Weeks of Welcome at the George Washington University provides opportunities for students to connect, build relationships, learn about resources, and build a community at GW as they start a new semester. Welcome events showcase the many resources GW has to offer for academic success and student support, opportunities for involvement, and more.
Signature Events
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First Night x Org Fair
The official kick-off to Weeks of Welcome, this unforgettable evening brings together all GW undergraduate students back to campus for the first time. Find your place in our vibrant community of 350+ student organizations, enjoy a wide array of attractions, giveaways, free food, and so much more.
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MSSC Block Party
The Multicultural Student Services Center (MSSC) invites you to the annual MSSC Block Party, a community-wide gathering to celebrate the start of a new academic year. More than 120 multicultural and ally student organizations join us for information sharing, community building, music, culture, dancing, and fun.
Schedule of Events
We are still working on the schedule for this fall, so be sure to check back, and follow @StudentLifeatGW on Instagram and TikTok for the latest event updates and to get connected to the GW community right now.
Kick-Off
Mount Vernon Campus: Ice Cream Social | 8/21, 6:30 PM | Mount Vernon Quad (MVC) You've moved in, now it's time to relax and get to know your fellow MVC residents! Enjoy ice cream on the Quad!
Shabbat Zero | 8/21, 6 PM | GW Hillel, 2300 H St NW Join GW Hillel for Shabbat Services & Dinner!
Night at the Museum | 8/21, 9 PM | Smithsonian NMAH (1300 Constitution Ave NW) Ever wanted an iconic DC museum all to yourself? We’re closing down the Smithsonian National Museum of American History exclusively for the GW Class of 2030! Forget quiet hallways and guided tours- we’re turning the museum into your private playground. Step inside after-hours for an unforgettable night featuring: A DJ, Activities, freebies and lots of memories!
Week 1: August 22nd - 28th
2026 Convocation & Welcome Day of Service | 8/22, 10:30 AM | Charles E. Smith Center We can’t wait to see you when the Class of 2030 and other incoming students will come together for an #OnlyAtGW tradition!
At Convocation, President Granberg and other university leaders will officially welcome you to your academic, residential, and civic life at GW. As Convocation ends, you will travel with the people in your residence hall to one of many DC schools or community organizations to participate in a community-building service project as part of the 18th annual Welcome Day of Service. This is an excellent opportunity to bond with your new neighbors in your residence hall and see more of DC while getting to know the community here. We will provide everyone with lunch and transportation - along with a free T-shirt! Check out our webpage for answers to FAQ and follow our Instagram @gw.serves. You’ll receive more information about logistics and your site assignment via email in August.
Monumental Movies | 8/22, 7 PM | University Yard Kick off the start of the semester with President Granberg at an outdoor screening of National Treasure on University Yard! Enjoy popcorn, snacks, refreshments, giveaways, and activities before the movie begins.
Vool Party | 8/23, 3 PM | MVC Pool Cool off from the summer heat at the Mount Vernon Campus Pool (aka the Vool)! Enjoy snacks and prizes as the summer comes to an end.
Kindling: New Student Candle Lighting Event | 8/23, 7:30 PM | Kogan Plaza Join us for Kindling, a candle-lighting ceremony welcoming new students to the GW community on August 23rd at 7:30 PM in Kogan Plaza. Pick up your candle and food truck tickets at the check-in tables upon arrival, gather for a moment of shared wisdom, and close the evening by lighting candles together as you step into the year ahead. Food trucks will be serving throughout the night.
First-Generation Welcome Back Social | 8/24, 5:30 PM | Room 309, University Student Center (USC) Kick off the new academic year by reconnecting with the first-generation community at GW! Whether you're a returning student or joining us for the first time, come enjoy an afternoon of food, games, music, and conversation while meeting fellow first-generation students, peer leaders, faculty, and staff. Learn about upcoming First-Generation Student Initiatives programs, campus resources, and opportunities to get involved as we celebrate the start of a new semester together.
Seniors' Last First Day | 8/24, 11 AM | Great Hall, USC Welcome to your first last, Class of 2026! To celebrate the start of your senior year, we're kicking off the school year with an exclusive senior event in the Great Hall of the University Student Center's.
Late Night at Safeway | 8/24, 7 PM | Safeway in Georgetown (1855 Wisconsin Ave NW) Think grocery shopping is boring? Think again. We’re teaming up with the Georgetown Safeway to throw the ultimate student takeover event and you’re invited! Whether you need to stock your pantry or just want to hang out with your new classmates, we’ve got you covered with a full night of free food, epic games, and prizes.
MVC Community Cookout | 8/25, 6 PM | MVC Quad Come out to the Mount Vernon Campus Quad to get to know the Vern community while enjoying food, games, and prizes! GW Dining will be grilling up cookout favorites.
Study Abroad Meet & Greet #1 | 8/26, 12 PM | Grand Ballroom, USC Join us in the Grand Ballroom to meet the staff of the Office for Study Abroad! Find out who your school-specific Study Abroad Advisor is and briefly learn how you can Study Abroad. Interested in studying abroad but don't know where to begin? Have questions about studying abroad but don't know who to ask? Have questions but haven't had an opportunity to email or schedule an appointment? This is the event for you. Whatever is on your mind - come ask us anything!
GW Corcoran: Music and Bands Org Fair | 8/27, 12 PM | Columbian Square, 1st Floor, USC Music Org Fair aims to introduce GW's many music-related student organizations to the broad GW community.
National Mall Kickback | 8/28, 5 PM | Bacon Field (Henry Bacon Dr NW & Constitution Ave NW) Celebrate the start of your GW career with food, fun, freebies and lawn games on an iconic D.C. landmark, the National Mall! This event will give you a chance to connect with your new peers and build community.
Week 2: August 29th - September 4th
First Night x Org Fair 2026 | 8/29, 7 PM | Kogan Plaza, University Yard, H St It’s time to kickoff the new year with your favorite GW tradition - First Night x Org Fair! On Saturday, August 29th, come join us as Foggy Bottom transforms into a carnival and a celebration to remember. We're welcoming new students, and welcoming back old students with inflatables, carnival booths and games, student organizations, and more! 🎟️💙🎉
MSSC Welcome Back Community Dinner | 9/2, 5 PM | Multicultural Student Services Center, 5th floor, USC New year, new memories, same amazing MSSC crew! Come hungry, and leave full of food AND friends! Swing by to meet the team, load up your plate with some good eats, and soak in that "ahhh, I'm home" feeling with your MSSC family. Whether you're a familiar face or brand new here, there's a seat at the table with your name on it. Good food. Good people. Good vibes. What more do you need? See you there! Bring your appetite and your best stories from summer!
EMeRG Office Tour and Q & A | 9/4, 2 PM | GW Emergency Medical Response Group (EMeRG) (2145 G St NW) Interested in learning more about EMeRG? Stop by our office for an inside look at our operations, equipment, and ambulances. During the tour, you'll meet current members, explore where our crews prepare for calls, and learn about the training, responsibilities, and opportunities available within the organization. We'll wrap up with an open Q&A session where you can ask anything about membership, becoming an EMT, or what it's like to serve with EMeRG. Whether you're simply curious or considering joining, everyone is welcome!
Week 3: September 5th - September 11th
Meet the Fraternity and Sorority Life | 9/9, 6 PM | University Yard (Rain location: 3rd Floor, USC) Meet the Fraternity and Sorority Life is an event held at the start of the fall semester where potential new members get their first chance to meet all the social Fraternities and Sororities at The George Washington University. This event is a great way for incoming first-year students to get to know our organizations in an informal environment, as well as a great way for our organizations to advertise their values and accomplishments to the GW community.
Vern Votes | 9/10, 10 AM | MVC VEX Stop Come out to the MVC Vex Stop to get information and ask questions about voting!
Internship Film Festival | 9/10, 6:30 PM | Betts Theater, USC The GW Internship Film Festival features student-created content as students share their summer internship experience. This allows curious students to see what “A Day in the Life” as an intern looks like or to view reflections from specific internship experiences. Come see short videos and learn about how to find to your first or next internship!
GW Career Exploration Expo | 9/11, 11 AM | 3rd Floor, USC The GW Career Exploration Expo is a space for students to explore possible career opportunities. The event features 70+ employers across many fields, allowing students to explore a wide range of options and learn about different pathways. This event will give attendees a chance to find potential internships and jobs and to connect with employers.
