These are the signature events taking place during the beginning of the semester, with hundreds of additional events occurring throughout the first six weeks of fall semester.

The full Big Orange Welcome schedule will be available in the Vol Connect app on August 8.

*Indicates the event is required for new students.

AUTHORING YOUR STORY* August 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, or 16 | Various Times | Various Locations Every scholar has a story, and every story matters! Authoring Your Story showcases the support students have on campus to assist in the story they are writing here as a Vol. Students will tour some of the academic support locations on campus and receive an exclusive New Student Planner and New Vol t-shirt! NOTE: If you are living on campus, you will be automatically registered for a session the day after your move-in date. If you are a commuter student, you will be registered for a session on August 15 or 16. Select the “My Events” filter in the Vol Connect app to learn which session you are registered for.

NEW VOL HANGOUT August 13 | 6 pm | 21st Mortgage Plaza Join us at the 21st Mortgage Plaza and hang out with your fellow new Vols! You’ll be able to build your own stuffed animal, play some video games, and grab a dirty soda from the Swig soda bar!

MAP YOUR CLASSES August 13, 14, and 15 | Various Times | 21st Mortgage Plaza Need help finding your classroom buildings? Meet us at the 21st Mortgage Plaza with your class schedule and we’ll show you around! NOTE: Check the Vol Connect app for times each day.

BIG ORANGE BINGO August 14 | 6 pm | Student Union 272 Grab your friends and come play Bingo! Try your luck to win Tennessee apparel from the VolShop! Snacks and drinks will be provided.

NEW VOL FEST August 15 | 7 pm | HSS Plaza Kick off Big Orange Welcome with some fun! Head on over to the Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS) Plaza for an incredible night of outdoor roller skating, carnival rides and games, prizes, mini golf, free food and much more!

COLLEGE CONNECT* August 16 | Various Times | Various Locations This is a great event to meet other new students in your academic college and introduce you to all your college has to offer before the start of classes! NOTE: Times and locations vary by college. Check the Vol Connect app or click HERE for your college’s time and location.

TENNESSEE SATURDAY NIGHT August 16 | 7 pm | Student Union A night of fun, food trucks, and fireworks to welcome students to the Fall semester. All students are invited to join us as we kick-off the academic year together!

NEW VOL PICNIC* August 17 | 12 pm | HSS Plaza Join other new Vols at Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS) Plaza for a picnic lunch!

TORCH NIGHT* August 17 | 6:30 pm | Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center Torch Night is a rite of passage for all incoming Volunteers. At the beginning of each academic year, the entire incoming first year and transfer class gathers in Thompson Boling Arena to take up the Torch of Service and commit themselves to the Volunteer ideal of selfless leadership. Students will hear from university leadership, including some special guests from UT Athletics, on what it truly means to be a Volunteer!  NOTE: Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center operates with a clear bag policy and stadium security regulations.

LATE NIGHT ON ROCKY TOP August 22 | 7 pm | Student Union 272 Late Night on Rocky Top wraps up your first week of classes! Head over to the Student Union for a fun night of interactive gaming. Come play your favorite gaming consoles like the XBOX One, Play Station 4, and Nintendo Switch on 8 foot, high-definition screens. We will even have retro arcade games available and a giant Just Dance screen! Snacks and drinks will be provided.