Pre-Semester Programs

Before your official first day of classes, NC State offers a wide variety of programs to help you get a jump start on your transition to college.

Explore Opportunities

Events and activities planned by New Student Programs and a number of other campus departments will help you create a foundation of success for your first year and beyond. Explore these opportunities that take place throughout June, July, and August before fall semester classes start each year, and email new-students@ncsu.edu if you have any questions.

New Student Orientation

New Student Orientation, a program that is required for all new undergraduate students, will help you prepare for your transition into college life as well as the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead—intellectually, emotionally, academically, and socially.
Dates: Offered throughout June and July

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Summer Start

Summer Start helps new students transition to NC State through five weeks of summer college courses and community-building during Summer Session II. In addition to up to eight credit hours of coursework, many optional social, academic, leadership, and service programs will be offered. Summer Start will provide a strong virtual introduction to the culture of NC State and a jump start on your academic degree requirements with a smaller community of your peers.
Dates: June 19 – July 31, 2024

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Pride Symposium

The Pride Symposium is a two-day welcome and community-building experience designed to provide incoming students with information about the LGBTQ Pride Center, annual events, and ways to get involved. Students will learn about LGBTQ+ student organizations on campus, opportunities to volunteer through the Pride Center, and LGBTQ+ resources in the local community. Incoming students will get a chance to connect with each other and hear from returning students about what it’s like to be LGBTQ+ at NC State. This annual event is a great way for students to make new friends, enjoy free food, and have some fun.
Dates: August 14 – 16, 2024

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Back view of Mrs. Wolf and two students under multi-color balloon arch — JACQUELINEPERRYPHOTOGRAPHY.COM

Symposium for Multicultural Scholars

The Symposium for Multicultural Scholars is a summer educational and transitional experience for students from historically underserved populations. Its purpose is to foster a sense of community for incoming first-year and transfer students and provide them with information about campus support, personnel, and resources as a basis for helping ensure their academic, social, and emotional success at NC State.
Dates: August 13 – 15, 2024

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Group photo of Symposium participants on brickyard with grass in the background — New students learn about extracurricular activities during orientation at Talley Student Union.

Wolf Camp & Wolfpack Bound

Wolf Camp and Wolfpack Bound are optional incoming student outdoor programs for new students at NC State. Students can sign up for a 3 or 4 day trip and meet other new students while engaging in outdoor activities (like kayaking, rock climbing, ziplining, and backpacking) as well as opportunities to learn about succeeding in your first semester from experienced student trip leaders. All activities are beginner-friendly and no outdoor experience is required! Your registration fee includes equipment, meals, transportation and instruction by Wellness and Recreation Outdoor Adventures staff.
Dates: June 15 – 17, 2024 & July 9 – 12, 2024

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kayakers — New students learn about extracurricular activities during orientation at Talley Student Union.

Wolfpack Welcome Week

Wolfpack Welcome Week marks the beginning of every fall semester with a series of events that allow new students to start building their community at NC State. Students will have the opportunity to explore campus involvement, get acclimated to academic life at NC State, and meet lots of other members of the Class of 2027! Mark your calendar for #NCStateWWW and visit the website to get an idea of last year’s schedule.
Dates: August 15 – 24, 2024

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Summer Start Abroad

The Summer Start Abroad programs are 2-week programs that merge the high impact experiences of a first-year inquiry course and study abroad. Students earn 3 GEP credits that count towards their degree before the start of their first semester on campus. Students will be immersed in inquiry-guided learning, led by NC State faculty, utilizing the historic and beautiful cities of Buenos Aires or Prague as their classroom.
Dates: July 29 – August 13, 2024

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Wicked Problems, Wolfpack Solutions

Wicked Problems, Wolfpack Solutions (WPWS) is a free, online, multidisciplinary course created for all incoming first-year and transfer students at NC State. As students take a deep dive into (Y)Our Health, learning directly from NC State faculty who are contributing to diverse solutions around the world. This is a great way to orient yourself to the digital learning technologies you will use throughout your career at NC State. You can earn two (2) NC State credit hours for completion at no cost. Contact your advisor for additional information.
Dates: June 24-July 26, 2024

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