Welcome to Carleton!

We want to help our new students make the transition from high school and home to Carleton College as smoothly as possible. To guide you on your way, we’ve created this information center specifically for new students. If you still have questions after you’ve read these pages, feel free to contact us for assistance.

  • All new students should review this website.
  • International students should visit the Information for International Students site for information about attending International Student Orientation. All international students attending Carleton on a U.S. government-issued visa are required to attend.
  • Transfer students should also review the Information for Transfer Students.

Mailing #1 (for students):

Mailing #1 will be sent Mid-May. This letter contains the student’s permanent Carleton username and a temporary password (which should be changed upon initial login), which you will use to sign in and complete forms that are due over the summer. You cannot access these forms with the credentials you used during the admissions process.

Mailing #2 (for parents):

Mailing #2 will be sent Mid-May. Parents may also find this mailing onlinePlease note: Carleton’s fall term begins in mid-September, and though registration information is available by the middle of July, First-Year students don’t begin registration until mid-August.

Important Dates for Summer 2024

    • Mid-May: receive a comprehensive mailing with details for the summer
    • June–September: Action items are due
    • July–August: Attend a Summer Send-Off
    • September 5: International Student Orientation begins
    • September 10 – 15: New Student Week
      • Residence halls open: 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 10, 2024
      • Parents leave campus: By 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 10, 2024
      • For transportation and arrival information, see the Move-In Day Resources page.
    • October 18-20: Family Weekend
    • November 26: Students can leave campus for winter break after their last exam is finished, as determined by their professors. The residential halls close at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, so please ensure any travel plans have students vacating their spaces prior to that time. Housing information can be found on the Residential Life website.