August 21, 2026
St. John’s University will welcome new and returning students to the Queens, NY, campus with a series of events beginning next week designed to celebrate the start of the 2026–27 academic year.
The Office of Residence Life; Campus Ministry; Fraternity and Sorority Life; Red Storm Athletics; Student Government, Inc.; University Career Services; and Chartwells Higher Ed dining services all will sponsor events that set the stage for the start of fall-semester classes on Wednesday, September 2, and continue into mid-September.
For new students, the events serve as an introduction to the University’s mission and values, according to Andrea Pinnavaia ’07SJC, ’08M.A., Director of Liturgy, Faith Formation, and Mission Communication, Campus Ministry.
“Being at St. John’s is not just about learning the nuts and bolts of your major or even getting ready for a career,” Ms. Pinnavaia said. “It is also about discovering your values and becoming people who will make a difference in the world.”
New resident students move on to campus on Saturday, August 29. The events listed below are also open to commuter students.
Friday, August 28
Red Lawn Cinema: The annual movie night, hosted on the Great Lawn, includes all-you-can-eat snacks and special-edition giveaways for the first 100 attendees. Seating begins at 7:15 p.m. with the film Michael, about pop star Michael Jackson, beginning at 8 p.m.
Saturday, August 29
Blessing of the Rooms: On Move-In Day, priests from across the campus will offer a blessing to residence hall room occupants who request it in advance through Residence Life’s Move-In Ready Checklist. A limited number of requests can be made at one of Campus Ministry’s information tables that day. More than 400 rooms have registered for blessings to date. Families are welcome, and blessings continue all day.
“We ask God to help them in their studies, to journey with them and strengthen them,” said the Rev. Tri M. Duong, C.M. ’00SJC, University Chaplain.
First Night Out Block Party: Following New Student Move-In, students can attend the traditional block party at 5 p.m. in the Residence Village. Enjoy a barbecue dinner and yard games under the lights later.
Sunday, August 30
Move-In Student Mass: Campus Ministry welcomes all, regardless of denomination, to St. Thomas More Church at 5:30 p.m. for the celebration of Mass.
Skyline Social: Enjoy iconic New York City-inspired food and treats from 6 to 10 p.m. at Montgoris Dining Hall, sponsored by Chartwells and Residence Life. Students can also enjoy music, games, giveaways, and interactive experiences.
Monday, August 31
Global Passport Ice Cream Social: First-year students can stop by the D’Angelo Center (DAC) Ballroom, from 2 to 3 p.m. for ice cream and an opportunity to learn about the Global Passport program. This is also scheduled on Monday, September 7.
Movie Night: Grab a blanket and enjoy a movie with your friends beginning at 8 p.m. at Janetschek Hall.
Tuesday, September 1
Veterans Success Center Orientation and Barbecue: New student veterans are invited to attend a welcome session at 1 p.m. at the Veterans Success Center followed by a barbecue open to all student veterans outside Marillac Hall Terrace at 4 p.m.
Giveaway at Men’s Soccer at Belson Stadium: Watch the Red Storm Men’s Soccer team take on rival Hofstra University at 6 p.m. Tickets are free for students at the Carnesecca Arena box office. The first 500 students receive a free custom soccer jersey courtesy of The Coca-Cola Company.
The Resident Student Association hosts a welcome-back picnic from 3 to 7 p.m. at Montgoris Plaza featuring food, music, and games.
Wednesday, September 2
First Day of Classes: Celebrate the start of classes from noon to 3 p.m. at DAC Plaza and on the lawn at Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall. Meet the deans and your fellow Johnnies, learn about campus resources, and discover ways to get involved.
Campus Recreation Day: Come to the Fitness Center and Taffner Field House from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. for activities, giveaways, smoothies, lawn games, fitness classes, and more.
Thursday, September 3
Career-nival: Students can enjoy ice cream, chips, cookies, soft drinks, and games while connecting with University Career Services advisers from 1 to 3:30 p.m. at Chiang Ching-Kuo Hall. “The idea is to introduce students to who we in Career Services are, and that we can be a valued resource,” said Ellen Burti ’83SJC, ’87M.S.Ed., Assistant Vice President for Career Services. “It is a low-stress and fun event.”
First Day of Classes Photo Shoot: Take a photo with your friends and enjoy free ice pops at St. Augustine Plaza from noon to 2 p.m.
Friday, September 4
Campus Activities Block Party: Enjoy food, games, bounce houses, and a live DJ from 6 to 10 p.m. at DAC Plaza and on the Sun Yat Sen Lawn.
Volleyball vs. UAB: The Red Storm Volleyball team hosts the University of Alabama-Birmingham in its first home tournament—the Lou Carnesecca Invitational at Carnesecca Arena beginning at 7 p.m. Admission is free for students.
Sunday, September 6
Men’s Soccer vs. FIU: Cheer on the Red Storm when it hosts Florida International University at 7 p.m. Celebrate the 30th anniversary of St. John’s 1996 National Collegiate Athletic Association championship.
Tuesday, September 8
Sunset Festival: Students can let the sun set on summer from 5 to 7 p.m. at DAC Plaza. Enjoy food, games, music, and giveaways sponsored by Fraternity and Sorority Life.
Wednesday, September 9
Soccer and a Movie: After the Red Storm Women’s Soccer team takes on Central Connecticut State University at 7 p.m., students are invited to come onto the Belson Stadium turf or stay in the stands for a postgame movie. Students receive a free pillowcase, so they are encouraged to bring their own pillow. Admission is free for students with a StormCard.
Thursday, September 10
Fall Campus Activities Fair: More than 150 student organizations, representing academic and extracurricular interests, will showcase their work and mission to those interested in getting involved. The fair, held on the Great Lawn, runs from noon to 3 p.m.
Thursday, September 17
Fall 2026 Career and Internship Expo: Build professional connections and pitch your potential at the popular networking event that brings together St. John’s students and employers from a range of industries. The expo runs from noon to 3:30 p.m. at Taffner Field House.
Saturday, September 26
25th Annual University Service Day: Celebrate the legacy of St. Vincent de Paul and St. Louise de Marillac with volunteer efforts across St. John’s local, national, and global communities. Volunteers have served the hungry in soup kitchens, visited residents at nursing homes, engaged in fun activities with disadvantaged children, cleaned and landscaped area parks, painted rooms in nearby schools and community centers, and more.