As the fall semester approaches, Marist College is preparing for the return of students to campus. Student move-in will occur between August 18 and August 24. First-year students are scheduled to arrive on August 18, 20, or 21, depending on their assigned date and travel distance, while upper-class students will move in on August 23 and 24. Classes begin on August 25.
First-year students are encouraged to monitor their email and the StarRez housing portal for updates and complete all steps listed on the New Student Checklist before arrival. The Office of First Year Experience is available to assist with preparations. “Feeling overwhelmed? Don’t worry, the Office of First Year Experience has got you covered. Meet your mentors and don’t forget to view these helpful move-in FAQs.”
Orientation and Welcome Week activities will be held before classes start, organized by the Office of First Year Experience. A new event this year is the Marist Student Convocation for the Class of 2029 on Sunday, August 24 at McCann Arena. The ceremony will include a processional, guest speakers, and a special gift for each student. Other events throughout the week include a comedy show, Hudson River cruises, a campus-wide block party with fireworks on Sunday evening, as well as additional gatherings hosted by the Office of Student Activities.
Some new student events require free tickets through Hometown Ticketing; students can download the app to access Marist event listings in August.
Marist College has updated its dining services based on student feedback collected over two years since partnering with Gourmet Dining. The changes aim to give students more flexibility across dining locations and better value tailored to individual food preferences (https://my.marist.edu/). New meal plans were designed in collaboration with the Student Government Association.
Several campus dining venues are introducing new offerings: Steel Plant Cafe will feature monthly toast and smoothie specials; McCann Cafe will have monthly quesadilla specials; Hudson at Hancock expands its beverage menu; Donnelly Cafe upgrades its salad bar; Books & Beans adds drinks like London Fog Latte and shaken espressos. There will also be special events such as Taste of Marist Eats nights and guest chef experiences.
Saxbys cafe in Dyson Center continues as a fully student-run operation after a successful first year.
For dietary needs or food restrictions, Marist Dining employs a licensed dietitian who oversees an allergy-friendly kitchen.
Students are reminded about available resources including academic support services, counseling services, health services, career services, fitness centers such as McCann Center Facilities & McCormick Hall Fitness Center, clubs and organizations via myMarist portal (https://my.marist.edu/), transportation resources (https://www.marist.edu/student-life/student-services/transportation), among others.
Residence Life advises that first-year students coordinate with roommates regarding furniture or appliances prior to moving in. Housing assignments along with detailed instructions will be sent out by August 8.
Students can purchase or rent textbooks from the online bookstore ahead of classes starting (https://marist.bncollege.com/shop/marist/home) and browse school apparel at the spirit shop section (https://marist.bncollege.com/shop/marist/spirit-apparel).
The Office of the Registrar is responsible for creating class schedules for new students; details about advisors based on majors will follow via email in early August.
To make college life more engaging, students are encouraged to create personal bucket lists exploring campus opportunities such as joining clubs or trying intramural sports. Additional information about Poughkeepsie’s attractions can be found through Dutchess County Tourism (https://dutchesstourism.com/) or Travel Hudson Valley (https://travelhudsonvalley.com/).
Updates about university news can be accessed through Inside Marist or official social media channels including Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/maristcollege/), LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/school/marist-college/), TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@maristcollege), X/Twitter (https://twitter.com/marist), Threads (@maristcollege), Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/marist). Prospective students may also use ZeeMee for more information.
