New Students

Welcome New Students!

Congratulations to our incoming students!  We look forward to the 2012-2013 academic year. Please visit this website for information and resources specifically designed to support the first-year class, as well as to support parents and families of all Duke students. Our staff is here to help.

Important Dates to Remember:

• International Student Orientation: August 19-20, 2012
• New Student Orientation - Move-in Day: Tuesday, August 21, 2012
• Parents' & Family Orientation - August 21-22, 2012
• Parents' & Family Weekend - October 26-28, 2012

Class of 2016 Resources
* For Class of 2016 and International Students Only

The largest class of first-year students to enter Duke University is our traditional freshmen students. The information provided here will guide you in the process of coming to Duke and how to get started in creating your Duke experience once you arrive.

First-year move-in application | Blue Devil Days | Quick Takes  |  Blue Book (Pratt)  |  Blue Book (Trinity)  |  Faculty Perspectives on Course Placement  |  First-Year Advisory Counselor (FAC)  |  Duke Insider

Connect with your Class:  Twitter  |  Facebook

Orientation
The six days prior to the start of classes each fall comprise Orientation Welcome Week. As the only official orientation program Duke has, the week is packed with events ranging from convocation to academic advising to social events on the quad. New student orientation for the Class of 2016 begins with move-in day on Tuesday, August 21.

First-Year Orientation  |  Faculty Outings: Duke, Durham & Beyond |  Parent & Family Orientation  |  Duke Summer Reading Program

Pre-Orientation
*For Class of 2016 and Transfer Students Only

New Student Programs provides support and oversight to all but one of Duke’s pre-orientation programs, which currently consist of Projects BUILD, Search, Waves and WILD. Project BUILD is a one-week program where students engage in service to the Durham community. Project WILD is a two-week program where students travel to Pisgah National Forest and participate in a backcountry adventure. Project Waves is a one-week program where students participate in water activities at Duke’s marine lab in Beaufort, NC. Finally, Project Search – founded in 2009 – is a two-week program designed to provide research opportunities to students who have not had substantial lab experiences and/or science courses prior to admission.

Project Change is a pre-orientation program on ethical leadership and social change sponsored by The Kenan Institute for Ethics and the Duke University Women’s Center.

Project BUILD  |  Project Change  |  Project Search  |  Project Waves  |  Project WILD  |  Registration & Payment Information

Summer Transition Series
The Duke Summer Transition Series is designed to assist in the pre-matriculation of all new students, parents, and families to Duke University and corresponding with the Blue Book timeline.

International Students
In addition to the information above for all new students, students arriving from outside the US can take advantage of numerous resources designed specifically for international student needs.

Note: If you are a member of Class of 2016 please also review the information above specific to your class.

International House  |  American Health Insurance  |  Banking  |  Taxes  |  Transportation  |  Visa Services

Orientation
We are glad that you have decided to join the Duke community. You now join the students from over 85 countries that have found a home here. Innovative, restless, and driven: these are qualities not confined by geography and describe every Duke student.

International Student Orientation  |  International Family/Parent Orientation

Transfer Students
In addition to the information above for all new students, there are a few important resources specifically for students transfering to Duke from other schools.

The Transfer Orientation program is your key to a successful start as one of the newest members of our community. It was designed to introduce you to many of the academic and co-curricular opportunities that Duke has to offer!

A printed copy of all Transfer Orientation events will be provided Tuesday, August 21, 2012 at the welcome dinner.

Transfer Advisory Counselor (TAC) Program  |  Transfer Orientation

Transitioning Veterans
Duke welcomes all of its incoming student veterans. We look forward to your arrival in the fall. Information to help with your arrival is available by visiting the Veterans Web page.

Parents' & Family Resources
While we encourage students to fully immerse themselves in our campus environment, we realize that parents continue to play an important role in their lives. Please access the Parents’ & Family Resources page for information on Parents’ & Family Orientation and additional resources for parents.

New Student Resources
The resources below are applicable to all new students joining the Duke community. The New Student communication process begins following you confirm your acceptance to Duke. You will receive a series of mailings and electronic communication to assist your transition to the university.

About Duke  |  Maps  |  Dining  |  Trinity  |  Pratt  |  Academic Resources & Calendars  |  Parking/Driving  |  Financial Aid  |  Driving Directions to Duke  |  Local Accommodations  |  Office of Information Technology  |  Quick Takes

Still have questions? Please contact the New Student Programs Office by email at orientation@duke.edu or phone at (919) 684-3511.