NEC’s programs for new students connects you to our community resources and encourages you to think more about your life, skills, and goals and what it means to live and learn in the context of our rich liberal arts environment.
Allie Birchmeier
Director of New Student and Family Programs
603.428.2248
abirchmeier@nec.edu
After you deposit, you can begin your enrollment paperwork. This will include your housing contract, medical paperwork, financial aid/billing, and other important documents to be ready to begin courses at the start of the term.
To log in, visit nec.edu/apply and click “Login.” You received an email from the College with your login credentials. If you have trouble logging in, please reach out to your admissions counselor for assistance.
Orientation and transition to the college environment are a process and, therefore, do not occur solely over the course of one program. For our fall-start students, our programs begin in June and continue into the fall semester. For our spring-start students, our program begins in January and continues through the spring semester. It is our hope that by participating in our programs, students will increase their understanding and knowledge of resources on campus to help them manage this transition.
There are four parts to the program:
Online Module Part 1
June or January
Get Your Bearings Part 1 is an online orientation module that will introduce you to key university resources. You will learn about registering for classes and completing key enrollment paperwork requirements. Login to begin now.
Get Your Bearings: Online Module, Part 1
Online Module Part 2
July or January
Get Your Bearings Part 2 is an online orientation module that will introduce you to key university resources as you prepare to begin classes. You will receive an overview of student life, academic support resources, and key safety protocols. You can do this at your own pace.
Expedition Orientation: Summer program for students and family members
Expedition is a one-day orientation session offered in the summer for students and family members. You will have an opportunity to learn more about campus services, get your technology set up, meet and engage with faculty, learn how to get involved on campus and how to be a successful student, tour the campus, meet other students (current and new), and ask questions you have.
Families can learn about the first-year curriculum, campus safety and wellness, policies, and how NEC partners to support students, as well as ask any questions. The Expedition does NOT replace the fall welcome program. All components are part of the full orientation process.
Sample family schedule
Sample student schedule
Expedition registration will open at the beginning of May. Expedition dates:
Unable to make Expedition in person? Please watch our orientation video content, then plan to join us for a live virtual Q and A session.
Join our virtual Q and A. Staff will be online to answer any questions you have.
Check back in the spring for 2025 dates and times.
Fall Welcome begins with Move-In Day and continues until the start of classes. Fall Welcome is required for all new students. Commuter students and transfer students also participate in Fall Welcome. There is a separate program offered for our non-traditional (22+) commuter undergraduate students.
During Fall Welcome, you will meet with your First-Year Student group, engage in academic experiences, review safety and wellness procedures, and participate in fun college traditions. More information about Fall Welcome will be released by mid-summer.
Non-traditional (22+) Commuter Orientation
TBD
Move In and Fall Welcome Orientation
TBD
Spring Welcome is a one- to two-day orientation program for all new students starting in the spring semester. Commuter and transfer students also participate in Spring Welcome. During the program, we cover safety and wellness information, academic support resources, technology, and other important topics to prepare you for the start of the term. You will have the opportunity to meet staff, fellow students and other members of the community.
New-Student Move In
Sunday, January 19, 2025, from 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
New-Student Orientation
Residential Students: Sunday, January 19, from 2:30–4:30 p.m. and Monday, January 20, from 11:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
Commuter Students: Monday, January 20, from 10:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Check-in for commuters is from 9:00–10:00 a.m.
Spring 2025 schedule will be available by December.
New Student Move-In: Sunday, January 19, 2025
All move-in times are 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
When should I plan to move in and where do I go when I arrive?
Incoming students (first year and transfer) will move onto campus Sunday, January 19.
At check-in, you will receive a list of any outstanding paperwork items to complete and will meet with those offices to complete any items before proceeding to receive your key/codes from Residential Life.
What should I bring for my residence hall? What can’t I bring?
Check out the packing list of what is allowed in the residence halls and what is not; it can also be found on the Residential Life webpage. As a friendly reminder… remember that less is more!
Do commuters need to check in?
Yes. Commuter students will check in from 9:00–10:00 a.m. on Monday, January 20.
When do classes begin?
Classes begin on Tuesday, January 22.
This course provides students with the foundation for a four-year liberal arts education. Students will explore the meaning of a liberal arts education within the context of a yearly theme. Students will engage in community activities that enhance their education and provide meaning to their academic, social, emotional, and personal growth while at New England College. Students are expected to attend regularly, participate in discussions, and engage in the larger community.
What’s It All About?
Who takes FYS?
All first-year students take this course, which is a graduation requirement, during their first semester at NEC.
What are students saying about FYS?
“It was great to have a community of people I could talk to about anything.”
“The class helped me be more confident about my college experience.”
“The staff and Peer Leaders were always there for us with anything we needed.”
“FYS helped me be more open with new people and become aware of new opportunities around me.”
“This course helped NEC feel more like home to me.”
Who are the peer leaders?
Peer leaders (PLs) are upper-class students who assist new students in their transition to college life. Beginning at Orientation, PLs welcome students and their families to campus and then continue to provide support to new students throughout the fall semester in the Bridges to Learning course and beyond. They not only help students connect with campus resources, but they also strive to build camaraderie and help new students engage in the greater NEC community.
Our 2024–2025 peer leaders
Are you interested in becoming a peer leader?
Learn more about becoming a peer leader.
