Students cheering at the football stadium

The final step of your orientation experience!

Fall Aggie Orientation is a two-and-a-half-day, on-campus program that begins on September 20th for transfer students, and September 22nd for first-years. You DO NOT need to register. Aggie Orientation is mandatory, and all students are automatically signed up! The mandatory fee for UC Davis Orientation can be found on our Fees and Policies page.

By participating in Aggie Orientation, you will…

  • Begin to build support networks with fellow Aggies that include students, faculty, and staff.
  • Become familiar with navigating campus to access relevant people and resources.
  • Experience first-hand the academic rigors of UC Davis with the guidance of faculty.
  • Be welcomed by college and major advisors essential to your academic success.
  • Discover how you contribute to our diverse community.
Orientation Leaders and Students sitting behind a bicycle

Pre-Orientation Events

Aggie Orientation begins after campus move-in, but we have several pre-Orientation events planned for you and your families.

Attend pre-Orientation events!
Orientation Leader and their group in front of the Memorial Union

Aggie Orientation Prep & Check In

Your Aggie Orientation Canvas page will tell you all about how to prepare for the four day program, including how to check in to Aggie Orientation!

Find more details here!
The University Credit Union Center filled with new students during Aggie Orientation

Aggie Orientation Program

We've got so many great events planned to welcome you to campus. Curious about what to expect during Aggie Orientation?

Get a sneak peek here!

Accessing Aggie Orientation

In September, you'll be assigned to your Aggie Orientation Canvas page. You will receive an email to your UC Davis Email account once you have been assigned. This Canvas page is where you will find all your important Aggie Orientation information, including your pre-orientation checklist, group number, check-in information, where to meet on the first day of Orientation, and your Orientation schedule.

Participating in Aggie Orientation

You’ll be placed in a small group of students with a trained Orientation Leader who will be your guide throughout Aggie Orientation. If you will require an accommodation during Aggie Orientation, please see our accommodations page. Every group of students will have a unique and individualized schedule facilitated by your Orientation Leader.

  • Program Descriptions - Read more about events you will participate in during Orientation
  • OL Group Meetings – Meet with your Orientation Leader and get to know other students in your small group. Orientation Leaders will take you to your Aggie Orientation sessions, facilitate activities, and answer your questions. 
    Welcome from your academic college –Hear from faculty and staff in your academic college and learn what resources and opportunities await you through your college.
    Programming with your academic college – From academic advising to clubs related to your major, there is so much your college offers!  
    Aggie Success: A Professor's Guide – Learn from faculty how to succeed as a student at UC Davis.  
    Davisfest Resource Fair – Learn about campus departments that can get you connected to involvement, internship, volunteer, and employment opportunities. If you want to learn how to find a community and get involved, Davisfest is a great place to start!  
    Evening programming – We have many opportunities for you to make connections with other students and have fun in the evenings including Rec Fest, attending the football game, the Aggie Welcome Rally, and smaller social programs led by Orientation staff.
    Dive Into Downtown – Explore Downtown Davis, your new home!
    Violence Intervention and Prevention Program – Representatives from the Center for Advocacy Resources and Education (CARE) discuss campus safety and resources. 
    Health, Wellness, and You! – Discuss topics on student wellness and how this can affect new students, as well as learn about resources that can support you while at UC Davis. 

Sample Schedule

Here is a sample schedule of Aggie Orientation! Aggie Orientation is a full two-and-a-half days long, and our campus is large, so plan on bringing your good walking shoes and sun protection so you are prepared to be walking outdoors!

While the dates of Aggie Orientation have been confirmed, please note that specific event times are still being finalized and may vary.

Transfer Schedule

  • Wednesday, September 20
  • Program start time - 8:00 AM 
    Meet up with your Orientation Leader (OL) and small group
    Welcome from your academic College
    Campus tour led by your OL (lots of walking!)  
    Lunch
    Aggie Success: A Professor’s Guide seminar
    Health, Wellness, and You!
    Dinner
    Optional evening social programs
  • Thursday, September 21
  • Program start time - 8:00 AM 
    Meet up with your Orientation Leader (OL) and small group 
    Programming with your academic College
    Dive into Downtown
    Lunch 
    Transfer Networking Time
    Violence Intervention and Prevention 
    Dinner
    Optional evening social programs
  • Friday, September 22
  • Program start time: 2:00 PM
    Davisfest 
    Dinner on your own
    Evening program: Aggie Welcome Rally ending in the evening at 9:00 PM 
  • Saturday, September 23 (OPTIONAL)
  • While we do not have transfer programming throughout the day on September 23, we are encouraging all transfer students to still attend the evening football game (kick-off is at 7:00 PM)! Tickets are free and will be sent to your UC Davis email address.

First-Year Schedule

  • Friday, September 22
  • Program start time: 12:00 PM
    Welcome from your academic College
    Meet up with your Orientation Leader (OL) and small group 
    Davisfest 
    Dinner 
    Evening program: Aggie Welcome Rally ending in the evening at 9:00 PM
  • Saturday, September 23
  • Program start time: 9:30 AM 
    Meet up with your Orientation Leader (OL) and small group 
    Health, Wellness, and You!
    Campus Tour led by your OL (lots of walking!)
    Lunch
    Aggie Success: A Professor’s Guide seminar
    Violence Intervention and Prevention
    Dinner 
    Evening program: Football game (free for students! Kick off at 7:00 PM)
  • Sunday, September 24
  • Program start time: 8:00 AM 
    Meet up with your Orientation small group 
    Programming with your academic College
    Lunch
    Dive into Downtown
    Yom Kippur begins
    Dinner
    Optional evening social programs