Welcome to Penn State Berks!
Welcome Weekend is an event for first-year and transfer students who are new to Penn State Berks to get more comfortable with campus prior the beginning of the fall semester. With group meals, games, and opportunities to meet other new students, Welcome Weekend is packed with fun! Leadership Team and Orientation Leaders are eagerly preparing for the arrival of our new students this fall. We can't wait to welcome you home!
Welcome Weekend 2025
Friday, August 22, through Sunday, August 24
This year's Welcome Weekend is funded by the Penn State Berks Student Initiated Fee and sponsored by the Office of Student Leadership and Engagement.
All new students, whether commuter or residential, are expected to join us for Welcome Weekend.
Friday, August 22
Move-In
10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Arrival Information // Move-In Map
Welcome Weekend Kickoff
5:15 to 5:30 p.m.
Perkins Tent
Join the Student Affairs staff and Orientation Leader (OL) team captains for a quick welcome to campus and introduction to the weekend's festivities!
Residential Students: Residence Life Floor Meetings
6:30 p.m.
Residence Halls
Students living in the residence halls will attend this meeting for important information and updates. This event is followed by dinner at Tully's, located on the second floor of the Perkins Student Center.
Commuter Students: Commuter Connections Program and Commuter Dinner
6:30 p.m.
Tully's and the Lion's Den, Perkins Student Center
Commuter students are encouraged to attend this dinner and networking event and make some new friends!
Social Activities
7:30 to 9:00 p.m.
Various Campus Locations
- Bingo: Alumni Pavilion
- Movie: Perkins Student Center Auditorium
- Volleyball and basketball: Residence hall courts
- Board games: Lion's Den, Perkins Student Center
- Kickball: Luerssen Lawn
Saturday, August 23
First-Year Check In
9:15 to 9:45 a.m.
Perkins Tent
Welcome to Berks and Rally in the Valley
9:45 to 10:30 a.m.
Perkins Tent
First-year students will start their day with this time-honored tradition! This event features team building games and fun designed to help you get ready for the day.
First-Year Group Leader Sessions and Scavenger Hunt with Alumni
10:30 to 11:45 a.m.
Perkins Tent
There's so much you need to know as a Penn State Berks student, but the first-year group leaders will help you understand what's what and where's where at the college. This part of the weekend also features a scavenger hunt hosted by alumni, who are also here to help you get comfortable with the college and your academic career at Berks!
Lunch
Noon to 12:45 p.m.
Tully's
Alumni Panel and Ice Cream Social
12:45 to 1:15 p.m.
Perkins Tent
If you're wondering how to make your mark at Penn State Berks, this event will introduce you to alumni who have done just that. Hear how they found their passions, made connections, and wrote their own success stories at Berks, all while enjoying Penn State Berkey Creamery ice cream!
Alcohol Awareness and Educational Program
1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Perkins Student Center Auditorium
Mental Health & Student Success Center Educational Program
2:45 to 3:45 p.m.
Perkins tent
Break
4:00 to 5:30 p.m.
First-Year Carnival and Other Social Activities
5:30 to 10:00 p.m.
Perkins Lawn
Sunday, August 24
Inclusive Language: Educational Program
9:00 to 10:30 a.m.
Perkins Student Center Auditorium
Communicating Effectively in Conflict: Educational Program
10:30 a.m. to Noon
Perkins Tent
Lunch
11:00 a.m.
Tully's
First-Generation Student Lunch
Noon to 1:00 p.m.
Multipurpose Room, Perkins Student Center
For many first-generation students, beginning the college experience can be an overwhelming time. If you're a first-generation student, join this community-building lunch and find out how Penn State Berks is your partner in success!
Honors Program Orientation
1:00 to 2:00 p.m.
Multipurpose Room, Perkins Student Center
Transfer Student Ice Cream Social
2:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Lion's Den (Second Floor of Perkins Student Center)
Target Trip
6:00 to 10:00 p.m.
Oh, no — it's the end of the weekend, and you just realized you've forgotten something for your dorm at home! But don't fret. We'll be running a bus from campus to Target all night long to help you get everything you need for your first day of classes.