July 29, 2025 — As August approaches, Red Foxes from near and far will begin preparing for their return to campus. Here are a few tips to help you get ready for the new academic year!

Get Excited for the Start of the Fall Semester

Student move-in will take place between August 18 and August 24. First-year students will move in on August 18, 20, or 21, depending on their assigned date and travel distance to campus. Upper-class students will move in on August 23 and 24. Classes will begin on August 25. All students can view the full move-in schedule here.

Before the semester begins, new students can look forward to a full schedule of orientation and Welcome Week programming hosted by the Office of First Year Experience. The first-ever Marist Student Convocation for the Class of 2029 is on Sunday, August 24. Held in McCann Arena, the ceremony will mirror elements of Commencement, featuring a processional, guest speakers, and a special gift for each student. Throughout the week, students can enjoy a variety of events—including a comedy show, Hudson River cruises, and a campus-wide block party with fireworks on Sunday evening. Look out for additional social and community gatherings hosted by the Office of Student Activities.

Get Hungry for Dining Options

(Left to Right) Lavender Haze, London Fog Latte, and Shaken Espresso Drinks. Photo by Carlo de Jesus/Marist University. 

This fall, students can look forward to updated dining features across campus, including new meal plans. The meal plans were updated based on student feedback and two full years of data since Gourmet Dining began its partnership with Marist University.

Gourmet Dining worked closely with the Student Government Association to design plans that better reflect students' eating habits. The goal of these new plans is to provide students with more flexibility to explore all campus dining locations and to offer more value based on individual food preferences. Please visit my.marist.com to view and select your specific meal plan, if you haven't already!

Dining locations will also introduce several new options: Steel Plant Cafe will offer monthly toast and smoothie specials, along with seasonal drinks like the Lavender Haze; McCann Cafe will feature monthly quesadilla specials; Hudson at Hancock will expand its customizable beverage menu to include frozen crafted drinks; Donnelly Cafe will enhance its salad bar; and Books & Beans will debut new drinks such as the London Fog Latte and shaken espressos. Students can also look forward to engaging events, including Taste of Marist Eats, one-night-only guest chef experiences, and a new Pasta Toss station at Murray Dining Hall.

Saxbys, Marist’s 100% student-run cafe, had a record-breaking first year in the brand new Dyson Center. You can order delicious pick-me-ups like cold brew, grilled cheese sandwiches, breakfast burritos, protein smoothies, and more!

For those with dietary needs or food restrictions, Marist Dining has a licensed dietitian on staff who oversees the allergy-friendly kitchen. You can make an appointment with dietitian Marie Murphy here.

Have more questions about Gourmet Dining options? Check out their FAQs, their website, or follow @marist_eats on Instagram.

Equip Yourself with Campus Resources

McCann Fitness Center is open to all students. Photo by Carlo de Jesus/Marist University.

It’s essential to know what resources are available to you, so you can easily utilize them once the school year begins. Check out some of Marist’s resources below:

• Academic Resources
• Counseling Services
• Health Services
• Career Services
• First Year Experience 
• First Year Experience Mentors
• Student Services
• McCann Center Facilities & McCormick Hall Fitness Center
• Clubs & Organizations
• myMarist
• Transportation Resources

Start a Packing List for Your New Residence Hall

A residence hall in the Lower New Townhouses. Photo by Carlo de Jesus/Marist University.

It’s never too early to make a packing list so you can scope out what you already have and purchase or borrow what you don’t. If you’re living in the residence halls, check out what we recommend you bring to campus.

Connect with your roommate(s) beforehand to coordinate which furniture items and appliances will be brought and shared. Residence Life will inform first-year students of your residence hall, room, and roommate information by Aug. 8. That will be quickly followed by detailed move-in instructions. Stay tuned!

Have More Housing Questions?
New students and transfers can email newstudentmovein@marist.edu, while all other housing-related inquiries can be directed to housing@marist.edu.

See What Books You Need and Order Marist Gear

Students showing their school pride at Marist University Day in January. Photo by Carlo de Jesus/Marist University.

Visit the online Marist University Bookstore now to get prepared for your classes and check out all of your needed course materials. You can buy new or old books or rent them for the semester once classes start. There is also an apparel and spirit shop,  so you can come to campus sporting your favorite Marist fit.

The Office of the Registrar will create new students’ first-semester class schedule and send instructions for how to view it. You’ll also be introduced to your academic advisor based on your major—watch your email for these important updates in early August.

Start a Marist Bucket List

Zoe Fernandes '24 overlooking the Hudson River. Photo by Nelson Echeverria/Marist University.

Your college years fly by, so why not make the most of them with a bucket list? It’s a fun and motivating way to explore new opportunities, whether that means joining a club, trying intramural sports, or taking a class that sparks your curiosity. Whether you're new to Marist or looking to dive deeper into the area, there’s plenty to discover. Learn more about what makes Poughkeepsie a great college town, and don’t forget to check out Dutchess County Tourism and Travel Hudson Valley for off-campus fun to add to your list.

Be sure to stay updated with Marist news by staying subscribed to Inside Marist. You can also stay up-to-date on upcoming events and University happenings by following us on Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, X, Threads, and Facebook. For incoming and prospective students, you can also get more detailed questions answered on Marist’s ZeeMee.