Early Move-In Programs

We can't wait for you to join our Drexel community as a New Dragon for Welcome Week this September! Kicking off Welcome Week is Move-In Weekend on Saturday, September 14 and Sunday, September 17; however, we also make accommodations for students to move into their residence halls even earlier, with our Early Move-In programs. For more information about these opportunities, email welcome@drexel.edu. 

The following is a sampling of programs for first-year students who wish to experience Drexel's campus prior to Move-In Weekend and meet the applicable requirements. Keep checking back as more information will made available in spring of 2024.

• LeBow Launch – LeBow Launch is a two-day introductory leadership program designed to provide incoming LeBow College of Business first-year students with a head start on college by allowing them to explore key business concepts and sharpen leadership skills that will prepare them to tackle the coursework ahead. Skills essential to success in business include strong leadership and analytical skills combined with the ability to communicate effectively. Students will participate in professional development and team-building activities, all while building community and exploring their new home away from home. Register or contact Christian Maxey, Assistant Director of Undergraduate Programs and Recruitment, LeBow College of Business.
• Jewniversity – Mazel tov on attending Drexel this fall! Join Drexel Hillel's early move-in program, Jewniversity. Over the course of 3 days, Jewn participants learn about Jewish life on campus, meet other Jewish students, experience Shabbat at Drexel, and explore Philadelphia. As an added bonus, you get to move into your dorm room early! Register today or contact Hannah with any questions at hrosenberg@drexelhillel.org.
• THRIVE: Students of Color Empowerment Treat – You earned your seat in the class, and it is important that you own it! This retreat empowers first-year and transfer students of color to have purposeful and brave conversations about navigating their space at Drexel, a predominately white institution. Residential students will get to move in early and commuter students are also welcome. Space is limited for this impactful opportunity where you will attend workshops to:
  • Develop the art of self-advocacy and the skills to manage implicit and explicit biases
  • Discuss the imposter syndrome and strategies to overcome it
  • Learn about the "hidden curriculum," resources, and terms that may be lost in translation
  • Foster your sense of belonging by getting introduced to centers and programs on campus integral to diversity, equity, and inclusion
  • Build the foundation of community and gain a strong network of current students, faculty, and administrators of color.
• Neurodiverse-Friendly Housing – Incoming first-year students who have selected Neurodiverse-Friendly Housing are invited to move into their residence hall early to experience a quieter and calmer move-in without the loud music, lots of noise, and large crowd that comes with the typical move-in.  Students will have more time to adjust to their surroundings and feel more comfortable with the Drexel campus before Welcome Week begins.  To register for early move-in for neurodiverse-friendly housing, please email can@drexel.edu.
• NOVUS Catholic Retreat – "Novus" means new, and we hope this retreat helps new students embark in a new faith journey at Drexel. This retreat is a great way to build friendships and begin your college experience grounded in faith. You will get to:
  • Meet with new and returning students from our community
  • Explore campus and the city of Philadelphia together
  • Embark on a new journey to seek the heights of the Christian faith
  • Get to know your home away from home - the Drexel Newman Catholic Center
  This will grant residential students the opportunity to move in early and commuter students are also welcome!  Visit our website to learn more. You can also check us out on Instagram or email bbrazelton@saintsaj.org with any questions. 
• MATE 100 – Incoming engineering students are invited to earn two credits and move into their residence halls early with "MATE 100: Materials for Emerging Technologies," a two-day first-year introductory engineering course taking place the Thursday and Friday before Welcome Week. MATE 100 includes hands-on laboratory sessions integrated with lectures on bio- and nanotechnology, materials for energy production, sustainable materials, and more. Space is limited.
• BA/BS+MD Early Assurance Program – Incoming BA/BS+MD students are required to attend the BA/BS+MD summer orientation program. Students will have the opportunity to build a community, interact with current undergraduate and DUCOM students, and acclimate to the Drexel campus prior to the start of the fall term. Students can contact Leanne Sweppenheiser at lmt38@drexel.edu with any questions.
• UPENN Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps – Incoming freshmen are encouraged to apply for an NROTC scholarship and join UPenn NROTC. This program, which includes students from Drexel University as well as Temple University and the University of Pennsylvania, develops future Naval and Marine Corps officers. NROTC includes weekly physical training, leadership labs, and naval science classes. During the first week of NROTC, freshmen will take part in Kilo Company, an indoctrination period to teach basic drill, Naval and Marine Corps history, and general military knowledge. Incoming students will also partake in physical fitness evolutions. Early move-in will be required for those who desire to join the NROTC program.

Additionally, early move-in accommodations can be made for other reasons, such as religious observances and disabilities. If you would like to request an accommodation, please contact Disability Resources at 215.895.1401 or disability@drexel.edu.

Please note: Students who participate in an Early Move-In program waive their free parking.