As a new semester dawns and thousands of new Yellow Jackets arrive, Week of Welcome is a chance for students new to campus to learn their surroundings, meet new people, and have fun before classes begin.
Week of Welcome began in 2020 and has grown each year. For 2026, the weeklong celebration features more than 300 events, offering experiences and opportunities for all first-year, graduate, and transfer students.
“This week is an opportunity for students to connect and explore campus, get connected to culture and to their peers, but also just an opportunity to have fun before the stress of coursework begins,” said Chrissonia McCall, senior project support specialist in Housing and Residence Life.
Signature events like New Student Convocation bring thousands together to share in the start of their Tech journey, but Week of Welcome features plenty of smaller-scale events that allow students to connect and get to know their peers.
“Many of our events are 30 students or fewer, and those are great chances to find an organization that piques your interest or to find something completely new to you. This week is all about exploring the breadth of what is available at Tech and bringing down those barriers for students to engage with their new surroundings. Everyone is new and figuring things out at the same time, so this is a time when you can learn it all together,” Tegra Myanna, director of engagement and program operations in Housing and Residence Life, said.
To expedite the Week of Welcome experience, students should fill out the waiver form.
All Week of Welcome events can be found on Engage, but here are some you may want to mark on your calendar.
When: Monday, Aug. 17, 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Where: Exhibition Hall and John Lewis Student Center
Hosted by the Student and Campus Event Centers, Housing and Residence Life, and Tech Dining, this high-energy event is your chance to meet fellow Yellow Jackets, enjoy food, explore the John Lewis Student Center, and experience fun, music-themed activities.
When: Monday, Aug. 17, 7 – 9 p.m.
Where: Tech Green
Hosted by the Center for Student Engagement, which includes Fraternity and Sorority Life, Student Media, Student Organizations, Civic Engagement, and John Lewis Student Leadership Pathways, the Yellow Jacket Mega Mixer is a chance to meet new friends, engage with student leaders, and immerse yourself in campus life.
When: Tuesday, Aug. 18, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Where: Midtown Ballroom, Exhibition Hall
Kick off your Georgia Tech journey by discovering the people, places, and programs designed to support your success. The fair connects students with a wide range of campus resources and organizations committed to well-being and growth — both in and out of the classroom. Explore interactive tables; meet peers, faculty, and staff; and learn how to make the most of the Tech experience.
When: Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2:45 – 4:15 p.m.
Where: Couch Park
Join Women's and Men's Club Volleyball out on the grass to play volleyball and make new friends along the way. Volleyball courts will be set up on the grass to play in a casual pickup style for people of all skill levels to participate.
When: Tuesday, Aug. 18, 5 – 9 p.m.
Where: Tech Square
Experience a place that's unmistakably Georgia Tech. Taste of Tech Square is an immersive food festival just steps from campus, serving up delicious bites, lively entertainment, and a glimpse into the future of technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
When: Wednesday, Aug. 19, 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Where: Stamps Field
RecFest is Georgia Tech Campus Recreation’s signature annual kickoff event designed to welcome students to campus and connect them with the wide range of recreation programs, services, and clubs available at the CRC.
When: Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2:45 – 4:15 p.m.
Where: Esports and Gaming Lounge, Campus Recreation Center
Hosted by Georgia Tech Esports, this event will feature a tour of the new space and provide an overview of the organization before an open, free-play session for students in the gaming lounge.
When: Wednesday, Aug. 19, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Where: Paper & Clay
This event is an opportunity to explore Paper & Clay's crafts by making dorm decor and friendship bracelets.
When: Thursday, Aug. 20, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Where: Midtown Ballroom, Exhibition Ballroom
Held in conjunction with Graduate Institute Orientation, GradExpo connects new graduate students with over 50 campus units and student organizations, showcasing the many resources and services available to support graduate students at Tech.
When: Thursday, Aug. 20, 6 – 9 p.m.
Where: Georgia Tech Library
Take over the Library for a night of fun, filled with entertainment, snacks, video games, trivia, arts and crafts, and free giveaways.
When: Friday, Aug. 21, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Where: Room C456, Van Leer Building
Beginners and pros alike are invited to attend this open workshop hosted by Magicians @ GT to pick up some cool new tricks to impress your friends.
When: Friday, Aug. 21, 1 – 3 p.m.
Where: McAuley Aquatic Center, Campus Recreation Center
Watch and cheer teams on as they have 60 minutes to build a canoe out of cardboard, duct tape, and other supplies before they must paddle their boat across the McAuley Aquatic Center pool.
When: Friday, Aug. 21, 6 – 9 p.m.
Where: Bobby Dodd Stadium at Hyundai Field
Georgia Tech Athletics is hosting a House Party to welcome students back to campus. Enjoy inflatables, on-field activities, a live DJ, a gaming truck, and food trucks. The event will have a clear bag policy, and students are allowed to bring empty, non-metal, reusable water bottles into the stadium.
When: Sunday, Aug. 23, 4 – 5 p.m.
Where: McCamish Pavilion
Get your RAT cap, T-Book, and Georgia Tech pin at this year’s New Student Convocation. The event is a welcome ceremony for incoming students, and more information can be found on the New Student Convocation website. Connect with peers beforehand at the New Transfer and Commuter Student Pre-Convocation Mixer at the John Lewis Student Center from 1:30 to 3 p.m.