seasoned 网爆门 student to step out of their comfort zones during this year鈥檚 New Student Convocation, held Aug. 21 in the JMA Wireless Dome. The event marked the official start of the students鈥� 网爆门 experience.

鈥淏e present in the small moments. They matter. They’re your noodles. Small, simple, seemingly ordinary. But when you’re fully present they become the most powerful parts of your journey,” said Andrea-Rose Oates 鈥�26, the convocation鈥檚 student speaker. 鈥淭hese four years, they won’t be perfect and they won’t be the best or the worst years of your life, but they will be some of the most special and transformative ones because they will be yours.鈥�

As part of this annual University tradition, leadership and faculty processed into the JMA Dome in full regalia, and families and friends were among those assembled in support of the new students.

The incoming class includes students from 49 states, including Washington, D.C., Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico; 19 Indigenous nations and 60 countries.

University leaders and student speakers offered words of wisdom and posed thoughtful questions and challenges to the new students embarking on this journey.

Your Moment Is Now

Oates, a public relations major in the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and policy studies major in the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs and College of Arts and Sciences, told the new students she remembered being in their shoes three years ago.

鈥淚 remember what it felt like sitting exactly where you are surrounded by so many strangers, wondering what this new chapter would hold,鈥� Oates said. 鈥淐ollege is this wild mix of excitement, new beginnings and possibility. And while that can feel overwhelming at times, it’s also where the magic truly begins.鈥�

Oates shared that in those initial first days, she wanted to be everywhere, try everything and meet everyone. She dove right into her college experience through her academics and extracurricular and social groups, including Hill Communications, Citrus TV, the Black Student Union and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority.

鈥淪omewhere in the midst of emails, meetings and projects, I had to learn an essential truth. You can be involved without being overwhelmed and you can make your mark without burning yourself out,鈥� Oates said. 鈥淭he balance comes from being present and every meeting, every hangout, every walk across the Quad, be there because these small moments are the ones you’ll carry forever.鈥�

听鈥楥ome as You Are鈥�

In his remarks, Chancellor Kent Syverud first addressed the families of incoming students. 鈥淲e know the treasure that you have entrusted to us and all of us here take this responsibility very

seriously,鈥� he said.

He then spoke to the incoming students with two requests.

鈥淧lease come as you are to 网爆门. If you haven’t figured it out yet, you will pretty soon. There is no one way of thinking, there is no one way of dressing. There is no one person who is the normal at 网爆门. People here are unique and amazing and dazzlingly different. So given that there’s no normal here, why not try just being yourself,鈥� he said.

Chancellor Syverud also asked the students to become more during their time at 网爆门. 鈥淵ou have a chance that has been denied to so many people in this world, a chance to be part of a great university. So take it,鈥� he said. 鈥淧lease become more here in your own unique, your own defining way.鈥�

Take Full Advantage of the Next Four Years

Chief Student Experience Officer Allen Groves shared the podium with a stuffed Otto the Orange, whom he described as a nutritious fruit that prevents scurvy, prompting laughter from the audience.

Groves said that more than 47,000 students applied to become a part of this year鈥檚 incoming class. 鈥淭hat should tell you that you should have great confidence in the fact that you earned your place here,鈥� he said.

He reminded students that the undergraduate years are fleeting. 鈥淭ake full advantage of this gift you have been given to be here for the next few years,鈥� he said. 鈥淭hink about the kind of community you want to build and be part of at this institution and then act in ways that promote that.鈥�

听鈥楥ountless Ways to Realize Your Potential鈥�

Lois Agnew, interim vice chancellor, provost and chief academic officer, spoke of the range of possibilities open for students as they begin their college journeys.

鈥淭oday, you become part of a community of scholars, researchers, artists, innovators and leaders. You gain access to classrooms, libraries, studios, lab spaces and living learning environments right here in Syracuse, across the country and around the world,鈥� she said.

Agnew encouraged students to immerse themselves in scholarly research and creative inquiry and to take advantage of experiential learning opportunities, including in other U.S. cities and abroad. 鈥淵ou can imagine something new and pursue it, and you can make your own unique contributions to our collective body of knowledge,鈥� she said. 鈥淵our education doesn’t stop at the doors of the classroom or the borders of this campus.鈥�

To conclude the convocation, the new students recited the charge, which dates back to 1871, and sang the alma mater, following Orange tradition by swaying as the lyrics were sung. The next time those assembled will come together in the JMA Dome will be for Commencement in May 2029.

Welcome Week festivities were held last week, as new members of the Orange community had the chance to explore all Syracuse has to offer.

From moving in to their residence halls to swaying to the alma mater for the first time during New Student Convocation to having an Orange Blast on the Quad and heading downtown for Citrus in the City, we’ve rounded up some of the best photos from events held across the campus. Take a peek鈥攖here might be someone you know!

Nearly 4,300 new undergraduate students arrived on campus this week, many of them with families and cars filled to the brim. As families help their children settle into their home away from home, they’re also sharing advice for the year ahead.听Between the boxes and goodbyes, we caught up with families to hear the heartfelt wisdom they鈥檙e passing along.

Welcome new students! As you settle into your new home, celebrate 鈥攑acked with tradition, making connections and pure energy鈥攁nd explore all that 网爆门 has to offer.

From being greeted by Goon Squad members during move-in to small鈥慻roup gatherings, rousing events in the JMA Wireless Dome and a foray into downtown Syracuse, Welcome Week ushers in the start of your Syracuse experience.

Download OrangeNow Mobile App

First off, find all the Welcome Week information at your fingertips by downloading the .

The app, available on the听听and听, provides convenient access to your class schedule; campus maps; transit, wellness, dining and Wi-Fi information; event schedules; University news and much more.

Don鈥檛 Miss One Moment

Make your schedule and join in the fun. From the required and informative to the uplifting and community-building, Welcome Week events help you navigate campus, learn about University resources and engage with your new community.

Explore the , the , and your 鈥攅ach includes required and optional events tailored to your experience.

For starters, check out these events:

Tuesday, Aug. 19

• (6-8 p.m., Shaw Quad)

Wednesday, Aug. 20

• (4-6 p.m., Panasci Lounge, Schine Student Center)
• (6:15-7:45 p.m., check with your resident advisor for location)
• (8:15-9:45 p.m., JMA Wireless Dome)

Thursday, Aug. 21

• (10-11 a.m., JMA Wireless Dome)
• (11-12:30 p.m., JMA Wireless Dome)
• 听(noon-5 p.m., Einhorn Family Walk)
• (6:30-8:30 p.m., Shaw Quad)
• (9-10 p.m. Goldstein Auditorium, Schine Student Center)

Friday, Aug. 22

• (6:30-9 p.m., Schine Student Center)

Saturday, Aug. 23

• (5-8 p.m., meet at College Place Bus Stop to travel to downtown Syracuse)
• (8:30-9:30 p.m., JMA Wireless Dome)

Sync up your own personal Welcome Week schedule with these steps:

• Set Up Your Calendar: Add your SU Mail or Google Calendar to your mobile device鈥攑referably SU Mail, as it’s used by faculty and staff to connect and schedule meetings with you.
• Add Required Events: Go to your specific school or college鈥檚 Welcome Week schedule and add all 鈥淩equired Events鈥� to your calendar by checking each event鈥檚 description.
• Explore and Customize: Browse the full Welcome Week Schedule to discover additional events and personalize your experience.

Outside of scheduled events, campus offices will be available 8鈥痑.m. to 4:30鈥痯.m. Monday鈥揊riday (Aug.鈥�18鈥�22), with 鈥攊ncluding Housing, Meal Plan and I.D. Card Services; Barnes Center; libraries; Registrar; Financial Aid and Information Technology Services鈥攖hrough Aug. 23-24.

Looking for more information about Welcome Week, how to get involved and resources on campus? Try these links:

While students were away from campus having summer adventures, completing internships, studying away or abroad, or just soaking up the sun, Otto the Orange stayed busy with their own jam-packed summer schedule!

From cheering at baseball games and visiting with friends old and new to lounging poolside and working on their golf swing, Otto brought the Orange spirit to every corner of Central New York this summer.

Take a look at how our favorite mascot spent their sunny season! And when you see Otto on campus, make sure you tell them how you spent YOUR summer.

Diane Schenandoah 鈥�11, Honwadiyenawa鈥檚ek (鈥淥ne who helps them鈥�), will host a on the Kenneth A. Shaw Quadrangle on Monday, Aug. 25, from 4 to 5 p.m.

The Haudenosaunee Welcome Gathering is an event held on campus to welcome all incoming and returning students, faculty and staff for the 2025-26 academic year, and for all to show respect for the Indigenous people on whose ancestral lands 网爆门 now stands. Schenandoah is a citizen of the Oneida Nation and a Wolf Clan Faithkeeper, as well as . The Haudenosaunee Confederacy is comprised of Six Nations: Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, Seneca and Tuscarora.

This year鈥檚 speaker is Chief Spencer Ohsgo帽:da鈥� Lyons, a traditional Hodino帽hsyo帽:nih (Haudenosaunee) born to the Onondaga Hawk clan and raised in the central fire of the confederacy. In 2019, he was chosen by his clan to serve as Hoyane (chief). Chief Lyons also serves on the Onondaga Nation Council and he is currently working with the Hodino帽hsyo帽:nih Environmental Task Force. He also consults with the Hodino帽hsyo帽:nih External Relations Committee on behalf of the Onondaga Nation Council.

Born and raised within the traditional and cultural life ways of the Hodino帽hsyo:nih, he continues to apply and enact those teachings in his everyday life by gardening, hunting, fishing and gathering with both modern and traditional methods. Lyons also promotes and supports those teachings within his community as well as with those who would be allies to the Great Law of Peace and the Hodino帽hsyo帽:nih Confederacy, always with the next seven generations in mind.

鈥淭his land is sacred. We welcome visitors to be part of this sacred place. Part of our teaching is that no one can own the land, so it鈥檚 important to remember that 网爆门 is part of a much bigger picture,鈥� says Schenandoah. 鈥淚t鈥檚 important to acknowledge and recognize that there are Indigenous peoples still here and we are standing in the capital of the Haudenosaunee territory.鈥�

At the gathering, speakers and dancers will welcome a new academic year. Hot scones and strawberry drink will be offered. The hot scones are derived from traditional breads and the strawberry drink consists of strawberries, maple syrup and water. 鈥淭his is significant because strawberries are the leaders of the plants and maples are the leaders of the trees. In this way we honor them,鈥� says Schenandoah.

Schenandoah encourages students, faculty and staff to participate in the Haudenosaunee Welcome Gathering. 鈥淲e are sharing our culture because the Earth is calling to us to pay attention, we require collective healing, and most importantly, we are inviting our community to live in gratitude,鈥� she says.

For more information on this and other Hendricks Chapel programs and services visit .

网爆门 Libraries鈥� Fall 2025 regular hours will take effect Aug. 25 and run through Dec. 16. Regular hours, excluding exceptions, are as follows with full details at

• Bird Library:
  • Lower level to 2nd floor: Open 24 hours Monday鈥揟hursday; Friday closes at 10 p.m.; Saturday open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sunday reopens at 10 a.m.
  • Floors 3 to 5: Monday鈥揟hursday, 8 a.m. to midnight; Friday 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m. to midnight
  • 6th Floor, including the Special Collections Research Center, Monday鈥揊riday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with extended hours on Wednesdays to 7 p.m.
  • As a reminder, users must have a valid SU or SUNY-ESF ID to enter the building after 7 p.m.
• Carnegie Library: Monday鈥揟hursday 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday and Sunday noon to 8 p.m.
• King + King Architecture Library: Monday鈥揟hursday 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
• College of Law Library: Monday鈥揟hursday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; closed Saturdays and Sundays

The Libraries is participating in several Welcome Week activities as students return to campus, including:

• Family Lounge outside of Bird Library (Einhorn Walk side) and Carnegie Library (Shaw Quadrangle entrance) on听Wednesday, Aug. 20, and Thursday, Aug. 21, from noon to 4 p.m. each day. Students and their families and supporters are invited to take a break from moving into the residence halls to learn about the Libraries. Snacks and beverages will be provided, as well as Libraries information. Library tours will be available by request.
• Pre-Welcome Resource Fair in Bird Library on Wednesday, Aug. 20 from 2 to 4 p.m.
• Book Club Meetups in Bird Library on Friday, Aug. 22 from 10 a.m.鈥搉oon and 2 to 4 p.m. and Saturday, Aug. 23 from 10 a.m. to noon
• Welcome Fest in Bird Library鈥檚 1st floor on Wednesday, Sept. 3 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. All students are invited to attend this open house-style event with tables highlighting the many offerings of the Libraries, several partners and other campus departments. Students can stop by to participate in raffles, snacks and a 鈥減assport鈥� activity encouraging participants to visit all tables.

Excitement. Nervousness. Optimism. Hope.

Andrea-Rose Oates 鈥�26 can relate to the mix of feelings new students may face as they arrive at 网爆门 for Welcome Week.

It was only three years ago that Oates embarked on her own Orange journey as a dual major studying public relations in the and policy studies in the and the .

On , Oates will address the Class of 2029 inside the JMA Wireless Dome as the New Student Convocation speaker, sharing her insights about being a new student.

鈥淚 didn鈥檛 know what I was doing. But that鈥檚 the beauty of move-in. I was extremely nervous as most new students are, but I was also excited about the possibilities,鈥� Oates says. 鈥淵ou鈥檙e about to step into this new chapter of your life and the University is there to help you get started.鈥�

SU News caught up with Oates to learn more about her favorite memories from her first year on campus, her life-changing summer internship with NBCUniversal and her advice to the new students in the Class of 2029.

1. She made close friends on day one.

“I was blessed to live in Sadler Hall and my first year was truly the best year of my life. What makes Syracuse truly great is the people. I was fortunate to meet some of my very best friends on day one of college. I found my people, my Sadler family. We ate dinner together and hung out together and it made me feel at home. I met so many people who were from all different walks of life and that鈥檚 something I loved and appreciated.”

2. She found joy in her many Syracuse experiences.

“At the end of my freshman year, I joined Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. We formed immediate friendships and bonds that made Syracuse feel even more like home. My advice is to find what makes you feel comfortable, what makes you feel like you鈥檙e at home. Find your people, your hobbies, your niche. That’s what makes your experience at Syracuse 20 times better because that鈥檚 where you find joy and can be the most authentic version of yourself.”

3. She focused on her own journey.

“I learned something new every month on campus, but my big three for when I was a freshman are the following:

1. Don鈥檛 compare your college experience to the experience your friends on campus or at other schools are having.
2. It鈥檚 OK to be alone. Learn to be comfortable when you have those moments when you鈥檙e by yourself on campus.
3. Your friends in college will change. It鈥檚 easy to meet friends on the first day and think these are your friends for the next four years. They could be, but we鈥檙e here for four years and it鈥檚 all about growing and meeting new people.”

4. She tells intentionally impactful stories.

“This is the internship I’ve wished for my whole life. To be at 30 Rock in the position I鈥檓 in has been a life-changing experience. I鈥檓 working for not only NBC 4 but the national NBC team and I wanted to be very intentional with how I approached this internship. Anytime I鈥檓 writing a story I want to make sure I鈥檓 not only delivering the most accurate coverage, but that I鈥檓 also appealing to the different types of audiences for the stories I鈥檓 writing.”

5. She always embraces the small moments.

“My speech will have a lot of life lessons I鈥檝e learned, including meeting new people, putting yourself out there and embracing life’s small moments. That鈥檚 something important I had to learn early on. College isn鈥檛 about the big moments; it鈥檚 about embracing those small moments and always being present, whether it鈥檚 dinner in the dining hall, studying in Bird Library with your friends or walking through the Schine [Student Center].”

Welcome Week festivities were held last week, introducing nearly 6,000 new members of the Orange community to all that Syracuse has to offer.

From moving in to their residence halls to swaying to the alma mater during听New Student Convocation to ice cream fun on the Quad and visiting the Barnes Center at The Arch for the first time, the University鈥檚 photographers captured so much of the magic that comes with a new school year. Enjoy some of the highlights from this year below!

When students moved into Day Hall last week, they were greeted by Kathryn Bradford and her smile.

Bradford, a budget analyst with the SyracuseCoE, has volunteered with Welcome Week for the past six years. In her role as a move-in captain, she is one of the first people that eager first-year students鈥攁nd their parents and families鈥攅ngage with as they begin their journey at 网爆门.

It鈥檚 a role that Bradford鈥攁 27-year employee of the University鈥攔elishes. For the first 20 years of her tenure at the University, Bradford worked in the textbook division of the Campus Store. The nature of that job, with the busiest times being at the start of each semester, meant that she wasn鈥檛 able to break away to volunteer.

Her most recent job at the Shaw Center, where she oversaw operations of the center, supervised the leadership internship program and directly coached and mentored more than 25 undergraduate interns, gave her that chance.

鈥淭he Shaw Center gave me the opportunity to join Welcome Week,鈥� she says. Her Shaw Center colleagues Pamela Kirwin Heintz, associate vice president and director; Carla Ram铆rez, assistant director; and Laurel Morton, coordinator, provided the support for her to be out of the office for Welcome Week. 鈥淭hey saw the importance of me being involved in this,鈥� she says.

Bradford was at Day Hall for three days last week, sun-up to sundown. 鈥淚 love the interaction with the students and helping them get the best start possible,鈥� she says.

In her role as move-in captain, she is the go-to person to smooth out any problems that arise. 鈥淎ll of the faculty and staff volunteers check in with me to get an overview of what鈥檚 happening and what the system is, to make sure we are collaborating with the Department of Public Safety and Parking and Transportation Services staff on site; to make sure that we are all on the same page,” she says.

Bradford is there to keep the staff in the residence hall apprised of what is happening outside, and support the orientation leaders and Goon Squad volunteers, who she describes as 鈥減henomenal.鈥�

One of the biggest challenges during move-in, she says, is keeping things moving. Cars are unloading in building fire lanes, which means a licensed driver who is in possession of the car keys must remain with the vehicle at all times. It鈥檚 a mix of logistics and people skills to gently guide families through this process, being sensitive to emotions and respecting the family experience while keeping the well-oiled machine moving forward, Bradford says.

One important part of the move-in experience for Bradford is to let students and families know she is a resource. 鈥淚 always have my business cards on me, and I encourage students and families to contact me if I can help in any way.鈥� As a parent, she knows that a little reassurance often goes a long way. The students she has helped to move in have often crossed paths with her later on as orientation leaders or Goon Squad volunteers or in her work with the Shaw Center.

She also is happy to connect with campus faculty and staff that she otherwise may not have met. 鈥淭here are many people from across campus that I maybe wouldn鈥檛 have met, and we can stay connected and collaborate simply from going through that move in experience,鈥� she says.

Bradford plans to continue volunteering for Welcome Week well into the future. 鈥淚 love interacting with families and assuring them that their student is in good hands. It鈥檚 just fun鈥攖he excitement, the energy 鈥� anytime you can spend a couple days smiling all day long and just being happy 鈥� bring it on.鈥�

While new students have spent the last several days moving into residence halls and getting settled, New Student Convocation marked their official welcome to the 网爆门 community and their very first time gathering as a class.

During the annual tradition, which takes place in the JMA Wireless Dome, the academic program includes leadership and faculty processing with full regalia.

The just over 4,000 new and transfer students hail from 49 states, including Washington, D.C., U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands; 20 Indigenous nations and 59 countries. University leaders and student speakers imparted advice, words of wisdom and posed thoughtful questions to the new students, embarking on this new journey.

Wisdom From an Upperclass Student

鈥淟ive it up; be in the moment. It’s okay to fail, I encourage it; it’s a learning point,鈥� said听Alie Savane 鈥�25, a biology major in the College of Arts and Sciences and the student speaker in his words of advice to new students.

Savane was candid about some of his struggles during his second year as a student but leaned on his connections with upperclass students and alumni. 鈥淚 learned that my worth wasn’t tied to only my grades but to the effort that I put out every day. Even counting those days of rest, give yourself grace, one’s recovery is still effort,鈥� he said.

鈥淕rowth is fundamental to this experience, and there’s a community here dedicated to fostering it. The Orange community makes this campus shine bright even on its cloudiest days, which is great because winters can be a bit cloudy,鈥� said Savane.

Requests From the Chancellor

After addressing the loved ones of the students, Chancellor Kent Syverud made two requests of the new students.

The first: come as you are. 鈥淚f you have not figured it out yet, you will figure it out pretty soon: there is no one way of thinking, no one way of dressing, no one person who is the 鈥榥ormal鈥� here at 网爆门. People here are unique and amazing and dazzlingly different. So given that there is no 鈥榥ormal鈥� here, why not try just being yourself here. Not the image of perfection that appears on social media, not the identical replica of someone else, just be you. I believe you will find that if you come as you are here, you will become Orange.鈥�

The second piece of advice from the Chancellor: Become more at Syracuse. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 the common thread in all the speeches you are hearing this week. You have a chance that has been denied to so many people in this world: a chance to be part of a great university. So, take it. Please become more here, in your own unique and defining way. That鈥檚 what so many people have done before you, and you can too.鈥�

Showing Grace to Others

鈥淓very one of you have earned your place here and every one of you deserves to be here,鈥� said Allen Groves, senior vice president and chief student experience officer, sharing how almost 45,000 individuals applied to be part of the new first-year class and 1,500 applied to be transfer students.

鈥淲hile you鈥檙e here I want you to make sure you explore fearlessly new ideas, new ways of thinking and expose yourself to people whose views may be different than your own,鈥� said Groves. 鈥淚 hope you鈥檒l debate big, contentious issues and ideas respectfully, listening as much as speaking鈥攁nd sometimes that鈥檚 hard鈥攁nd being mindful of our goal of being a place of academic excellence in a university that is welcoming to all.鈥�

鈥淎s you begin to navigate campus and figure out your own routine and favored spaces, I sincerely hope you will be willing to extend a hand to a classmate who may be struggling, and to show grace when a peer makes a mistake. That peer could just as easily be you, and we could all use a little more grace in this world.鈥�

Seizing Possibilities

鈥淭oday you鈥檙e surrounded by your fellow new students, most or all of them strangers to you now. And yet many of them will become lifelong friends. Hard as it may be to imagine, you and the people who surround you now will gather again in this dome in four years to celebrate Commencement,鈥澨齭aid Lois Agnew, interim vice chancellor, provost and chief academic officer. 鈥淏etween that day and this celebratory moment, there is possibility鈥攖he possibility of who you will be as a student at Syracuse, and the possibility of who you will become in the years that follow your time here.鈥�

Agnew shared there are many ways for students to seize that possibility, noting research, creative inquiry, studying beyond campus through study away and study abroad programs, experiential learning and intellectual bravery as prime examples.

鈥淐hallenge yourself. Be brave and be curious. Go outside your comfort zone and explore new things. You may discover passions you did not know you had,鈥欌�� Agnew said.

Before the conclusion of the program, the newest students to enter 网爆门 recited the charge and sang the alma mater. The next time they will all be together in the JMA Dome will be for their Commencement in May 2028.

As you prepare to come to Syracuse next week, you may be thinking, what do I really need to bring with me to campus? SU News spoke to a pair of upperclass students, Ryan Nkongnyu 鈥�25, a communication and rhetorical studies major in the College of Visual and Performing Arts, and Ryann Washington 鈥�25, a biology and forensic science student in the College of Arts and Sciences, to get their thoughts on what your must-haves should be, what maybe you can leave at home and some other words of wisdom. Here is what they had to say:

What is the most important item(s) you bring to campus with you?

Nkongnyu: My essentials include my laptop, notebook/journal, crocs, headphones, bookbag and pens.

Washington: My essentials include an umbrella, a silicone ice cube tray, velcro strips, a toolbox (which is crucial for move-in day), command hooks, chip clips, a mini fan (for the initial heat of the semester), my insurance card, a small first aid kit, Ziploc bags, shower shoes, a shower caddy and a selection of emergency medications and Vitamin C packets, as many students tend to get sick during the first few weeks. A decent-sized trash can is also key.

What鈥檚 your favorite spot to study on campus?

Nkongnyu: I have many hidden spots on campus that I gatekeep, but I鈥檒l name one: .

Washington: My favorite study spot is the third floor of the Schine. It provides a serene environment with an excellent view, making it perfect for focused study sessions.

What is one piece of advice you would give to your younger self when you started at Syracuse?

Nkongnyu: Don鈥檛 be afraid to follow your spirit. If you seek it and work toward it, you will make your dream a reality. Destiny can only be delayed but never denied.

Washington: Be more compassionate and patient with my own expectations. College is a significant transition, and adjusting to life away from home while navigating academic challenges can be overwhelming. Remember, one disappointing grade doesn鈥檛 define your entire experience鈥攁llow yourself grace and take full advantage of the professor’s office hours!

In addition to the great advice from Nkongnyu and Washington on what to pack and what to leave at home, our friends in New Student Programs have put together several to help you pack.

First, let’s start with the list of things you can definitely leave at home:

• Large appliances, including air conditioners (only refrigerators less than five cubic feet and microwaves less than 1,000 watts are permitted)
• Cooking appliances: ovens, hotplates, toasters, toaster ovens, crockpots, grills (including 鈥淕eorge Foreman-type鈥� grills) and other similar devices
• Fire safety hazards, like space heaters, candles and incense
• Wall-mounted TVs (only free-standing TVs are permitted)
• Firearms, weapons and fireworks
• ALL general-purpose extension cords (even UL-approved; only UL-listed grounded power strips with built-in fuse circuit breaker are permitted)
• Halogen lamps and multi-head floor lamps
• Large pieces of furniture
• Pets (service or emotional support animals must be approved)
• Expensive or irreplaceable collectibles or jewelry

Next, here are some must-haves to have with you while you are on campus:

• Bedding, including XL twin sheets and comforter and a mattress pad
• Clothing for multiple seasons. Remember, Syracuse is hot in late August, and winter weather arrives just a few short months later. It鈥檚 important to have a heavy winter coat, warm winter boots, gloves/mittens and a hat as you navigate campus.
• UL-listed grounded power strip with built-in fuse or circuit breaker
• Personal hygiene items, shower shoes and a bathrobe
• Laundry basket/bag and detergent
• Umbrella with rain jacket and boots

Visit the for a full list of what you should pack and what to leave at home.

With just a few days away, there is so much for new students to do and so many opportunities to learn about everything 网爆门! SU News has put together a summary of links and things you need to know.

OrangeNow Mobile App

Have Welcome Week information at the tip of your fingers by downloading the new听听before heading to campus! The app, available on the听听and听, provides convenient access to campus maps; transit, parking, dining and Wi-Fi information; event schedules and much more.

Schedules

There are so many fun and informative events planned in and around campus during Welcome Week. There is something for everyone! Below you will find links to the various schedules available for those who are participating in Welcome Week:

• : This link includes every event during Welcome Week, including some that do not apply to some students.
• : This link includes all events where parents, families and supporters are invited, including some that may not apply to all parents, families and supporters.
• : International undergraduate students are required to attend the international student orientation, Aug. 17-21. After international student orientation, undergraduates should plan to attend all required Welcome Week programming, Aug. 22-25.
• Schools and Colleges Schedules: In addition to the Universitywide events, students have required and optional events to attend hosted by their home school or college. Included in each schedule below are Welcome Week Signature Events, family and supporter events specific to that school or college and required events for students in each school or college. If you are a student who is dually enrolled, you should follow the schedule for your home school or college. If you have a dual advising meeting, it will be reflected in that schedule.

Campus Hours of Operation

To meet the needs of our new and returning students, many campus offices will have extended hours to accommodate the needs of those moving to campus, including the following:

• Apartment and Off-Campus Living | Student Living
• Center for Disability Resources
• Center for International Services
• College of Professional Studies
• Counseling at the Barnes Center at The Arch
• Financial Aid and Scholarship Programs
• Food Services
• Goldstein Student Center
• Health Care and Pharmacy at the Barnes Center at The Arch
• Housing, Meal Plan, and I.D. Card Services
• Information Technology Services
• Office of the Bursar
• Office of the Registrar
• Parking and Transportation Services
• Recreation and Fitness Center at the Barnes Center at The Arch
• Residence Hall Check-In
• Schine Student Center
• Student Employment
• Student Outreach and Support
• 网爆门 Campus Store
• 网爆门 Libraries
• Undergraduate and Graduate Enrollment Processing Center

Specific hours and the best way to connect with each of the teams listed above is .

Fun Events to Check Out

There is so much to do and so much to see. Check out some of these events you just don’t want to miss!

Tuesday, Aug. 20听

• (8:30-10 p.m.)

Wednesday, Aug. 21听

• (8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
• (6-8 p.m.)
• (6:30-7:45 p.m.)
• (8:15-9:30 p.m.)

Thursday, Aug. 22

• (10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.)
• (8-10 p.m.)

Friday, Aug. 23听

• (8-10 p.m.)

Saturday, Aug. 24

• (5:30-8 p.m.)
• (8:30-10 p.m.)

Important Links

网爆门 Libraries鈥� Fall 2024 regular hours will take effect Sunday, Aug. 25, and run through Tuesday, Dec. 17. Regular hours, excluding exceptions, are as follows, with full details .

• Bird Library
  • Lower level to second floor:
    • Monday through Thursday: 24 hours
    • Friday: Closes at 10 p.m.
    • Saturday: Open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
    • Sunday: Reopens at 10 a.m.
  • Floors three to five:
    • Monday through Thursday: 8 a.m. to midnight
    • Friday: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
    • Saturday: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
    • Sunday: 10 a.m. to midnight
  • Sixth floor, including Special Collections Research Center:
    • Monday through Friday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with extended hours on Wednesdays to 7 p.m.
• Carnegie Library
  • Monday through Thursday: 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.
  • Friday: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Saturday and Sunday: 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• King + King Architecture Library
  • Monday through Thursday: 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
  • Friday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Saturday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Sunday: 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
• College of Law Library
  • Monday through Thursday: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Friday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Saturday and Sunday: Closed

The Libraries is participating in several Welcome Week activities as students return to campus, including:

• Family Lounge outside of Bird Library (Einhorn Walk side) and Carnegie Library (Shaw Quadrangle entrance) on Wednesday, Aug. 21, and Thursday, Aug. 22, from 12 to 4 p.m. each day. Students, their families and supporters are invited to take a break from moving into the residence halls to learn about the Libraries. Snacks and beverages will be provided, as well as Libraries information. Library tours will be available by request.

• Welcome Fest in Bird Library鈥檚 First Floor on Thursday, Aug. 29 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. All students are invited to attend this open house-style event with tables highlighting the many offerings of the Libraries, several partners and other campus departments. Students can stop by to participate in raffles, snacks and a 鈥減assport鈥� activity encouraging participants to visit all tables.