Griz Welcome

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. 

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 Experince. 

Find all the details here.

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!

University Center Commons (University Center 2nd floor)

Play BINGO. Win Groceries. Eat Happy.

Join the Student Life Team for one of UM’s most beloved traditions - Grocery BINGO! It’s just like regular BINGO, but the prizes are bags full of real groceries (as well as other prizes). From snacks and drinks to cereal and mac & cheese, you might just walk away with your next meal (or a whole week’s worth!).

Come with friends or roll solo, either way, you’re bound to meet new people, share some laughs, and maybe even score big.

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

University Center 

Your Student Union. After Hours. Full of Surprises.

Get ready to explore the University Center like never before! UC After Dark is your backstage pass to all the incredible spaces and services the student union has to offer. From the one-of-a-kind treasures in The Vault, to gaming and relaxing in the Student Lounge & Gaming Den, this is your chance to discover your new favorite spot on campus.

You’ll also meet your Student Body Government (ASUM) and connect with the people and places that help make campus life unforgettable.

Swing by - Boba Tea - located in retail corner to purchase a fun drink - as they will be open from 6-9pm. 

Don’t miss the Campus Activities Board’s epic Laser Tag Showdown in the UC Commons—it’s not just a game, it’s a legend.

Come with friends or come curious—UC After Dark is where your student union comes alive.

Presented by UM's Faith Based Collective, join fellow students in an nighttime game of glow capture the flag!

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!

Presented by Grilly 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 on The Oval

Your Voice. Your Crowd. Your Campus.

Whether you're a shower singer, stage star, or just here for the vibes—Outdoor Karaoke is a can't-miss UM tradition! Gather at the iconic Grizzly Bear Statue on the Oval for an unforgettable night of music, laughter, and community.

Sing solo, team up with friends for a group performance, or cheer on your fellow Griz as they take the mic under the open Montana sky. It’s the perfect mix of fun, connection, and pure campus energy.

No pressure, all fun—just bring your voice (or your best backup dance moves)!

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!

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.

More details to come!

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.

Presented by Fraternity and Sorority Life, more details to come!

Presented by ZooCrew, more details to come!

Presented by the UM Alumni Association, more details to come!

Presented by UM Well Being, more details to come!

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.

More details to come!

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

Presented by the Davison Honors College, more details to come!

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

More details to come!

Presented by the Office for Disability Equity

More details to come!

More details to come!

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!

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

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 here: https://tickets.paddleheadspost.com/event/693c6877564b1ca26440ef07/6a29c395de137e9af7cb3b8a?utm_campaign=-rOevkbf&utm_source=shareable_link

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

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 incredibkle art exhbitis 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.

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.