September 4, 2026
What to Expect When You Arrive
Class of 2030
Friday, September 4
Class of 2029
Sunday, September 6
Classes of 2027 & 2028
Monday, September 7
Are you wondering what your new residence hall looks like on the inside? Maybe you're looking for inspo on how best to decorate your room? Check out our virtual 360º Residence Hall & Room tours!
| Time | Event | Audience | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4:15 – 5:15 p.m. | Mass of the Holy Spirit | Students and Families | Bellarmine Lawn | All are welcome to attend the first Mass of the school year. Following Mass, families are asked to depart campus and students will continue on with their Fall Welcome schedule. |
| 5:30 – 6:45 p.m. | žžÀ² Safety and Living in Community Presentation | Jogues, Regis, Commuters | Quick Center | In this session, students will learn about residential communities and safety on campus with area coordinators, graduate residence coordinators, resident assistants, and the Department of Public Safety. |
| Dinner | Campion, Gonzaga, Loyola | Tully Dining Commons | Hungry? Meet your resident assistant outside of the Barone žžÀ² Center and head to dinner. | |
| 7 – 8:15 p.m. | žžÀ² Safety and Living in Community Presentation | Campion, Gonzaga, Loyola | Quick Center | In this session, students will learn about residential communities and safety on campus with area coordinators, graduate residence coordinators, resident assistants, and the Department of Public Safety. |
| Dinner | Jogues, Regis, Commuters | Tully Dining Commons | Hungry? Meet your resident assistant outside of the Barone žžÀ² Center and head to dinner. | |
| 8:30 – 9:15 p.m. | FYE Group Meeting | All | Group Indoor Meeting Location (See NSL) | FYE groups, assemble! This is your time to break the ice and potentially walk away with new friendships on campus before the night is over. |
| 9:30 p.m. – 12 a.m. | QuadFest | All | Quad | And just like that, you made it to Quad Fest! Get to know others in your class while enjoying mini golf, DIY air plants, lawn games, fire pits, and late – night snacks! |
| Time | Event | Audience | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 – 9:45 a.m. | Breakfast | All | Tully Dining Commons | Good morning, Stags! At your own leisure, head to the Tully for a well–balanced breakfast. |
| 10 – 10:45 a.m. | FYE Group Meeting | All | See NSL | See NSL |
| 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Lunch | FYE Groups 1 – 18 | Tully Dining Commons | Lunchtime, Stags! Enjoy a midday meal at the Tully. |
| This or That | FYE Groups 19 – 36 | Group Indoor Meeting Location (See NSL) | Starbucks or ¶Ù³Ü²Ô°ì¾±²Ô’? Pineapple on pizza? There are going to be lots of times when you have different opinions than those around you. Let’s practice finding our own voices while taking in others’ opinions. | |
| Step Up Stags | FYE Groups 37 – 53 | Group Indoor Meeting Location (See NSL) | Fairfield University believes students prosper best in an inclusive community where respect and accountability are central tenets. This session continues the dialogue on a variety of topics introduced in your online modules including alcohol, inclusion, and sexual assault. | |
| 12 – 1 p.m. | Lunch | FYE Groups 19 – 36 | Tully Dining Commons | Lunchtime, Stags! Enjoy a midday meal at the Tully. |
| This or That | FYE Groups 37 – 53 | Group Indoor Meeting Location (See NSL) | Starbucks or ¶Ù³Ü²Ô°ì¾±²Ô’? Pineapple on pizza? There are going to be lots of times when you have different opinions than those around you. Let’s practice finding our own voices while taking in others’ opinions. | |
| Step Up Stags | FYE Groups 1 – 18 | Group Indoor Meeting Location (See NSL) | Fairfield University believes students prosper best in an inclusive community where respect and accountability are central tenets. This session continues the dialogue on a variety of topics introduced in your online modules including alcohol, inclusion, and sexual assault. | |
| 1 – 2 p.m. | Lunch | FYE Groups 37 – 53 | Tully Dining Commons | Lunchtime, Stags! Enjoy a midday meal at the Tully. |
| This or That | FYE Groups 1 – 18 | Group Indoor Meeting Location (See NSL) | Starbucks or ¶Ù³Ü²Ô°ì¾±²Ô’? Pineapple on pizza? There are going to be lots of times when you have different opinions than those around you. Let’s practice finding our own voices while taking in others’ opinions. | |
| Step Up Stags | FYE Groups 19 – 36 | Group Indoor Meeting Location (See NSL) | Fairfield University believes students prosper best in an inclusive community where respect and accountability are central tenets. This session continues the dialogue on a variety of topics introduced in your online modules including alcohol, inclusion, and sexual assault. | |
| 2 – 4 p.m. | Break | All | Across žžÀ² | There are lots of fun things to do at Fairfield! During this time, we’re letting you decide how you want to further explore campus. Some options include:
|
| 4 – 4:30 p.m. | FYE Group Meeting | All | See NSL | See NSL |
| 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. | Dinner | Campion and Gonzaga | Tully Dining Commons | Hungry? Meet your resident assistant outside of the Barone žžÀ² Center and head to dinner. |
| Floor Meeting | Jogues and Loyola | Residence Hall Floor | This is a time for students to meet their neighbors and RA. | |
| žžÀ² Scavenger Hunt | Regis | Quad | Think you know your way around campus? Prove it by participating in this fast-paced adventure! | |
| Commuter Meet and Greet | Commuters | Nursing And Health Studies, 224 | Join Residence Life staff, including commuter peer assistants, to learn about what being a commuting student at Fairfield University is all about. | |
| 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. | Dinner | Jogues, Loyola, and Commuters | Tully Dining Commons | Hungry? Meet your resident assistant outside of the Barone žžÀ² Center and head to dinner. |
| Floor Meeting | Regis | Residence Hall Floor | This is a time for students to meet their neighbors and RA. | |
| žžÀ² Scavenger Hunt | Campion and Gonzaga | Quad | Think you know your way around campus? Prove it by participating in this fast-paced adventure! | |
| 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. | Regis | Audience | Tully Dining Commons | Hungry? Meet your resident assistant outside of the Barone žžÀ² Center and head to dinner. |
| Floor Meeting | Campion and Gonzaga | Residence Hall Floor | This is a time for students to meet their neighbors and RA. | |
| žžÀ² Scavenger Hunt | Jogues, Loyola, and Commuters | Quad | Think you know your way around campus? Prove it by participating in this fast-paced adventure! | |
| 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. | Sunset BINGO | All | Library Lawn | Hosted by Fairfield@Night. Join members of the Class of 2025 and 2026 for this high-stakes Fairfield tradition, with the opportunity to win some BIG prizes! |
| 8 – 11:30 p.m. | Trivia | All | Barone žžÀ² Center (BCC), Mezzanine | Let's see how many random facts you know! |
| Open Mic | All | Barone žžÀ² Center (BCC), Lower Level | Hop on stage and show off your singing talents! | |
| Board Games | All | Barone žžÀ² Center (BCC), Lower Level | Relax while enjoying a variety of classic board games. |
| Time | Event | Audience | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 – 9:45 a.m. | Breakfast | All | Tully Dining Commons | Rise and shine for your final day of Fall Welcome! Grab breakfast in the Tully at your own leisure. Bring your StagCard with you, as you will be required to swipe in today. |
| 10 – 10:45 a.m. | Blackboard and Life@Fairfield Training | All | Group Indoor Meeting Location (See NSL) | To ensure you are ready for the first day of the semester tomorrow, NSLs will review how to use Blackboard and Life@Fairfield. Bring your laptop to follow along! |
| 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Lunch | FYE Groups 1 – 18 | Tully Dining Commons | Lunchtime, Stags! Enjoy a midday meal at the Tully on the final day of Fall Welcome. |
| Classroom Tours | FYE Groups 19 – 36 | Across žžÀ² | Explore academic buildings with your FYE Group to help find where your classes are located. | |
| FYE Group Wrap Up | FYE Groups 37 – 53 | See NSL | Your last FYE group meeting of Fall Welcome. Don’t worry, you'll see them again real soon! Exchange contact information and ask any additional questions you may have before classes start. | |
| 12 – 1 p.m. | Lunch | FYE Groups 19 – 36 | Tully Dining Commons | Lunchtime, Stags! Enjoy a midday meal at the Tully on the final day of Fall Welcome. |
| Classroom Tours | FYE Groups 37 – 53 | Across žžÀ² | Explore academic buildings with your FYE Group to help find where your classes are located. | |
| FYE Group Wrap Up | FYE Groups 1 – 18 | See NSL | Your last FYE group meeting of Fall Welcome. Don’t worry, you'll see them again real soon! Exchange contact information and ask any additional questions you may have before classes start. | |
| 1 – 2 p.m. | Lunch | FYE Groups 37 – 53 | Tully Dining Commons | Lunchtime, Stags! Enjoy a midday meal at the Tully on the final day of Fall Welcome. |
| Classroom Tours | FYE Groups 1 – 18 | Across žžÀ² | Explore academic buildings with your FYE Group to help find where your classes are located. | |
| FYE Group Wrap Up | FYE Groups 19 – 36 | See NSL | Your last FYE group meeting of Fall Welcome. Don’t worry, you'll see them again real soon! Exchange contact information and ask any additional questions you may have before classes start. | |
| 2 – 2:30 p.m. | Class Photo | All | Bellarmine Lawn | Fall Welcome will conclude with all members of the Class of 2026 receiving their STAGS t-shirt and taking their class photo. Say cheese! |
| 2:30 p.m. – On | Get Ready for Classes! | All | Across žžÀ² and/or Town of Fairfield | Get ready to start the semester off strong tomorrow! Interested in heading into town? The StagBus will take you to Bed Bath & Beyond, Stop & Shop, Whole Foods, and more! See schedule in Hours of Operation table. |
| Time | Event | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4:15 – 5:15 p.m. | Mass of the Holy Spirit | Bellarmine Lawn | All are welcome to attend the first Mass of the school year. Following Mass, families are asked to depart campus and students will continue on with their Fall Welcome schedule. |
| 5:30 – 6:45 p.m. | žžÀ² Safety and Living in Community Presentation | Quick Center | In this session, students will learn about residential communities and safety on campus with area coordinators, graduate residence coordinators, resident assistants, and the Department of Public Safety. |
| 7 – 8:15 p.m. | Dinner | Tully Dining Commons | Hungry? Head on over to The Tully to make a plate and meet a few new friends! |
| 8:30 – 9:15 p.m. | Transfer Group Meeting | Group Indoor Meeting Location (See NSL) | It's time to start breaking the ice and developing connections with each other! |
| 9:30 p.m. – 12 a.m. | QuadFest | Quad | Hosted by Fairfield@Night. Get to know fellow new students while enjoying mini golf, DIY air plants, lawn games, fire pits, and late-night snacks! |
| Time | Event | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8:30 – 9:15 a.m. | Breakfast | Breakfast | Grab breakfast in the Tully at your own leisure. |
| 9:30 – 10:45 a.m. | Resource Panel | Nursing And Health Studies, 224 | Learn about the different resources Fairfield has to offer from representatives from academic and student life offices. |
| 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. | žžÀ² and Classroom Tour | Across žžÀ² | In order to ensure you're ready for your first week of classes, your NSL will take you on a campus tour. Make sure you bring a copy of your class schedule! |
| 12 – 1 p.m. | Blackboard and Life@Fairfield Training | Group Indoor Meeting Location (See NSL) | To ensure you are ready for the first day of the semester tomorrow, NSLs will review how to use Blackboard and Life@Fairfield. Bring your laptop to follow along! |
| 1 – 2 p.m. | Lunch | Tully Dining Commons | Enjoy a midday meal at the Tully. |
| 2 – 5:30 p.m. | Break | Across žžÀ² | There are lots of fun things to do at Fairfield! During this time, we're letting you decide how you want to further explore campus. Some options include:
|
| 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. | Commuter Meet and Greet | Nursing And Health Studies, 224 | Join Residence Life staff, including your commuter peer assistants, to learn about what being a commuting student at Fairfield University is all about. |
| 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. | Transfer Group Meeting | See NSL | See NSL |
| 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. | Dinner | Tully Dining Commons | Hungry? Head on over to The Tully to make a plate and meet a few new friends! |
| 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. | Sunset BINGO | Library Lawn | Hosted by Fairfield@Night. Join members of the Class of 2025 and 2026 for this high-stakes Fairfield tradition, with the opportunity to win some BIG prizes! |
| 8 – 11:30 p.m. | Trivia | Barone žžÀ² Center (BCC), Mezzanine | Let's see how many random facts you know! |
| Open Mic | Barone žžÀ² Center (BCC), Lower Level | Hop on stage and show off your singing talents! | |
| Board Games | Barone žžÀ² Center (BCC), Lower Level | Relax while enjoying a variety of classic board games. |
| Time | Event | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 – 9:45 a.m. | Breakfast | Tully Dining Commons | Grab breakfast in the Tully at your own leisure. Don't forget to bring your StagCard with you, as you will be required to swipe in today! |
| 12 – 1 p.m. | Lunch with Transfer Group | Tully Dining Commons | Although you'll see everyone again soon, this is the last time this group will meet during Orientation. Make sure to exchange contact information and ask any additional questions you may have before classes start! |
| 1 p.m. – On | Get Ready for Classes! | Across žžÀ² and/or Town of Fairfield | Get ready to start the semester off strong tomorrow! Interested in heading into town? The StagBus will take you to Bed Bath & Beyond, Stop & Shop, Whole Foods, and more! See schedule in Hours of Operation table. |
| Resource | Location | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Counseling and Psychological Services | Jogues Hall | On-Call |
| Downtown Bookstore | 1499 Post Rd, Fairfield, CT 06824 | 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. |
| ¶Ù³Ü²Ô°ì¾±²Ô’ | Barone žžÀ² Center (BCC), Third Floor | 7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. |
| Follett — Stag Spirit Shop | Barone žžÀ² Center (BCC), Second Floor | 7:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. |
| Follett — Textbook Pick-Up | Barone žžÀ² Center (BCC) 200 | 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. |
| Health Center | Jogues Hall | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. |
| ITS Helpdesk | Barone žžÀ² Center Third Floor
DiMenna-Nyselius Library |
7:45 a.m. – 3 p.m.
3 – 8 p.m. |
| Levee | Lynch Road, Fairfield, CT 06824 | Closed |
| Library | DiMenna-Nyselius Library | 3 – 9 p.m. |
| Mailroom | Barone žžÀ² Center (BCC), Second Floor | 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. |
| RecPlex | RecPlex | 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. |
| StagBus Shuttle Service | Leaves from Traffic Circle | Not Running |
| StagCard Office | Barone žžÀ² Center (BCC), Lower Level | 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. |
| Stag Snack Bar | Barone žžÀ² Center (BCC), Third Floor | Closed |
| Tully | Barone žžÀ² Center (BCC), Fourth Floor | 4 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. |
| Resource | Location | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Counseling and Psychological Services | Jogues Hall | On-Call |
| Downtown Bookstore | 1499 Post Rd, Fairfield, CT 06824 | 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. |
| ¶Ù³Ü²Ô°ì¾±²Ô’ | Barone žžÀ² Center (BCC), Third Floor | Closed |
| Follett — Stag Spirit Shop | Barone žžÀ² Center (BCC), Second Floor | 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. |
| Follett — Textbook Pick-Up | Barone žžÀ² Center (BCC) 200 | 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. |
| Health Center | Jogues Hall | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. |
| ITS Helpdesk | DiMenna-Nyselius Library | 3 – 8 p.m. |
| Levee | Lynch Road, Fairfield, CT 06824 | 11:30 a.m. – 9 p.m. |
| Library | DiMenna-Nyselius Library | 3 – 9 p.m. |
| Mailroom | Barone žžÀ² Center (BCC), Second Floor | 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. |
| RecPlex | RecPlex | 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. |
| StagBus Shuttle Service | Leaves from Traffic Circle | Not Running |
| StagCard Office | Barone žžÀ² Center (BCC), Lower Level | 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. |
| Stag Snack Bar | Barone žžÀ² Center (BCC), Third Floor | Closed |
| Tully | Barone žžÀ² Center (BCC), Fourth Floor | 8 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. |
| Resource | Location | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Counseling and Psychological Services | Jogues Hall | On-Call |
| Downtown Bookstore | 1499 Post Rd, Fairfield, CT 06824 | 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. |
| ¶Ù³Ü²Ô°ì¾±²Ô’ | Barone žžÀ² Center (BCC), Third Floor | Closed |
| Follett — Stag Spirit Shop | Barone žžÀ² Center (BCC), Second Floor | 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. |
| Follett — Textbook Pick-Up | Barone žžÀ² Center (BCC) 200 | 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. |
| Health Center | Jogues Hall | 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. |
| ITS Helpdesk | DiMenna-Nyselius Library | 3 – 8 p.m. |
| Levee | Lynch Road, Fairfield, CT 06824 | 11:30 a.m. – 9 p.m. |
| Library | DiMenna-Nyselius Library | 3 – 9 p.m. |
| Mailroom | Barone žžÀ² Center (BCC), Second Floor | 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. |
| RecPlex | RecPlex | 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. |
| StagBus Shuttle Service | Leaves from Traffic Circle | Every Hour | 7 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Every ½ Hour | 2 – 9:30 p.m. |
| StagCard Office | Barone žžÀ² Center (BCC), Lower Level | 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. |
| Stag Snack Bar | Barone žžÀ² Center (BCC), Third Floor | 4 – 9 p.m. |
| Tully | Barone žžÀ² Center (BCC), Fourth Floor | 8 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. |
The First-Year Move-In & Fall Welcome Guide will be live on the Fairfield University Guides App by the end of the summer. The app is available for all smartphones including iPhone and Android devices for free. The First-Year Move-In & Fall Welcome Guide will allow you to access the event schedule, ticket info, and university resources. We ask that you take the time to download the app before arriving on campus for the weekend.
Knowing what to bring is just as important as knowing what NOT to bring. First-year students are encouraged to only bring what they will need until the next opportunity they have to travel home. Bring items that will make your room feel like home and coordinate with roommates to figure out what items will be shared and who will be bringing them. Alumni & Family Weekend and scheduled holidays provide additional opportunities to bring back personal items onto campus. Below is an abbreviated list of what to bring and not bring; you can find a completed list of residential guidelines in the 2026-2027 Student Handbook.
The following items are NOT PERMITTED in the Residence Halls. Please leave these items at home.
Fall Welcome includes required and optional programs designed to help students build community, learn about campus resources, and prepare for classes. The full schedule will be available in the Fairfield University Guides app before move-in.
Incoming first-year students will receive their housing assignment during the week of July 27 via their Fairfield University email account. Students who confirm enrollment after July 15 or change to commuter status may receive their assignment later as their records are processed.
Roommates are matched using information submitted in the housing application, including sleep preferences, study habits, interests, and Living & Learning Community (LLC) preferences. Residence Life carefully reviews roommate matches, and historically more than 95% of roommate pairings are successful.
Housing assignments typically cannot be changed during the summer. Students with concerns may contact Residence Life to discuss their situation, but room changes are generally not available before move-in.
Most first-year students live in double or triple rooms, with a limited number of expanded triples and quad rooms. Every room includes:
A triple room houses three students. Many first-year triples feature modern furniture designed to maximize space through lofted or bunked bed configurations. Each student has their own bed, desk, dresser, and wardrobe.
Housing assignments are based on the housing application and overall housing availability. Some students request triples to live with two chosen roommates, while others are assigned based on housing needs.
Yes. Students participating in programs such as Academic Immersion, Fairfield IGNITE, Athletics, Company Scholars, and other approved early-arrival programs will receive separate move-in instructions.
Yes. Students whose parent or guardian is a Fairfield faculty or staff member may move in on Thursday, September 3. Additional details will be shared during the summer.
Yes! We recommend bringing no more than two guests to assist with move-in.
We recommend bringing only one vehicle per student to help maintain smooth traffic flow on campus. Students are encouraged to pack lightly and bring seasonal items later in the semester if possible.
No. Please arrive during your assigned move-in window to help ensure a smooth arrival experience for everyone.
Yes. Laundry bins and carts will be available outside each residence hall. Please return them promptly after use so they are available for other families. Families are also welcome to bring their own dollies or carts.
Students will check in outside their residence hall on move-in day to receive their room key or PIN number. Students who have submitted their StagCard photo, downloaded the eAccounts app, and completed all required health forms will have their Mobile StagCard activated by the end of August.
Visit the What to Bring & Not Bring tab for the complete packing list. Popular items include:
Please visit the What to Bring & Not Bring tab for the complete list, but please :
Each first-year room already includes a shared MicroFridge.
Yes. Use Command hooks or blue painter's tape. Please avoid adhesives that may damage walls.
Priority for loft kits is given to students in triple rooms. Students who would like to raise their beds a few inches may bring bed risers. Triple rooms are set up with one lofted bed and one bunk bed. If additional lofts are desired, students may submit a loft request during move-in using the QR code available at their residence hall check-in.
Yes. Packages may be shipped beginning August 24. Packages received before that date cannot be accepted. Students who would like items delivered directly to their room before arrival may also use Fairfield's Storage Scholars partnership.
All first-year students are automatically enrolled in the Unlimited 100 Meal Plan. Students may change to the 14-Meal Plan through September 18.
Students requesting housing accommodations should work directly with Residence Life and the Office of Accessibility. Accommodation requests are reviewed through an interactive process. Visit the housing accommodations page for documentation requirements and important deadlines.
For questions about move-in or housing, please contact the Office of Residence Life at studentmove@fairfield.edu.
Join us for an upcoming First-Year Students and Families Webinar. Learn about important next steps, campus resources, and what to expect as you prepare for your transition to Fairfield University. Each webinar features staff from across campus who will share information, answer common questions, and help you feel ready for the start of the semester.