EIU Welcome Weekend FAQ

What should I do first when I arrive on campus? 

If you are living on campus, check in at your residence hall or assigned housing location first. After you are moved in, follow the Welcome Weekend schedule and check your EIU email for event details, required programs and location updates.

Is Welcome Weekend required? 

Yes. Welcome Weekend is required for new first-year and transfer students.

But don’t worry, it is not all meetings and formal programs. With more than 150 activities offered throughout the weekend, you’ll have plenty of ways to meet people, explore campus and start building your life at Eastern.

Who has to attend? 

Incoming first-year and transfer students are required to attend Welcome Weekend.

Dual credit, degree-completion and graduate students are not required to attend Welcome Weekend events, but they are welcome to participate if they choose.

What events are required for first-year students? 

Some Welcome Weekend events are required for all new students, while others are required based on your student type, academic program or housing assignment. Be sure to check the complete schedule for events that may apply to you.

Required events for first-year students include:

Welcome Weekend Check-In & New Student Photo

Friday, 9 to 9:45 a.m.
O’Brien Field

Academic Showcase

Friday, 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Location based on your major

Panther Prep

Friday
Location based on your assigned advisor

Check your EIU email for your invitation. You’ll review important academic information and get ready for the start of classes.

Full Schedule

What events are required for transfer students? 

Some Welcome Weekend events are required for all new students, while others are required based on your student type, academic program or housing assignment. Be sure to check the complete schedule for events that may apply to you.

Required events for transfer students include:

Welcome Weekend Check-In & New Student Photo

Friday, 9 to 9:45 a.m.
O’Brien Field

Academic Showcase

Friday, 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Location based on your major

Full Schedule

Can family attend? 

No. Welcome Weekend events are designed for students, so families and guests do not attend.

Where do I check in? 

There are two different check-in processes: housing check-in and Welcome Weekend check-in.

If you are moving into a residence hall, report directly to your hall front desk when you arrive on campus. Greek Court residents may check in at Building 8, and University Court residents may check in at the University Court office.

Welcome Weekend check-in takes place during Welcome Weekend Check-In & New Student Photo on Friday at O’Brien Field.

What should I bring? 

EIU Housing has a helpful move-in list with recommended items to bring and items to leave at home.

View the EIU Housing move-in list

What if I have to miss a required event? 

Email nsfp@eiu.edu as soon as possible and let us know.

Do I need my Panther Card? 

Yes. Many Welcome Weekend events use your Panther Card for check-in, so keep it with you throughout the weekend.

Where do I park? 

Use the campus parking map to find available parking lots before you arrive.

View the EIU parking map

What if I need an accommodation? 

For Welcome Weekend accommodations, email us at nsfp@eiu.edu.

For academic accommodations, contact Accessibility & Accommodations.

Visit Accessibility & Accommodations

Where do I find the most current schedule? 

The most current Welcome Weekend schedule is available online.

Be sure to check your EIU email regularly for updates, changes or additional invitations.

View the Welcome Weekend schedule