Week of Welcome | Student Life | The University of Vermont(title)

Week of Welcome (a.k.a. WOW) is a classic UVM tradition - kicking-off the start of the semester with tons of free events, treats, and chances to connect with your friends and campus as we start another semester.

When is WOW?

Fall Semester: Week of Welcome

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Week of Welcome (WOW) is the official start of the fall semester. Beginning on the first day of classes, we (along with countless other UVM departments and organizations) plan tons of fun and exciting events for you to experience during your first week – from movie nights and a comedy show to drag bingo, off-campus excursions, free food, free swag and more!

Spring semester: Winter Week of Welcome

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Winter Week of Welcome (Winter WOW) is a week full of awesome events in January meant to introduce new students (and reacclimate returning students) to our campus at the start of the Spring semester. From free coffee to UVM's annual WinterFest - a winter-themed take-over of the Davis Center, every year there are new events for anyone and everyone to explore.

Event tables during the week of welcome interacting with many students and talking amongst one another

Week of Welcome Events

Both WOW and Winter WOW are full of fun (and free!) events - from food to crafts and everything in-between. Stay up-to-date with events as they're scheduled on UVM BORED our student-run on-and off-campus events calendar.

See WOW on BORED

Don't miss out!
Signature WOW Events

A comedian at the Labor Day Comedy show overlooking a crowd which is laughing back at his jokes

Labor Day Comedy Show

Get ready to laugh it up as UVM Program Board presents UVM’s Labor Day Comedy Show. Join campus for this annual tradition featuring an evening of laughter and hilarity with some of the nation's hottest comedians out there.
Group of 5 students inside of an inflatable Snow Globe, with their hands and faces pressed against the sides laughing and cheering in excitement during WinterFest

WinterFest!

UVM Program Board takes over the Davis Center for a winter party not to be missed. Grab some free food, check out some tunes, and participate in the winter wonderland events happening throughout the night.
Coffee being poured into a special "Week of Welcome" glass during coffee at the catamount which offers free coffee every hour during Week of Welcome

Coffee on the Commons

Adjusting to a new schedule after a relaxing break can be rough - we're here to make those early-morning strolls to class just a little more bearable with free coffee, tea, treats, and some free swag. All week. Monday through Friday. Because we <3 you!
A table at the ActivitiesFest event showing a student talking to someone behind the table with many more students in the background going to the other tables around

ActivitiesFest

If you're interested in finding a club or org, be sure to check out ActivitiesFest, our annual club fair for a chance to visit representatives from most of our 200+ clubs & organizations, and scope out on-and-off-campus resources. ActivitiesFest is held each semester!

More About ActivitiesFest

WOW FAQs

When is WOW?
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Both Week of Welcome and Winter Week of Welcome take place at the start of the fall and spring semesters respectively.  Week of Welcome begins in the fall starting with move-in day and lasts throughout the first week of classes (plus a few days).  Winter Week of Welcome begins mid-January, lasts the week, and concludes with our signature event - WinterFest.  More information is available on UVMBORED.

Is WOW just for first-year students?
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No! All events happening during WOW and Winter WOW are fair game for ANY UVM student to enjoy, regardless of class year. However, during the fall semester, Orientation events (which take place from Move-In through Sunday) are JUST for incoming first year students (and some of them are mandatory) to help orient them to their new UVM community.

Are WOW events free?
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Week of Welcome events are free. Events that are 'free but ticketed’ have a capacity – so don’t wait to grab that ticket if you’re interested.  Tickets for WOW events can be reserved online here unless otherwise stated on marketing materials.

Do I need transportation?
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Nope! Any Week of Welcome event that is off-campus will either have shuttles to and from the event or a group walk. Details will be listed in marketing materials. If the off-campus event involves a group walk and you need a transportation accommodation, please email us at campusprograms@uvm.edu in advance of the event.

Have other questions about WOW? Email campusprograms@uvm.edu, and we'll be happy to answer them!