Student Life

Your Ultimate 2026 Back-to-School Checklist

Michelle Eggink, Assistant Director of Content Marketing and Communications
Image of Marist students at Longview Park. Photo by Nelson Echeverria/Marist University.

Marist students at Longview Park. Photo by Carlo de Jesus/Marist University.

July 21, 2026 — Your arrival on campus is right around the corner, are you ready? Here are a few tips to help you get ready for the new academic year.

1. Get Ready for Move-In & Welcome Week

 Image of Marist Groups webpage. Photo by Carlo de Jesus/Marist University.

Marist Groups webpage. Photo by Carlo de Jesus/Marist University.

First-year, transfer, returning, and international students can view their complete move-in schedule here.

First-year students: keep an eye on your email and the StarRez housing portal for updates, and be sure to complete all required steps on the New Student Checklist before arrival!

Feeling overwhelmed? Don't worry, the Office of First Year Experience has got you covered. Meet your mentors and don’t forget to view these helpful move-in FAQs.

Pro tip: Marist Groups (available early August) is where you can explore and register for the full list of events during Welcome Week, including orientation and programming hosted by the Office of First Year Experience and the Office of Student Activities and Clubs. 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.

2. Prep Dorm Essentials and Check Out the NEW Fox & Found

 Image of dorm room.

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

It’s time to start your packing list! 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. First-year students will receive their roommate assignments by Aug. 1.

Sustainable and affordable living is a top priority at Marist. Thanks to the Semester Sweep Out, the Center for Civic Engagement and Leadership has created a new initiative called Fox & Found, where students can grab free dorm essentials during Welcome Week. All items have been thoroughly cleaned, organized, and readied for use!

During Welcome Week, visit Fox & Found at 74 West Cedar, right across the street from the Lower West Townhouses.

Have other housing questions? Visit here or email housing@marist.edu

3. Explore Campus Resources

 Image of McCann Fitness Center

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:

4. See What Books You Need and Order Marist Gear

 Image of The Marist Campus Store inside the Murray Student Center.

The Marist Campus Store inside the Murray Student Center. Photo by Nelson Echeverria/Marist University.

Visit the online Marist University Campus Store 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. You can also shop for accessories, electronics, health and wellness products, and more!

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.
 

5. Get Hungry for Dining Options

 Image of outdoor dining.

Marist's new outdoor dining construction. Photo by Benson Delaney '27/Marist University. 

Marist Dining is ready to serve up lots of options this year! Explore meal plans, check out Swipe Out Hunger, and follow Marist_Eats on Instagram to stay updated on events.

Opening soon: The Yard at Steel Plant — a new outdoor dining destination located by the Steel Plant and pedestrian underpass. Featuring a food truck and trailer, fire pits, dining tables, Adirondack chairs, and outdoor string lights, The Yard at Steel offers a relaxed open-air space to grab a bite, meet up with friends, and unwind. Students can enjoy Italian favorites and seasonal rotating menu items, including grilled classics, sandwiches, and more.

6. Start a Marist Bucket List

 Image of Marist students on the Walkway Over the Hudson.

Marist students at Walkway Over the Hudson. Photo by Carlo de Jesus/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, and Facebook. For incoming and prospective students, you can also get more detailed questions answered on Marist’s ZeeMee or attend the upcoming virtual Orientation sessions in July and August (check your email for details).
 

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