'Welcome to TU' is a weeklong greeting to campus for students old and new
Towson University is ready to welcome over 22,000 students to campus for move-in, first week of school
During the summer months, the Towson University campus is usually a beautiful, yet quiet landscape. But starting on Thursday, August 24, the campus once again will be filled with the usual college atmosphere buzz, as TU starts welcoming over 5,200 on-campus residents for the Fall 2017 semester.
And with students returning, Towson University and New Student Programs will host the award-winning “Welcome to TU” program. “Welcome to TU” features social events, a welcome back concert, information sessions, athletic events and more that provide students an in-depth look at the TU campus and community.
“’Welcome to TU’ is our official kickoff to the fall semester when we welcome students, both new and old, to campus,” said Katie Murray, director of New Student Programs. “This year we expanded ‘Welcome to TU’ past the initial weekend to give our TU students a great experience to kick off the year."
Freshman & Transfer Move-In
“Welcome to TU” festivities start on Thursday, August 24 with freshmen and transfer move-in day. From 8:30-5 p.m., Towson University is proud to welcome the newest members of its campus community to its 16 residence halls.
With the freshmen move-in schedule, New Student Programs is asking students to arrive in the time that corresponds with the first letter of their last name in order to minimize congestion.
The 2017 fall freshmen/transfer move in schedule:
- A-F: 8 a.m. — 10:30 a.m.
- G-M: 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
- N-Z: 1:30 p.m. — 4:30 p.m.
Move-in for returning students will take place over the weekend on Saturday, August 26 and Sunday, August 27 from 9 a.m. — 5 p.m.
To help move-in go as smoothly as possible, the Department of Housing and Residence Life offers the following tips for families:
- Follow the arrival information enclosed with your building assignment (new students).
- Pack light. You don't need to bring everything on your first trip to campus. Box as many items as possible. This will help you to maintain order and cut down on missing items. You may want to bring a handcart if you have one.
- Unload and move your car as quickly as possible to the designated lots. Spaces near the residence halls are needed to move people in.
- If they're available, use the move-in crew. In certain areas that are prone to congestion, 300 student staff members will assist you in moving in. Let them help you!
- Elevators will be used only for moving in. Use stairs as much as possible.
Check out what Housing and Residence Life suggest students bring when packing for college.
Parking and Traffic Information
Move-in is one of the busiest times on TU’s campus. Families should schedule ahead and give themselves plenty of time in getting their student moved in. TU staff will work diligently to make the process move as smoothly as possible.
When arriving to campus for move-in, please note that Cross Campus Drive will be one way during the entire move-in weekend and will only be accessible by York Road. Also, please pay attention to the signage and parking staff will be around campus to help navigate you.
Check out the Towson University Campus Map before making your trip
Spaces located close to the residence halls are needed for move-in, so after families unload their student, Towson University asks families to move to designated parking garages. Towsontown, West Village and the Union Garages will be open to families, and will be free during move-in weekend.
“Welcome to TU” Events
Along with move-in, “Welcome to TU” will have over 50 scheduled events to help Towson University get acclimated to college life and the Towson University campus community. Along with the first weekend, “Welcome to TU will continue into the first week of classes, and will conclude with “LaborStay Weekend.”
A few highlight events from the week include:
Thursday, August 24
The Deal is Right — Stephens Hall Theatre, 9-11 p.m.
Come on down and play The Deal is Right! Based on the Price is Right, this interactive game show event will be fun for all! Several lucky students will have the chance to play to win some fun prizes!
Friday, August 25
Convocation — SECU Arena 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
New Student Convocation marks the official welcome and beginning to a student’s academic experience and is a required event for all new students, including transfer students and freshmen commuter students. New students should wear the Welcome to TU/“#readyturoar” shirt they received during summer orientation.
Roar Rally — SECU Arena 8 – 9 p.m.
This is the BIGGEST spirit event of Welcome to TU! Introductions from Towson University Athletes and the first debut of the 2017 Football Promotional Video. Root for other students or compete yourself in Tiger Challenges, with prizes for the winners of course.
Saturday, August 26
Late Night Breakfast — Glen Dining Hall, 9-11 p.m.
Students can end their Saturday night with all their favorite breakfast foods, including plenty of pancakes!
Sunday, August 27
Set iT off! — Tiger Plaza, 5 – 8 p.m.
All new and returning students are invited for food, music, performances, games and prizes! Meet new friends, reconnect with old ones, and learn about multicultural student organizations and Greek Life.
Important Information for the Start of the Semester
Here are a few important dates and information to remember with the start of semester.
- Stay alert! All members of the Towson University community should sign up for the university’s emergency text alerts.
- Towson University will be closed on Labor Day.
- The last day for students to add or drop courses is Wednesday, September 6.
- Follow the Towson University Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages to stay up to date will all things Towson University.
- Come cheer on the Towson Tigers, as all Towson University students, faculty and staff receive free tickets to all TU Athletic contests.
- GET INVOLVED! Towson University over 250 student organizations that students can get join. Learn more during the First Look Involvement Fair on Friday, August 25 at SECU Arena.
- Students need to take advantage of everything that TU has to offer! This includes traveling the world with Study Abroad, working toward their future with the Career Center, and get a leg up on their studies with the Academic Achievement Center.
Download the “Welcome to TU” Guide
New Student Programs and the Office of Student Affairs have made it easy to keep up with what’s happening during the week for “Welcome to TU.” Just download the Towson New Student Programs App through the Apple or Google Play store on your smart phone.
After downloading the app, students can then download the “Welcome to TU” guide inside the app. This guide will include the schedule for the week, dining hours, what to do in towson, Maps, and so much more.
Download the New Student Programs App and the “Welcome to TU” Guide.