Unpack, unwind and explore the ASU campus

Every year, new students arrive at Arizona State University's campuses excited to start a new chapter in life. Some will even blaze new paths in innovation and research, but it all starts at move-in.

This fall, nearly 14,000 students will move into ASU’s 21 residence halls across ASU’s four campus locations Aug. 12-14.

“This is an exciting time for incoming freshmen,” said Kellie Cloud, executive director of University Housing. “Living on campus is a huge first step into adulthood, and we take great care in ensuring freshmen successfully acclimate to college life. It is here where students will form lifelong friendships, engage in student activities and find support networks, crucial components for student success throughout college and beyond."

ASU’s residential college model is designed to help students succeed academically by housing students together based on academic major. First-year students form connections and create a network of friends with similar educational interests. Additionally, students benefit from collaborative living spaces that offer on-site tutoring and multi-use rooms that can be used for study groups, workshops and events

During move-in, campuses are alive with music and energy as volunteers greet both parents and students with an ASU welcome. With the help of volunteers, move-in can take as little as 20 minutes, allowing parents and students more time to give hugs and to explore the campus

Want to make move-in faster? Remember these tips:

• arrive at the assigned date and time

• complete the pre-check-in process

• bring a printed boarding pass and ASU ID

• follow specific directions to your assigned residence hall

• stay hydrated!

• wear comfortable shoes and clothing

With all that help, students can relax, get comfortable in their new home and explore the campus before the first day of class Aug. 18. Fall Welcome Week is the perfect time to explore campus, connect to ASU services and resource, and make new friends.

Fall Welcome

ASU kicks off the beginning of the school year with free events for new and returning students. Nearly 200 events give students the opportunity to explore everything ASU has to offer.

Don’t miss out on the must-attend signature events:

Sun Devil Welcome
4:30-5:30 p.m., Aug. 16, Wells Fargo Arena, Tempe campus

Experience Sun Devil pride at its finest. This is a high-energy, exciting event to introduce you to what it means to be a Sun Devil. This annual event is the perfect way to officially welcome all of our new Sun Devils to ASU.

Culture Festival
5:30-7 p.m., Aug. 16, Wells Fargo Arena, Tempe campus

Celebrate the diversity that students bring into the ASU community. Enjoy performances, activities and food from a variety of cultures found at ASU. Need a ride to the Sun Devil Welcome and Culture Festival? Free shuttles will be provided to transport students living on the West, Polytechnic and Downtown campus locations.

But make sure to catch other fun events at every ASU campus. Activities include:

Sparky’s Day of Service
Dates and times vary by campus location

Sun Devils have an impact on the local community and make a positive change in the world. Join this university-wide initiative to participate, volunteer and make a change.

ASU Parent and Family Events
Dates and times vary by campus location

Hear from university leadership, meet fellow ASU parents, faculty and staff and learn about upcoming campus-specific events. Parents are encouraged to attend family events at the location of their students major. Refreshments will be served.

Involvement Fairs
Dates and times vary by campus location

Passport to ASU, Sparky’s Carnival, WestFest and Club Hub are opportunities to learn about student clubs and organizations at ASU. Check out what students are doing, enjoy free food, fun giveaways and join a club!

Student Employment Job Fairs
Dates and times vary by campus location

Attend a Student Employment job fair and secure a part-time job on or off campus. Pre-registration is not required for students.

Whitewash the “A”
9-11 a.m., Aug. 20, Hayden Butte (“A” Mountain)

One of the oldest traditions at ASU — students have been whitewashing the “A” since the 1930s, a ritual that marks the start of the new year and a fresh start.

Download the ASU Events app and cross all the events off your Sun Devil bucket list. Share your photos, videos and the excitement using #ASUFallWelcome on social media. For more information, visit https://eoss.asu.edu/welcome.

Top photo: Cynthia Rivera helps her son, freshman Calvin Rivera, during move-in at Arizona State University's Polytechnic campus Aug. 17, 2015. Photo by Deanna Dent/ASU News