Skip to main content

Move-in day, Fall Welcome events kick off school year


Sun Devil Welcome event

Sun Devil Welcome, which is set for Aug. 18 at Wells Fargo Arena in Tempe, is a chance for students to experience Sun Devil pride, sing the fight song and learn about what ASU has to offer students. <br><br>
And did we mention it's a lot of fun?

August 12, 2015

Moving into the residence hall. Learning the ASU fight song. Whitewashing the “A.”

College is all about traditions. And for those beginning their experience at Arizona State University over the coming week, there’s plenty of do and learn.

But first, students have to unpack their stuff.

This fall, approximately 13,000 students will move into campus residence halls Aug. 14-17.

“Living on campus is an important part of the college experience,” said Matthew Brown, assistant vice president and executive director of housing at ASU. “It helps students connect with their peers and promotes involvement in student activities and campus life. This increased level of engagement is critical to student success.”

All first-year students live in the university’s residential college housing model: Students live in specific halls based on which college they’re enrolled in, and those halls are equipped with classrooms and multi-use rooms, beneficial to students seeking tutoring and study-group space. It’s an important way the university helps students connect with others in their area of study.

Assisted move-in will be available on all four campuses, with student volunteers on hand to answer questions and help students transition into their new living space. Students have time to settle in, meet new friends and become familiar with the campus before the first day of classes on Aug. 20.

Students and parents are encouraged to be move-in ready by doing the following:

• 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 assigned residence halls
• stay well hydrated and wear comfortable clothing and footwear

Find out more at eoss.asu.edu/fallwelcome/movein.

Fall Welcome Week

The inauguration of the school year continues during Fall Welcome Week. A number of events — from concerts to a student-club fair to whitewashing the “A” on Hayden Butte — help students get into the Sun Devil spirit and learn about what ASU has to offer. With more than 140 events, there is something for everyone at each campus. Find the full calendar at eoss.asu.edu/fallwelcome; highlights include:

Camp Solera at West Campus, Saturday-Monday, Aug. 15-17
Incoming freshman stay two nights in the residence halls, learning university traditions and how to make the most of their first year at ASU from current students.

ASU Parents Reception, 5-7 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 16, Memorial Union, second floor, Tempe campus
Parents can meet fellow ASU parents, the Sun Devil Family Association Board and ASU leadership and staff.

Sun Devil Welcome, 1:30-3 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 18, Wells Fargo Arena, Tempe campus
Experience Sun Devil pride at its best! New and returning students sing the fight song and learn about the opportunities that lie ahead at ASU.

Culture at ASU Festival, 3-5 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 18, Memorial Union, Outdoor North Stage, Tempe campus
This year’s Culture @ASU Festival will feature national jazz artist Julian Vaughn. The festival immediately follows the Sun Devil Welcome.

Fall Welcome Concert, 6-11 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 18, Wells Fargo Arena, Tempe campus
3OH!3 and Metric will hit the stage at this concert. Tickets are first-come, first-served and can be reserved at eoss.asu.edu/fallwelcomeconcert/reserve.

Passport to ASU, 6:30-9 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 19, Memorial Union and Sun Devil Fitness Complex, Tempe campus
More than 800 student organizations will be represented. Students can meet group members and get information on how to get involved.  Vendors from across the Phoenix area will be present with free food and other giveaways.

Fear the Fork BBQ, noon-2 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 20, Fletcher Lawn, West campus
Join the Undergraduate Student Government at this event.  Meet with student representatives over some barbecue on the first day of classes and learn how to be a voice for students at the West campus and across the University.

Whitewash the “A,”   9-11 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 22, Hayden Butte (or A Mountain), Tempe campus  
Kicking off the school year wouldn’t be complete without one of the longest-standing traditions at ASU.  ASU students have been signifying a fresh start to the school year by whitewashing the “A” since the 1930s. Dress for hot weather and wear closed-toe shoes, sunscreen and a hat.

Residence Hall Association Presents: Water Wars, 2-4 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 22, Sun Devil Fitness Center, Polytechnic campus
Show off speed and talents on the field at Water Wars, ducking, dodging and scoring against other teams. Tired after a long week and don’t feel up to that much action? Come tie-dye a shirt and cool off! Bring your own towel.

Sparky’s Carnival, 6-9 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 22, San Carlos Room and Civic Space Park, Downtown Phoenix campus
Sparky’s Carnival is an opportunity for students to learn about the community and student organizations on or near the downtown campus. There will be free food and carnival activities.

Free shuttles will be provided to transport students living on the West, Polytechnic and Downtown campuses to the Sun Devil Welcome and Fall Welcome Concert.  For a complete list of Fall Welcome events, download the “ASU Events” app in the App Store or Google Play Store. Or for more information, visit eoss.asu.edu/fallwelcome

Students can share their experience or learn what others are doing by using #ASUFallWelcome on social media.