First-Year Experience
Welcome, New Students
Get ready to take flight! As a new student, you will have access to a variety of tools, programs and so much more as you prepare for your journey at Susquehanna.
The First-Year Experience staff is here to help make your transition to college life as smooth as possible, help you thrive at Susquehanna and inspire you to become your absolute best. We plan and coordinate events especially for you throughout your first year as a new member of the Susquehanna community.
An enrollment requirement, Take Flight: Orientation, occurs immediately before the fall semester begins to welcome all new students to the Susquehanna University community. Orientation, move-in and convocation start on the Thursday before classes begin each year. Our goal is to make new River Hawks feel at home from the moment they arrive and ready to “take flight” on their first semester! Our programs are designed to ensure all students, parents, families and supporters are welcomed and connected to campus resources at Susquehanna University.
Packing for College Checklist
Reference this helpful list of things you’ll want to bring to campus with you this fall, as well as a few items that are best left at home.
River Hawk Portal Checklist
You will access all the required items you need to complete prior to your fall arrival on campus through your River Hawk Portal. Please contact your admission representative if you have trouble logging in.
Vector Solutions Online Modules
At Susquehanna University, we believe in the importance of creating a safe and healthy environment for all our community members. We have partnered with Vector Solutions to provide trainings that will help us all be informed on topics vital to achieving our goal.
Completion of your highly interactive and engaging Vector Solutions courses is required for all Susquehanna students. You will receive an email at the beginning of June with more information on how to set up your account and start your modules: AlcoholEdu for College (Part I), Sexual Assault Prevention (Part I), Diversity, Equity & Belonging (Part I) and Mental Well-Being for Students (Part I).
About a month after the semester begins, new students will be assigned and required to complete Part II of each of the four modules.
Monday, Aug. 19 – Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2024 | Pre-Flight Programs
Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2024 | New students must have their EVERFI Online Modules completed (required for all incoming students).
Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024 | Move-In Day for First-Year Students
Thursday, Aug. 22 – Sunday, Aug. 25, 2024 | Take Flight Orientation
You will receive a detailed Take Flight schedule when you arrive to campus.
Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024 | Opening Convocation, 2 p.m.
Monday, Aug. 26, 2024 | First Day of Classes
Monday, Aug. 26 – Friday, Aug. 30, 2024 | Welcome Week
You will receive a detailed schedule when you arrive to campus.
Welcome to the Nest
Events for New Students
Check out more event information for new students at Susquehanna University on our Events for New Students page. Here you will learn more about orientation, pre-flight programs, welcome week and much more.
Where Passion Meets Purpose
Straight from the Nest
“I met all my best friends during freshman orientation. The connections you make here feel immediate and close-knit — it’s a unique experience. I don’t think that happens elsewhere.”
— Arabella Cox ’25
“My favorite thing about life on Susquehanna’s campus is the fact that you feel like you’re a part of a community. I have friends across all different majors, not just my own. It really feels like everybody cares about you.”
— Eric Belfanti ’26
“The community at Susquehanna is just so tight-knit and it’s not a school where you fall through the cracks. Everyone knows everyone. Your professors and your peers care about you so much, and it’s just such a close family.”
— Beth Grove ’25
“The beauty of the campus made me fall in love with Susquehanna the moment I arrived. I love the scenery, the buildings, the grass — everything about it feels welcoming.”
— Tom Hallahan ’25
“Enjoy every minute. Homework doesn’t have to be your whole life here. Go see the play, join the club, attend Thanksgiving Dinner, the Candlelight service and Christmas caroling. There’s so much to do if you look — and I promise, you’ll still get your homework done.”
— Emily Chambers ’26
“Susquehanna’s professors and advisors truly care about their students’ education and their future. Their dedication made me want to come to Susquehanna and develop myself here.”
— Sophia Pasquariello ’25
“I chose Susquehanna for its wide array of political science classes. As someone considering law school, I was impressed by the variety of professors, areas of specialization and options available to political science students. It made Susquehanna the clear choice.”
— Jonathan Ulicny ’27
“I would describe the community at Susquehanna as very welcoming, very inclusive and like a giant family.”
— Lys Maurer ’26
“I can’t stress enough how great the professors are at Susquehanna. Any time I have a problem, they’re more than willing to help. With small class sizes, we’re able to build strong, personal connections with them.”
— David Sandell ’25
Quick Links
Power Your Readiness
First-Year Experience
Packing for College Checklist
Explore our college packing list so you know what to bring (and what not to) for your first year at Susquehanna University!
