Griz Welcome

All incoming first-year students are required to attend this week of welcome program.  Transfer students and adult learners (first-year students over the age of 21) are invited, but not required to attend the Big Sky Experience. 

Find all the details here.

When Can I Move In?

New students will move into the residence halls at their scheduled move-in time on Monday, Aug. 17. In early July, students received an email at their UM student email account with directions to sign up for a move-in time and any additional information regarding move-in procedures.

If you are part of a special program arriving early, please see the information regarding those specific programs under the Special Programs section below. 

Special Programs

• Freshmen Wilderness Experience: Those who are participating in either the river or backpacking trip for the FWE will check in on Aug. 12 or Aug. 13. Students need to be signed up for FWE in order to be eligible for the early move-in dates. 
• Flathead Lake Biological Station Program: Those who are participating in the FLBS program will check in on Aug. 13. Students need to be signed up with the Flathead Lake Biological Station program in order to be eligible for an FLBS check-in date.
• Marching Band: Band Members can check in on Aug. 14-16. Students will need to be approved by the Music Department to be eligible for a check-in date.
• Student Athletes: Student athletes needing to return to campus early will work with their coaches to plan arrival times.
• International Students: International students arriving early for international orientation will need to work with International Programs to set up your arrival time. 

The Lodge Dining Center

Presented by Campus Dining

Campus Dining has an amazing dining experience planned for incoming students and their families in UM’s brand-new, world class dining center. Join them for UM’s much-anticipated First Meal of the academic year, featuring wonderful, chef-crafted local food and produce from their on-campus garden. The evening’s lineup will include the UM Marching Band, our playful mascot Monte, and more!

Incoming students may use their dining plans to gain admission to the event; parents or family members that accompany a new student will be admitted free!

Presented by UM Housing

If you are living in one of our on-campus Residence Halls, you must attend this welcome meeting with your Resident Assistant and floor-mates, to learn the in's and out's of on-campus living, and get to know your neighbors!

University Center Commons (University Center 2nd floor)

Join the Advocates, our Campus Activities Board (CAB), and the Gaming Den for one of UM’s favorite traditions - Grocery BINGO! It’s just like regular BINGO, but the prizes are bags full of real groceries, and other exciting items to stock your new home (mini fridge, coop pillow, redbull and more!). You’re bound to meet new people, share some laughs, and win some prizes.

University Center 

University Center After Dark. Explore & Connect.

UC After Dark is your introduction to the spaces, services, and people that make the student union yours — plus a night of games, music, trivia, crafting, food, and prizes.

Lets have some fun! 

1st Floor:

UC Passport Challenge
Axe throwing
Balloon animals
Build your own Zen garden with ASUM
Zoo Crew 
Retail Services
UM Hockey

2nd Floor:

Sensory Room UC 227 — A quiet space to step away and reset
Gaming Den — Free play, all night
Student Lounge — Trivia
UC 250 —DJ and Dance Party and Mini Golf
Food Court — Grab some fries from Gary’s Local and a drink at the Saucy Chix's Dirty Soda Bar!

UC Passport Challenge Chance to win one of three prizes; Beats headphones, a Coop Pillow, or a weighted blanket.

1. Pick up your passport on the first floor of the UC outside of the Market.
2. Collect stamps at 6 of the 10 stations below.
3. Bring your completed passport back to the West Atrium for a prize — and an entry to win our grand prize.

Stamp Stations — Collect 6

Branch Center — Free popcorn, quick tours, and a rundown of everything the Branch Center can do for you, while you are here check out the writing center
Food Pantry — Take on the Food Pantry Scavenger Hunt
Fraternity & Sorority Life Office — Stop in and meet Cody and learn more about Greek Life on campus
Clearwater Credit Union — Meet your on-campus bank and try a fun activity
Campus Mail Services — Mail a free postcard to anyone you want
Canva Salon — Meet your UC salon and check out what they have to offer
Go Griz Store — Open late, with Zoo Crew football wristbands while supplies last
Calm & Crafty Corner — Open house and Zen garden pickup
UC Market — Open all evening, with free Yerba Madre handed out around the UC throughout the night

Come with friends or come make some friends!

The Oval

Presented by UM's Faith Based Collective

Join us for a night of glow-in-the-dark capture the flag! Two teams. One winner. Represent the Class of 2030 as you compete in one of the largest games of the year.

Caras Park

Presented by the Missoula Downtown Association

The Downtown Missoula Partnership invites you to enjoy the splendor of downtown Missoula for your dinner this evening. You can either purchase dinner at Downtown ToNight or use your meal plan on campus before heading down to check out the music.

There you will find a quintessential Missoula event – Downtown ToNight! Enjoy a plethora of local food vendors and free music!

Washington Grizzly Stadium

Presented by Grizzly Athletics

Looking for the perfect way to spend a Missoula summer night? Join us for the 2^nd annual Stadium Cinema Movie Night from Washington-Grizzly Stadium! In addition to the movie (which will be selected from a fan vote in August), movie-goers can take advantage of concessions, a beer garden and more family activities. Seating will be available on the stadium turf, as well as from the bleachers; blankets and chairs are allowed, as are outside food and beverages.

This event is free for all children 16 and under, and just $7 for adults.

Grizzly Bear Statue, The Oval

Presented by the University Center

Join the Gaming Den and Campus Activities Board for an evening of late-night karaoke. Whether you're a shower singer, stage star, or just here for the vibes, Outdoor Karaoke is a can't-miss UM tradition! Sing solo, team up with friends, or cheer on your fellow Griz as they take the mic under the big Montana sky.

Montana Museum of Arts and Culture and Memorial Row

Presented by the UM Advocates and ROTC

Let’s finish out your Big Sky Experience week with a splash!

Join us for the River Rendezvous on the Oval with lawn games, treats, and music, or you can take part in a long-standing UM tradition, the Freshman Float, down the Clark Fork river.

Shuttles will leave from the River Bowl every half hour beginning at 12:30PM, with the last shuttle at 3:30PM. Be sure to check in at River Bowl before jumping on the shuttle. In general, the float takes about 2 hours.

What to Bring: Bring your own float tube if you have it, or we will have limited quantities available to borrow. Bring your UM dry bag, but leave anything you don't want lost at home! No secure storage will be provided onsite.

What if there is bad weather? Check the stories on Instagram @umontana for updates if weather appears to be an issue. No updates? No problems then!

Did you know that Fish Wildlife and Parks require a permit on most state lands? Make sure to get your permit before you arrive!

Downtown Missoula, Main and Ryman

Presented by the Missoula Downtown Association

This free admission event is one of Missoula’s Signature Celebrations and highlights all of the amazing things that make Missoula, Missoula: music, art, culture, local food and drinks, active lifestyles, and community.

As the Heartbeat of Missoula, Downtown is the perfect setting for Roots Fest. Downtown is where you’ll find local businesses, local flavors, local art, and local people all coming together. We invited you to not only experience Roots Fest, but be sure to take some time to take a walk around the historic epicenter of the city we love.

On behalf of our Downtown business, the Downtown Missoula Partnership welcomes you to Roots Fest - we hope you enjoy everything our event, and Downtown, has to offer!

Check out all the details here.

Main Hall Steps, on The Oval

Presented by UM Housing

Grab a pair of headphones, pick your favorite DJ channel, and dance under the glow and the stars! Don't miss one of UM's classic Welcome Week traditions.

Downtown Missoula, Main and Ryman

Presented by the Missoula Downtown Association

Celebrate all things Missoula during the 20th Annual River City Roots Fest - from the Saturday morning Markets to the Run Wild Fun Run, art showcases, vending and of course, Music on Main - join the Downtown Missoula Partnership in welcome our new students to our community!

Find a list of events and details here.

The Oval 

Presented by UM Fraternity and Sorority Life

Come meet members of UM's fraternities and sororities! Enjoy lawn games, ice cold ice cream, and cool conversation while learning more about the Greek community and how to get involved. Go Griz! Go Greek!

The Oval

Presented by ZooCrew

Kick off your first Saturday at the University of Montana with a movie under the stars. Join the Zoo Crew Student Section, UM Housing, and Student Life on Saturday, Aug. 22, for an outdoor showing of Miracle.

The movie begins at 9 p.m., so come early and bring a blanket or lawn chair, grab free movie snacks courtesy of UM Housing and enjoy a relaxed evening meeting new friends and getting to know your Zoo Crew student section leaders.

Thinking about joining Zoo Crew? Registration opens Monday, Aug. 3. Zoo Crew is UM's official student section, bringing Griz spirit to athletic events all year long.

You do not have to be a Zoo Crew member to attend. The event is free and open to all UM students, so come sing along, enjoy the movie and start your UM experience with a fun night on the Oval.

Registration opens for Zoo Crew beginning Aug. 3.

Washington Grizzly Stadium

Presented by the UM Alumni Association

Connect with Griz greats, fellow fans and alumni as we find our zen in the heart of Grizzly territory. Don't miss this unique opportunity to stretch and strengthen in the iconic Washington Grizzly Stadium. This event is BYOM — bring your own mat!

Cost: $15

Student Cost: $10, Register Here

• One-hour yoga class taught by registered yoga teacher and alum, Alley Fontenot
• Exclusive post-yoga access and offers from local Health & Wellness vendors
• Event is open to individuals aged 16 and older

All On-Campus Residence Halls

• Aber Hall and Jesse Hall: 11th Floor Lounge
• Pantzer Hall: Basement Lounge
• Miller Hall, Craig Hall, Elrod Hall, Knowles Hall: 1st Floor Lobby
• Turner Hall: Dell Brown Room

Presented by UM Well Being

At the University of Montana, we believe wellbeing is about caring for the whole person. Rest and preparation aren't extras—they are essential to your success.

The Sunday Reset Zone is a self-guided space where you can take a few minutes to prepare for the week ahead in whatever way works best for you. Build a sleep or self-care kit, plan your week, grab a healthy snack, explore campus resources, or simply take a moment to recharge.

We encourage every Griz to start a Sunday Reset tradition early. A few intentional minutes each Sunday can help you feel more prepared, less stressed, and ready for what matters most.

Whether you’ve got a 9AM or nothing 'til Tuesday—it all starts today!

Welcome to a brand new year, Griz! Time to grab your coffee, your class schedule, and let the adventure begin.

Dennison Theater

Your academic journey begins at University of Montana's Convocation. Celebrate this exciting milestone with fellow new Grizzlies as you re-connect with your faculty and deans, and hear again from President Shinn. This longstanding tradition marks the beginning of your academic journey and the experiences that lie ahead.

Dahlberg Arena

Cheer on Griz Volleyball during this pre-season exhibition game.  Free entry for all!

Payne Family Native American Center Fire Pit

Presented by Fraternity and Sorority Life

Students can connect with current fraternity and sorority members, ask questions, and learn more about involvement opportunities while enjoying an evening around the fire.

Davidson Honors College

Presented by the Davison Honors College

The Davidson Honors College Convocation ceremony welcomes new students to the DHC community. Students will receive a formal welcome from DHC Dean, Dr. Tim Nichols to kick off the academic year, followed by introductions from the DHC staff, and fun and games in the oval.

South Campus Stadium

Cheer on Griz Soccer as they begin the 2026 season!  Free entry for UM students and employees with valid Griz Card.

The Oval

Presented by the University Center

Join Montana Shakespeare in the Parks for a FREE performance of Shakespeare’s  "The Merchant of Venice"

Pack a blanket, grab your friends, and enjoy this world class performance! 

Inclement weather location: University Center Ballroom

Presented by the Office for Disability Equity

Join the Office for Disability Equity (ODE) for their August Final Friday, the Lemon”ODE” Stand! Stop by for a summer social featuring snacks, community, and an opportunity to learn more about ODE’s services and commitment to fostering accessibility, inclusion, and belonging. “Squeeze” the most out of your Final Friday and join us at the Lemon”ODE” Stand!

The Oval

Presented by the University Center

Join Montana Shakespeare in the Parks for a FREE performance of Shakespeare’s  "Much Ado About Nothing"

Pack a blanket, grab your friends, and enjoy this world class performance! 

Inclement weather location: University Center Ballroom

University of Montana Grizzlies host Southern Utah

Loud Crowd. Griz Pride. First Down Fun.

It’s time to pack Washington-Grizzly Stadium and cheer on the Griz at the first home football game of the season! Be sure to check out the free pre-game tailgate for UM students.

Whether you're a lifelong fan or brand new to the maroon and silver, this is your chance to experience one of the most electrifying game days in college football.

Get decked out in your white Griz gear for this "whiteout Game", bring your game-day energy, and get ready for traditions, touchdowns, and unforgettable vibes. Don’t miss this campus rite of passage!

Get your student ticket - they go fast! Don't know how to access your student football tickets - learn more here.

Let's go Griz - be loud, be proud, and bring the roar!

South Campus Stadium

Cheer on Griz Soccer!  Free for UM students and employees, with valid Griz Card.

Ogren Park at Allegiance Field

Presented by the Missoula PaddleHeads, ZooCrew, UM Bear Necessities, UM Club Sports, Grizzly Athletics, and UM Advocates

Join the University of Montana community for one of our favorite annual traditions at the ballpark on Wednesday, Sept. 2. First pitch is at 6:35 p.m.

Cheer on the PaddleHeads alongside student-athletes from Griz Athletics and Club Sports, snap a photo with Monte and celebrate UM spirit throughout the evening. President Shinn will throw out the ceremonial first pitch to kick off the game.

Service is part of what makes UM special. Be sure to stop by the UM Food Pantry table and support students by participating in the 50/50 raffle.

Discounted tickets are available for the UM community. Purchase tickets.

Bring your friends, wear your best Griz gear, and enjoy a great night of baseball with the UM community.

Presented by the Montana Museum of Arts and Culture

Did you know, the Montana Museum of Art & Culture is YOUR museum, too?  Yes, as students at UM, you can get a free membership, and enjoy the incredible art exhibits all year long!  

Check it out and bring your own yoga mat to practice yoga to the soothing sounds of a wellness sound bath to boot!

Suggested donation $10-20. No one turned away for lack of funds.

Presented by the Montana Museum of Arts and Culture

Join us for the "First" First Friday at UM this semester. Stay tuned on Instagram @firstfridayum for updates and upcoming events!

Join UM and lets "Stripe the Stadium"!  

Get your free student ticket - they go fast! Don't know how to access your student football tickets - learn more here.

Let's go Griz - be loud, be proud, and bring the roar!

No classes. Offices mostly snoozing too.

Campus is taking the day off—so should you! Sleep in, hit the trails, or just enjoy a well-earned break.