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Summer Engagement

two students sit in front of a duke letter sign in front of the chapel

Welcome to Duke!

From the moment you say "yes" to attending Duke University, New Student and Family Programs is a resource to help students and families transition to campus successfully. Our office remains in communication with students in a number of critical ways:

  • The Blue Book
  • Summer Transition Series
  • Weekly Digests for First-Year and Transfer students
  • Social Media

From Experiential Orientation projects, packing lists, move-in day details, and much more, you will find the information you need here to ensure a smooth transition to Duke.

Now what?

Congratulations on your acceptance to Duke University! Regardless of when folks are admitted, Early Decision or Regular Decision, our office's communication will begin in May. Please relax, celebrate, and enjoy the reminder of time before embarking on your Duke journey.

After you accept your offer of admission, you will receive your NetID via email with instructions on how to activate your Duke email. Important summer communication will be sent ONLY to your Duke email address. Questions about your NetID? Contact the Office of Information Technology at 919.684.2200 or visit oit.duke.edu/help.


The Blue Book

One of the most important resources is the Blue Book. The Blue Book outlines critical resources and includes specific deadlines for everything you need to do during the summer before you arrive on campus. 

CLASS OF 2029 AND TRANSFER STUDENTS: YOUR BLUE BOOK WILL BE AVAILABLE IN MAY!


Summer Transition Series

Need help determining which classes to register for? Do you want to chat with administrators about the health forms needed before arriving in August? Join us online for opportunities to engage in real-time to answer your pressing questions. Make your transition easy with help from New Student and Family Programs!

The Summer Transition Series will help you:

  • INTERACT: Meet influential members of the Duke community.
  • COMMUNICATE: Talk directly with “experts” regarding topics that interest YOU.
  • CONNECT: Access all sessions conveniently online. It’s as easy as checking your email.

2025 SCHEDULE

Registration links will go live mid-May! See below for schedule and content information.

On May 20th, 2025 at 4pm, join Housing and Residence Life for Living at Duke (Part 1) with Housing and Residence Life. Connect with the Housing Assignments team to learn more about the Housing application process and have your questions answered.

Register here!

On May 27th at 4pm, interact with staff from Dining, DukeCard, and the Office of Information Technology/IT Security to learn about essentials of living at Duke.

Register here!

On June 2nd at 4pm, connect with Pratt Deans to get your advising and registration questions answered.

On June 3rd at 4pm, learn how Trinity College students can enroll in and engage with Constellations during their First-Year Experience.

On June 10th at 4pm, join team members from Student Health, including Immunizations, Health Insurance, and Nutrition. They will answer questions and share insight on what to expect before you arrive and when you are on campus this fall.

On June 17th at 4pm, this session covers the top 5 financial aid tips for a smooth transition to Duke. You received our aid letter and accepted Duke’s offer. Now what? Join staff members for a crash course on financial aid logistics and next steps

On June 24th at 5pm, Learn more about the academic landscape and hear advise on navigating your first year from our Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education, Dr. Candis Watts Smith. Whether you're in Trinity or Pratt, this webinar will help you understand the building blocks of the academic experience at Duke, what it means to be at a liberal arts institution, and Duke's commitment to supporting you and fostering your growth.

On July 8th at 4pm, connect with professional staff from the Academic Advising Center to learn more about advising and registration for Trinity College students.

On July 15th at 4pm, join members of Duke's Wellness teams to learn about holistic wellness services and support at Duke. Experts from the DuWell, CAPS, and DukeReach teams will share insight into what to expect on campus this fall and answer questions.

On July 22nd 4pm, connect with Prehealth Advisors to get your advising and registration questions answered.

On July 29th at 4pm, join staff from Housing & Residence Life (HRL) and the Office of Student Conduct & Community Standards (OSCCS) to learn about housing policies and how to build strong community in the residence halls.

Students are highly encouraged to join this live webinar. All incoming students are required to either participate live or watch this webinar recording before arriving on campus.

On August 5th at 5pm, join members of the New Student and Family Programs team as they answer your final questions for Move-In Day, Experiential Orientation, and your start at Duke.


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