Frequently Asked Questions

We know the start of your college journey can be overwhelming, and you may have some new questions come up. Don't worry! Below are some clear answers to some of your commonly asked questions for Welcome Week.

When is Welcome Week?

If you are a fall athlete, transfer student, student employee, or a first-year student in BUILD, you will move in early, please review your group's schedule. For all other students review this schedule.

What can I expect during Welcome Week?

The Welcome Week Experience is lively and unique! For all students moving in during Welcome Week (which is all students except fall athletes), you can expect a team of enthusiastic students who will help you get everything unloaded from your vehicle and delivered to your room in a matter of minutes!

For all new students, you'll make new friends, experience some of the best parts of being a Bethel student, and create lasting memories. You'll also learn the core things you need to know—where things are, how to get things done, and who to ask questions—for a successful and meaningful start to college life.

I will be living on campus. When do I move in?

ALL students living on campus have an assigned move-in date and time! PLEASE arrive on campus at your move-in time and not before!

Early arrival groups, which include fall athletes, transfer students, student employees, and first-year student in BUILD, move in on various dates. Review your group's schedule to find your move-in date, time, and schedule

All other students, review your group’s move-in date, time, and schedule. Your move-in time is based on your residence hall and floor.

After our team helps you move in, follow the signs to Info Central in the Brushaber Commons (BC) Atrium, Level 2. At Info Central, staff will be available to answer questions, give directions, help get your ID Card, set up technology, and other essential services.

What should I bring if I’m living on campus?

If you'll be living on campus your room will have a closet, bed, dresser, desk, and chair. Review a packing list from our residence life staff, or check out a packing list from a student's perspective. (These lists also tell you what not to bring: Two-prong extension cords, for example, are not allowed.) As you pack, label every box and item with your name and room number.

I am a commuter student, when do I arrive?

Commuter students will arrive at the West Entrance, and be directed to park in the West Lot, follow the commuter schedule for your arrival time. Once on campus, follow the signs to Info Central in the Brushaber Commons (BC) Atrium, Level 2. At Info Central, staff will be available to answer questions, give directions, help get your ID Card, set up technology, and many essential services.

Where do I go when I arrive?

All students, whether living on campus or commuting, enter through the west entrance next to Lake Valentine on their assigned date and time! Our team will guide you step by step on where to go from there!

Is Welcome Week required?

Welcome Week at Bethel is so much fun, and it's a crucial first step on your college journey! It's all about making connections, getting to know your campus, and understanding the support you have to THRIVE academically, relationally, and spiritually. Imagine it as your launchpad into college life; it sets the tone for everything that comes next. So, yes, Welcome Week is essential! If, for some reason, you have a scheduling conflict, please reach out to us at welcome-week@bethel.edu so we can work with you to get you everything you need.

How do I pick up my textbooks?

When you order your books, you can choose to have them either delivered to your home or to pick them up in the Campus Store in person. If you ordered your books to be picked up in the Campus Store, you can follow the signs in the Brushaber Commons to pick up your books in person during the store’s regular hours.

Do my parents or family members need to attend Welcome Week?

Parents and family members aren't required to attend Welcome Week, but Bethel University warmly invites and encourages them to be part of the experience. There's a special schedule full of activities for parents and families to enjoy together, emphasizing the importance of supporting students as they transition to college life. It's a wonderful opportunity to see what Bethel offers, providing an engaging and supportive environment for students and their families.

Do PSEO students participate in Welcome Week?

Yes! We have a Welcome Week experience specifically for PSEO students with two parts:

Part 1 - Attend a PSEO Orientation in early August

Part 2 - Attend Welcome Week at the end of August.

Follow the PSEO Welcome Week Schedule to prepare relationally for your time at Bethel.

PSEO students are an important part of our student body. We value having these students attend both parts of the Welcome Week experience.

What dining options are available?

You are welcome to visit our campus food venues or explore the many off-campus options around campus. Both Monson Dining Center and Royal Grounds are in Brushaber Commons (BC). During Welcome Week special Dining Center rates are offered for various meals. If your student has a meal plan, they will swipe their ID card each time they enter the dining center.

All serving stations offer delicious vegan, vegetarian, dairy-free, and gluten-free options for your convenience. If you have special dietary concerns, we encourage you to contact the Office of Accessibility Resources and Services at accessibility-services@bethel.edu.

The family and student schedule includes a lakeside picnic on Thursday. It is complimentary for families of new students.

Where can my guests stay?

There are plenty of nearby hotels that offer Bethel discounts.

I’m a student, who do I contact with additional questions?

Someone from our Welcome Week team would love to answer any additional questions you might have. You can contact us via email at welcome-week@bethel.edu or call the Student Life Office at 651.638.6300.

I’m a family member, who do I contact with additional questions?

The Office of Family Relations is here to support you. From special events for families throughout the year to a parent newsletter with tips on helping your student transition to college life, Welcome Week is just the beginning.