New Students Get Early Start
New student orientation gives new students a chance to get settled and explore campus and the town before classes start. And it offers more than just moving in, picking up keys and student ids, setting up wi-fi access, and getting parking passes.
Students get to know each other through:
Floor meetings;
- Icebreakers like the Amazing Chase (a chance for students and families to win prizes as they learn about the town), and Pal-a-palooza (“speed dating for friends”);
- Friendly competitions such as Project Adventure and kickball;
- The Grinnell Fest activities fair; and
- The all-campus picnic.
Students also learn the role they play in governing and improving their Grinnell community, with sessions on self-governance, harm reduction, diversity, and sexual health and violence prevention. At the request of last year’s new students, student affairs added a new Living in Grinnell session, with partners from local nonprofits, the Chamber of Commerce, law enforcement, and civil service.
Informational sessions on career development, finances, health and wellness, religious and spiritual life, and the services and support available at Grinnell help students get started off right.
Each night features entertainment like an improv comedy show, open air movie, grocery bingo, open mic night, glow-in-the-dark capture the flag, karaoke and crafts, and a hypnotist.
Healthy habits begin early as students relax with salsa dancing, meditations, yoga, tai chi, games, and outdoor activities like a community bike ride, walking around a local lake, and a canoe trip to a nearby state park.
Please join us in welcoming the newest Grinnellians!