Koala Welcome

Welcome Home, Koalas.

Quick Announcements

Koala Welcome is more than just Move-In Day. It's a multi-day experience designed to help new students transition into college life and feel a sense of connection, confidence, and community from the moment they arrive.

Whether you're living on campus or commuting from home, Koala Welcome ensures that every student begins their Columbia College journey with purpose, support, and a whole lot of purple pride.

What is Koala Welcome?

Koala Welcome is Columbia College's official welcome experience for all new undergraduate students. This includes Move-In Day for residential students, community-building events, orientation sessions, and exciting social experiences that continue into your first week of classes.

Our Goals:

  • Ease the cultural, intellectual, and social transition to college
  • Introduce students to their rights, responsibilities, and resources as new community members
  • Prepare students to make the most of their academic and co-curricular experiences
  • Help families and supporters understand how to best assist their students
Step One: Check In & Move In

Everyone begins their Koala Welcome journey at our centralized Check-In Tent.

  • Get your welcome packet
  • Pick up your student ID and parking decal
  • Receive a campus map and event guide
  • Connect with support teams if you still have checklist items to complete

Residential Students: Once you’re cleared, our Koala Crew will help you unload your car and settle into your new space. You’ll receive a room slip, luggage tags, and a warm welcome from your hallmates and RAs.

Commuter Students: You’ll check in, grab your essentials, and get connected. You’re encouraged to attend all Koala Welcome programs and events, just like residential students.

McNair Hall Move-In Schedule:

  • 9:00 AM - 10:15 AM: 3rd Floor Residents
  • 10:30 AM - 11:45 AM: 2nd Floor Residents
  • 12:00 PM - 1:15 PM: 1st Floor Residents 
Beyond the Boxes: What’s Next?

We’re not going to spoil everything (yet), but here's a sneak peek:

  • A welcome from President Dozier and Columbia College's First Family
  • First-night community events and mixers
  • Interactive workshops on campus life, safety, wellness, and how to get involved
  • Faculty Meet & Greets and Leadership Spotlights
  • Signature student traditions and late-night experiences
  • Optional family send-off events
Welcome Week: August 24 – September 1

Koala Welcome doesn’t stop after the weekend, it kicks up a notch. Welcome Week is packed with can't miss events like block parties, ball games, karaoke nights, vision boards, and a few surprises you’ll have to see to believe.

The full Welcome Week lineup is coming soon. Trust us, you won’t want to miss a thing.

Why It Matters

The first few weeks of college are powerful. Students who engage early tend to feel more connected, do better in class, and build lasting friendships. Koala Welcome helps you hit the ground running, with support, pride, and a plan.

This isn’t just your last phase of orientation. It’s your launchpad.