From: Class of 2030 Pre-Arrival and Orientation
Date: August 14
Subject: Bear-y Important Newsletter #9


Bear-y Important Newsletter #9 | July 15, 2026

! Top Tasks !

  • Academics during Orientation
  • Arrival Day Schedule & Map
  • Stop Campus Hazing training course
  • Textbooks FAQ's
  • OneCard photo submissions
  • OTrips tips for Arrival Day
  • Pre-Arrival Webinar recording
Books Icon

ACADEMICS 
 

A Few Reminders for When You Arrive 

Academic Advising: During Orientation, you’ll meet with your academic advisor, discuss your schedule, and ask any questions.

Academic Fair: Explore departments, programs, and academic opportunities and meet Bowdoin faculty and staff. 

First-Year Writing Seminar: Make sure you’re registered for one—but not two! You’ll only receive credit for one. 

ARRIVAL DAY 


Arrival Day Schedule and Map Now Available

Take a look the Arrival Day Map and schedule with your family before August 24th. Your first stop that day is Watson Arena for OneCard pick up and check-in.

→  Arrival Day Schedule & Map Link

BOWDOIN STORE


What About Textbooks?

Be prepared with everything you need to know about getting your required course materials BEFORE you get to campus! Check out the Bowdoin Store’s FAQs for New Polar Bears so you know what to expect when you arrive.

→  FAQ's Link

Door Icon

COMMUNITY BUILDING


Stop Hazing Campus Training

Final reminder to complete this required hazing training for all new students. Takes less than 30 minutes.

→ Hazing training link

Deadline: TODAY Aug 15

Suitcase Icon

ONECARD


Submit Your Photo Now!

Please log in and submit your ID photo as soon as possible. Without this, you will be turned away from check-in on Arrival Day.

→  Upload Link
Deadline: ASAP

Backpack Icon

O-TRIPS 


Tips and Tricks for OTrips on Arrival Day

Pack for your OTrip in a separate bag and drop it off in Farley with your trip leader after check-in. Pick up requested gear at the Schwartz Outdoor Leadership Center (BOC Trips) or Banister (McKeen Trips). Shuttles will run from Farley to the BOC and McKeen Center until 3:30 pm. 

→  Find your Orientation Trip description and packing list

PRE-ARRIVAL WEBINAR RECORDING

 

The Pre-Arrival Webinar recording is now viewable until Arrival Day. Take a look and find answers to lots of your questions. 

→  Webinar recording link

 ☆ Top Tips ☆

  • TRIVIA: Enter to win a $5 Bowdoin Café card by answering this question: "Which Bowdoin First Year Brick was dubbed a "Chamber of Horrors" in 1887 after workers found a hidden array of human skeletons in its basement?". The answer to the previous newsletter's trivia was "the Bowdoin Organic Garden".
  • Follow the Orientation Instagram account: @welcometobowdoin and visit the First-Year Experience website for more information