UNCWelcome

UNCWelcome to UNCW!

There’s no better way to start a semester at the Dub than UNCWelcome! This longstanding UNCW tradition kicks off with Move-In, carries the excitement through the first week of classes and keeps the fun going with events and experiences that help you connect, get involved and make UNCW feel like home.

New Seahawks can explore their new home, build connections and discover ways to get involved, while returning students, faculty and staff can reconnect and celebrate the start of another great semester at the Dub.

Memories in the Making!

We’ll be updating this page with photos and video from the events. Check back throughout UNCWelcome events and afterward to see the celebration unfold.

Explore the Galleries

Explore the Moments

Your UNCW Experience Starts with WaveLink

There’s always something happening at UNCW and WaveLink is the best way to find it! WaveLink is UNCW’s online hub for campus events, student organizations and involvement opportunities. Log in with your UNCW username and password to explore upcoming events, discover student organizations and RSVP for the things you don’t want to miss.

Your Experience, Your Way

There’s more than one way to get involved at the Dub! From student organizations and internships to community service, research and more, there’s plenty to explore. Take the Involvement Compass on WaveLink to get personalized recommendations based on your interests. It’s a quick way to discover opportunities that fit you and start finding your place at the Dub.

Explore WaveLink

Explore Our Featured UNCWelcome Events

Fall into the Dub with UNCWelcome!

Our featured fall events kick off Wednesday, Aug. 12, and keep the fun going through Wednesday, Aug. 26. Check out the can’t-miss experiences below, then head to "Discover More Student Events" to see what else is happening across campus throughout UNCWelcome.

uncw move-in 2026 uncw housing and residence life (HRL)

Move-In 2026 | Aug. 12-15

It’s officially time to make the Dub home! Featured by Housing & Residence Life, Move-In marks the start of your UNCW adventure as you unpack, meet your neighbors and settle into campus life. Get ready for new spaces, new faces and the first of many memories you’ll make as a Seahawk.

Explore Move-In Info

Dub Up | Thurs., Aug. 13 from 6 to 8 p.m. Dub Up is the ultimate way to show your Seahawk spirit! Enjoy music, free pizza and your chance to grab an exclusive UNCWelcome t-shirt. Then customize your shirt with teal tie-dye as you get ready to represent UNCW all year long. Hosted by Campus Life: Student Involvement and Leadership. RSVP for Dub Up

HawkFest | Sat., Aug. 15 from 6 to 10 p.m. HawkFest is the ultimate celebration to kick off the semester! Enjoy carnival rides, games, food trucks, giveaways and more before ending the night with a spectacular UNCW-themed drone show lighting up the sky. Hosted by Campus Life: Student Involvement and Leadership. RSVP for Hawkfest

Rock the Rec | Sun., Aug. 16 from 6 to 8 p.m. Experience all that Campus Recreation has to offer and explore the Leonard Student Recreation Center while connecting with fellow Seahawks! Enjoy music and inflatable games, then discover how Campus Rec can help you stay active, healthy and involved all year long. Hosted by Campus Recreation. RSVP for Rock the Rec

Dub After Dark | Mon., Aug. 17 from 8 to 11 p.m. Join us for a late-night UNCWelcome tradition featuring a silent disco, games, crafts, a movie, exclusive giveaways and the limited-edition STUFF-A-SAMMY. Join fellow Seahawks for an unforgettable neon-filled experience in the Fisher Student Center and Fisher University Union! Hosted by the Association for Campus Entertainment (ACE). RSVP for Dub After Dark

Convocation, Class Photo & Lunch | Tues., Aug. 18 at 11:30 a.m. Following the Class of 2030 Photo, join UNCW’s official welcome for incoming undergraduate students. This required event for first-year, Early College and Dual Enrollment students (optional for transfer students) is followed by an all-campus lunch on Hoggard Lawn. Hosted by Transition Programs. Explore the Convocation Website

Movie Night at Brooks Field | Tues., Aug. 18 at 7:30 p.m. Relax before the first day of classes with a movie night under the stars at Brooks Field, home of Seahawks Baseball! Hosted by UNCW Athletics, the evening features food, giveaways and plenty of fun before you settle in for a featured film presented by Association for Campus Entertainment (ACE). Visit Athletics

Meet the Greeks | Thurs., Aug. 20 from 4 to 7 p.m. Interested in joining a fraternity or sorority? Come hang out, meet community members and learn about our fraternity and sorority organizations! Hosted by Campus Life: Fraternity and Sorority Life. RSVP for Meet the Greeks

Back to School Bingo | Fri., Aug. 21 from 5 to 7 p.m. Join the first UNCWeekends event of the year with one of UNCWelcome’s favorite traditions, BINGO! Play for a chance to win movies, merch and more. Hosted by the Association for Campus Entertainment (ACE). Explore More ACE Events

NPHC Yard Show | Fri., Aug. 21 from 7 to 9 p.m. Celebrate the first week of the semester with a National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) Yard Show you won’t forget! Join us for high-energy strolls, steps and a whole lot of Black excellence. Bring your friends and your best energy! Hosted by Fraternity & Sorority Life. RSVP for the NPHC Yard Show

ACE Outdoor Film | Sat., Aug. 22 at 8 p.m. ACE has its first outdoor film on the Campus Commons. Come watch a movie with popcorn and an activity to enjoy while you watch. Hosted by the Association for Campus Entertainment (ACE). Explore More ACE Events

Involvement Carnival | Tues., Aug. 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Explore hundreds of student organizations, on-campus job opportunities, campus departments and student resource centers while picking up free giveaways and discovering ways to get involved at UNCW. Hosted by Campus Life: Student Involvement and Leadership. RSVP for the Involvement Carnival

On-Campus Part-Time Job Fair | Wed., Aug. 26 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Explore part-time and work-study jobs right here on campus! Meet UNCW departments, connect with hiring representatives and discover opportunities for the semester ahead. Bring your resume and dress professionally. Hosted by the Career Center. RSVP for the On-Campus Part-Time Job Fair

Questions About UNCWelcome?

UNCWelcome is a university-wide initiative led by the Department of Campus Life . For general UNCWelcome questions, visit the Campus Activities & Programs website or email Campus Activities & Programs. For New Student Orientation questions, visit the Office of Transition Programs website.

Have a question about a specific event? Reach out to the campus department listed with that event.

Representation & Accessibility at UNCW

During UNCWelcome and beyond, we encourage the full participation of all UNCW community members. Event organizers make strong efforts to develop events and programs accessible for all. Should you have questions or concerns about accessibility, please contact the sponsoring department for that event with additional information. For information on how you can receive support, visit our accessibility webpage.

Accessibility at UNCW

Discover More Student Events

Explore The Galleries

New Seahawks, big events and plenty of Dub energy. Take a look back at some of our favorite moments from last year’s UNCWelcome and get a taste of what’s ahead. Stay tuned as we update the following five galleries with this year’s memories!

We’re So Back | Aug. 12-14

Move-In is here and the Seahawks are back! Catch the moments that kicked off a brand new year at the Dub.

Weekend at the Dub | Aug. 15-16

UNCWelcome Weekend brings the energy with Hawkfest and Rock the Rec. Take a look at a weekend packed with Seahawk spirit, new connections and plenty of fun.

First Week Energy | Aug. 17-19

There’s nothing quite like the first week back. Explore Dub After Dark, Convocation, Movie Night at Brooks Field and the official First Day of Classes (FDOC).

Greeks at the Dub | Aug. 20-21

Get a glimpse of fraternity and sorority life at UNCW with highlights from Meet the Greeks and the NPHC Yard Show.

Involvement Carnival | Aug. 25

So many organizations. So many possibilities. Check out the Involvement Carnival and see just how many ways there are to make your UNCW experience your own.

HawkFest 2025

HawkFest made its debut on Monday, Aug. 18, featuring carnival games, mechanical rides, food trucks, live entertainment and a dazzling drone show.

Connect with Us!

Share your photos and stories with us! Use #uncwelcome2026, #fallintothedub, or #uncw for a chance to be featured on our social media platforms.

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Pledge to Be a Healthy Hawk

Healthy Hawks embrace the holistic wellbeing values, while people and programs across campus offer their support by becoming Healthy Hawk partners.

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