Welcome classes of 2027 and 2029! The first step of your Orientation experience, Aggie 101, will go live on May 6 for first-year students and June 5 for transfer students.

Students cheering at the football stadium

Aggie Orientation

The final step of your Orientation experience!

Fall Aggie Orientation is our on-campus program that begins on September 17th for transfer students, and September 19th for first-year students. You DO NOT need to register. Aggie Orientation is mandatory, so all students are automatically signed up. To learn more about the mandatory fee for Orientation, visit our Fees and Policies page.

By participating in Aggie Orientation, you will…

  • Build support networks with fellow Aggies that include students, faculty, and staff.
  • Become familiar with navigating campus and accessing relevant people and resources.
  • Understand the academic rigors of UC Davis with the guidance of faculty.
  • Be welcomed by college and major advisors essential to your academic success.
  • Discover how you contribute to our diverse community.

Learning More About Aggie Orientation

Approximately one week before your Aggie Orientation start date, you will be added to an Aggie Orientation Canvas course. Check your UC Davis email for the invitation! This Canvas course is the place where you will access all your important Aggie Orientation information, including your pre-orientation checklist, group number, first meeting location, and Orientation schedule.

Participating in Aggie Orientation

You will be placed in a small group of fellow new students, along with a trained Orientation Leader who will be your guide throughout Aggie Orientation. Every group of students will have a unique and individualized schedule facilitated by their Orientation Leader.

  • Program Descriptions - Read more about events you will participate in during Orientation
  • Group Meetings – Meet with your Orientation Leader and get to know other students in your small group. Orientation Leaders will take you to your Aggie Orientation sessions, facilitate activities, and answer your questions. 
    Programming with your academic College – From academic advising to clubs and resources related to your major, there is so much your College offers!  
    Aggie Success – Learn from instructors and peers how to meet your academic goals and succeed as a UC Davis student.
    Davisfest – During this resource fair, learn about campus departments that will get you connected to involvement, internship, volunteer, and employment opportunities.
    Evening programming – We have many opportunities for you to make connections with other students and have fun in the evenings, including a football game, the Aggie Welcome Rally, and smaller social programs led by Orientation staff.
    Dive Into Downtown – Explore Downtown Davis, your new home!
    Violence Intervention and Prevention Program – Representatives from the Center for Advocacy Resources and Education (CARE) discuss campus safety and resources. 
    Health, Wellness, and You – Discover the many dimensions of wellness and how this can affect new students, as well as learn about resources that can support you while at UC Davis.
    Community Spaces – These come-and-go spaces are mixers where students of various backgrounds/interests and those interested in those backgrounds/interests can connect with each other.

Sample Schedule

Aggie Orientation will take place on September 17th-19th for transfer students, and September 19th-22nd for first-year students. The following sample schedule will give you a snapshot of what to expect during these days, though your schedule's timing and specific order of events will be different. Our campus is large, so plan on wearing your walking shoes and sun protection!

  • Day 1 Sample Schedule
  • Group Meeting with your Orientation Leader
    Programming with your academic College
    Lunch
    Aggie Success
    Health, Wellness, and You
    Dinner
    Evening programming
  • Day 2 Sample Schedule
  • Group Meeting with your Orientation Leader
    Dive into Downtown
    Lunch 
    Community Spaces & social programs
    Violence Intervention and Prevention Program
    Dinner
    Evening programming
  • Day 3 Sample Schedule
  • Group Meeting with your Orientation Leader
    Programming with your academic College
    Lunch
    Davisfest
    Student networking event
    Dinner
    Evening programming