Rutgers–Camden Welcome Experience
Get Connected.
Stay Connected.
This isn’t just a tagline—it’s a promise about your experience at Rutgers–Camden. It means that no matter where you are in your journey, this is your starting point: a place where you can connect, learn what you need, and begin to feel at home. From there, our goal is that you don’t just find one space where you fit—you feel a sense of belonging across campus. In your classes, at events, in student organizations, and in everyday moments, we hope you will feel like you are part of our special Rutgers–Camden community. This experience is designed to help you begin with confidence so you can carry that sense of connection with you everywhere you go.
Whether you are new to campus or continuing your journey with us, the Rutgers–Camden Welcome Experience brings together everything you need to start the year strong, connect with others, and feel a true sense of belonging from day one.
Your Schedule
Make the Most of Your Rutgers–Camden Welcome Experience
All students—returning, first-year, and transfer—are encouraged to participate in the wide range of shared experiences that bring the campus community together. These include signature events, social programs, campus traditions, athletic competitions, and opportunities to explore Camden and the surrounding region. These experiences are central to building connections across class years and helping every student feel part of the Scarlet Raptor community. Some of these events may require advance registration due to space or transportation needs, so students are encouraged to review details and sign up where indicated.
Exclusively for First-Year and Transfer Students
In addition, first-year and transfer students will find a set of programs created specifically to support their transition to Rutgers–Camden. These include orientation sessions, academic and success workshops, and early connection opportunities with peers, faculty, and campus resources. These programs are designed to provide a strong foundation, helping new students navigate campus and feel confident as they begin.
Just Drop In
Throughout the Welcome Experience, students will also find open or drop-in opportunities available to everyone. These flexible experiences allow students to explore at their own pace, whether that means stopping by an event between classes, joining a campus activity spontaneously, or taking advantage of trips, resources, and informal gathering spaces. No registration is required for these activities—students can simply attend as their schedule allows.
Thursday, August 27
Breakfast in the Dining Hall
Campus Center
Family Farewell
Residence Halls | 3–5 p.m.
Dinner in the Dining Hall
Campus Center | 4–6 p.m.
Housing Floor Meetings
Residence Halls | 7–8 p.m.
Bingo After Dark
Campus Center | 8–10 p.m.
Friday, August 28
Breakfast in Dining Hall
Campus Center
New Student Orientations
Campus Center | 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Meet Me At The Bridge: First-Year Connect
The Bridge | 12–1 p.m.
Lunch in the Dining Hall
Campus Center | 12– 2 p.m.
RU Moving?
Athletics and Fitness Center | 1–4 p.m.
Dinner in the Dining Hall
Campus Center | 4–6 p.m.
Scarlet Raptor Game Night
Campus Center | 6–9 p.m.
Saturday, August 29
Breakfast in the Dining Hall
Campus Center
R U Exploring? South Jersey Edition
10 a.m.– 5 p.m.
Lunch in the Dining Hall
Campus Center | 12– 2 p.m.
Camden Cool Nights: End of Summer Environmental Festival and Movie Night
314 Byron Street, Camden, NJ | 3–11 p.m.
Dave & Buster’s Night (for Commuter Students only)
Gloucester Premium Outlets | 7–11 p.m.
Sunday, August 30
Breakfast in the Dining Hall
Campus Center
Benjamin Franklin Bridge Walk
Campus Center | 10–11 a.m.
Daytime Paint and Sip
Campus Center | 12–3 p.m.
Lunch in Dining Hall
Campus Center | 12– 2 p.m.
R U Exploring? Philadelphia Edition
12–5 p.m.
Dinner in the Dining Hall
Campus Center | 4–6 p.m.
The Bridge Culture Kick-Back: R&B Bingo
The Bridge | 5–7 p.m.
Scarlet Raptor Movie Night
Campus Center | 7–10 p.m.
Monday, August 31
Breakfast in the Dining Hall
Campus Center
Honors IMPACT Day
Campus Center | 8 a.m.–12 p.m.
International Orientation
8 a.m.–2 p.m.
We R Open for Business
Offices Around Campus | 9 a.m.–12 p.m.
Scarlet Raptor Recon
Welcome Center | 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
Lunch in the Dining Hall
Campus Center | 12– 2 p.m.
Veteran Orientation
Campus Center | 1–3:30 p.m.
Veteran Student Meet Up
Topgolf | 5–7 p.m.
Dinner in the Dining Hall
Campus Center | 4–6 p.m.
Scarlet Raptor Rise: Candlelight Induction
Gordon Theater | 6–8 p.m.
Register Now
Tuesday, September 1
Welcome Tents
Campus Quad Outside the Campus Center| 8 a.m.– 6 p.m.
Food Truck Festival
Campus Quad | 11 a.m.– 3 p.m.
Bingo
Campus Center Multi-Purpose Room | 7–9 p.m.
Wednesday, September 2
Welcome Tents
Campus Quad Outside the Campus Center| 8 a.m.– 6 p.m.
Gaming Truck and Mobile Escape Room
Campus Quad | 11–3 p.m.
The Bridge Welcome Back Event
The Bridge | 11:20 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Syllabi Sundaes
Campus Center Multi-Purpose Room | 3–5 p.m.
Thursday, September 3
Welcome Tents
Campus Quad Outside the Campus Center| 8 a.m.– 6 p.m.
Involvement Fair
Campus Quad | 12:30–2 p.m.
J’ouvert
Campus Quad and Multi-Purpose Room | 6–9 p.m.
Friday, September 4
Meet Me At The Bridge
The Bridge | 12:45–1:45 p.m.
Men’s Tennis vs. Lebanon Valley
Tennis Courts | 4–6 p.m.
Soccer Tailgate
Camden Athletic Complex | 5:30–7 p.m.
Men’s Soccer vs. Ursinus
Camden Athletic Complex | 7–9 p.m.
Saturday, September 5
Women’s Soccer vs. Catholic University
Camden Athletic Complex | 5–7 p.m.
Men’s Soccer vs. Haverford
Camden Athletic Complex | 7–9 p.m.
Tuesday, September 8
First Gen Block Party
Campus Quad | 4–6 p.m.
Dodge Ball
Auxiliary Gym | 6:30–7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, September 9
Wellness Wednesday: Destress Event
Campus Center Multi-Purpose Room | 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
New Roots: Transfer Student Social
4–6 p.m.
SGA/CAB Program
Campus Center Multipurpose Room | 5:15–6:16 p.m.
Women’s Soccer vs. Eastern
Camden Athletic Complex | 7–9 p.m.
Thursday, September 10
Greek Boulder Unveiling and Painting
“Greek Hill” on the Campus Quad by the Fire Arts Building | 12–2 p.m.
SGA/GBM Program
Campus Center Multipurpose Room | 5:15–6:16 p.m.
Meet The Greeks
Gordon Theater | 6:30–9:30 p.m.
Volleyball vs. Valley Forge
Athletic and Fitness Center | 7–9 a.m.
The After Party
Campus Center Multi-Purpose Room | 9 p.m.–12 a.m.
Friday, September 11
Women’s Tennis vs. Lebanon Valley
Tennis Courts | 4–6 p.m.