New Students and Families
You’re an Owl Now! Welcome to Your Keene State Adventure
We can’t wait for you to bring YOU to our close-knit community! And we’re here to help you feel at home from the moment you step onto campus. We know that even before that, you will be getting everything ready for this exciting next step. So, we want to make sure you have answers to all of your important questions. Our goal is to make your transition to college life feel stress-free, connected, and full of possibility. Let’s go!
Calling All Owls! It’s Orientation Time
Incoming Class of 2029
You’re invited for a full day, behind-the-scenes experience so you can meet new friends, check out our residence halls, and get a real feel for college life in Keene. Bring two family members so they can get excited with you! We hope the Keene State campus begins to feel like home as soon as you arrive for Orientation. Check your keene.edu email for all the details and register for one of the days below
- Sunday, June 8, 2025
- Monday, June 9, 2025
- Wednesday, June 11, 2025
- Thursday, June 12, 2025
- Saturday, June 14, 2025
All sessions run from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with check-in between 8:30 and 9:45 a.m.
Transfer, Re-Admit, and Non-Traditional Student Session: Saturday, July 19, 2025.
Can’t make it? Email orientation@keene.edu to request a different date.
Commuter Preview Day
Optional Owl Card Pick-Up
Want a low-key way to ease into campus life? Commuter students are invited to campus Friday, August 15, 2025 (before Hootie’s Welcome Days) to pick up your Owl Card, check in with campus offices, and wrap up any last-minute items.
Reminder: All students who commute are an important part of Welcome Days (August 21–23), too. And on Move-In Day, you should arrive in time for lunch at the Dining Commons and the traditional Clap-In. More details coming soon!
Fall Athlete Welcome Day
If you’re joining men’s or women’s soccer, volleyball, field hockey, or men’s or women’s cross country, you’ll be invited to move in early on Friday, August 15, 2025 and kick off your Keene State experience with your team.
Get settled into your residence hall and take part in a special half-day welcome program designed just for fall athletes. It’s a great way to meet your teammates and begin building your KSC community.
If you’re on the list provided by Athletics, you’ll receive more details soon, so keep an eye on your inbox.
Hootie’s Welcome Days
Kick Off Your Adventure!
From Thursday, August 21 to Saturday, August 23, 2025, connect with new classmates, get to know campus, and explore all the resources that will support your success here at KSC. This is part two of Orientation, and it's required for all first-year students, including commuters, because we want you to feel ready to dive in when the first semester officially begins.
Transfer, re-admit, and non-traditional students are also welcome to join. Just reach out to orientation@keene.edu to request a spot.
Beyond Orientation
Your transition to college life doesn’t end on the first day of class, and you’re not expected to figure everything out on your own. Through your whole first year and your entire college experience, the KSC team has your back. From joining clubs and exploring the local area to finding work you enjoy and staying on track with your academic goals, we’ll make sure you have everything you need. We’re ready to help you get connected and take full advantage of everything your life here has to offer.