Special Events Welcome St. John’s Students to Campus

St. John’s University is celebrating the beginning of the 2025–26 academic year by offering events designed to welcome new and returning students to the Queens, NY, campus. 

Events sponsored by Student Government, Inc., Fraternity and Sorority Life, University Career Services, and Chartwells Higher Ed dining service help set the stage for the fall semester. For new students, they also serve as an introduction to the University’s mission and culture ahead of the start of classes on September 3.

“Chartwells is excited to see our campus come alive, especially with our newest Johnnies joining the family,” said Isabelle Mieses, Marketing Coordinator for Chartwells at St. John’s. “We are ready to kick off the semester with energy, amazing food, and exciting events.”

Friday, August 29

Events begin ahead of New Student Move-In Day on Saturday, August 30. On Friday, August 29, the film Superman starring David Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan will be shown on the Great Lawn beginning at 8 p.m. Seating begins at 7:15 p.m. The first 100 residential students receive a limited-edition picnic blanket, and the first 70 commuter students and their registered guests receive a cooler lunch bag.

Saturday, August 30

Following New Student Move-In, students are welcome to attend the First Night Out Block Party  at 5 p.m. in the Residence Village. Students can enjoy a barbecue dinner at several meal stations; yard games under the lights follow.

Saturday, August 30, to Monday, September 1

Campus Activities’ CA Link-Up returns with opportunities for students to make meaningful connections with their fellow St. John’s students. Events are held during the day. CA Link-Ups continue throughout the school year; interested students can join here.

Sunday, August 31

Fraternity and Sorority Life and Chartwells host a Skyline Social at 6 p.m. at the Montgoris Dining Hall patio, where students can enjoy a taste of New York City from various food vendors, including pizza and Nathan’s Famous hot dogs. Students can also enjoy games, music, a photo booth, and more.

The annual Move-In Student Mass is celebrated at 5:30 p.m. at St. Thomas More Church.

The Red Storm Women’s Soccer team plays its home opener against Youngstown State University at 1 p.m. at Belson Stadium. Admission is free for students, and those who arrive early receive a limited-edition schedule poster.

Tuesday, September 2

The Office of Residence Life sponsors a Sand and Sip event along the Residence Village walk from 11 a.m. to noon, where students can create mocktails and a sand art keepsake, perfect for a residence hall windowsill.

All first-year students are invited for ice cream and to learn about the Global Passport study-abroad program for Fall 2025 or Spring 2026 from 3 to 4 p.m. at DAC 314. The event will be repeated on Monday, September 8. 

The Resident Student Association hosts a Welcome Back Luau from 3 to 7 p.m. with food, music, and games at Montgoris Plaza.

Wednesday, September 3

Students can celebrate the first day of classes with food, giveaways, music, and more at the D’Angelo Center (DAC) Plaza from noon to 3 p.m.

Thursday, September 4

At Career Services’ Career-nival, from 1 to 3:30 p.m. on the lawn outside Chiang Ching-Kuo Hall, students can enjoy ice cream, chips, cookies, and drinks while connecting with career advisers.

“This event is for all students,” said Ellen Burti ’83C, ’87GEd, Assistant Vice President, Career Services. “It is an outdoor, activity-based event to help students connect with their career adviser, learn about career communities, and sign up for other career services events happening this fall.”

Also, students can take part in a “First Day of Classes” photo shoot and enjoy a treat from Mom’s Ice Pops at St. Augustine Plaza from noon to 2 p.m. First-year and transfer students in The Peter J. Tobin College of Business can enjoy “To B Introduced,” a guide to experiences that will make their time at St. John’s more meaningful. Students registering here for the 1:50 p.m. event in Marillac Hall Auditorium receive a free T-shirt. 

The College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences sponsors a Pre-Health meet-and-greet with fellow students from 2 to 3 p.m. at the DAC, room 407.  

Students eager to experience Red Storm Athletics can visit Belson Stadium at 6:30 p.m., ahead of the Women’s Soccer game against Columbia University at 7 p.m. The first 500 fans receive a free Hawaiian-themed bucket hat, and ice cream from Mister Softee will be available at halftime. 

Friday, September 5

The next night, the Red Storm Men’s Soccer team takes on second-ranked Marshall at Belson Stadium at 7 p.m.  The first 500 fans receive a free Hawaiian-themed bucket hat. A pregame pep rally at 4:30 p.m. at Carnesecca Plaza includes food, giveaways, music, and more.

Sunday, September 7

The Welcome Back Mass begins at 5:30 p.m. at St. Thomas More Church.

Monday, September 8

Representatives of more than 120 student organizations showcase their work, mission, and St. John’s spirit at the annual Fall Student Activities Fair from noon to 3 p.m. along the Great Lawn. One of the semester’s most anticipated events, the fair showcases opportunities in well-established student organizations such as the Chappell Players Theater Group and emerging fields such as eSports and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math.  

Students can let the sun set on summer at the University’s Sunset Festival from 5 to 9 p.m. at the DAC Plaza. Enjoy music, food, games, and giveaways sponsored by Campus Activities and Fraternity and Sorority Life.