Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P. President | St. John's University website

St. John’s University is marking the start of the 2025–26 academic year with a series of events aimed at welcoming both new and returning students to its Queens, New York campus. The activities are organized by several university groups, including Student Government, Inc., Fraternity and Sorority Life, University Career Services, and Chartwells Higher Ed dining service.

The events are intended to introduce new students to the university’s mission and culture before classes begin 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.”

The schedule begins ahead of New Student Move-In Day on August 30. On August 29, there will be an outdoor screening of the film Superman featuring David Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan on the Great Lawn at 8 p.m., with seating starting at 7:15 p.m. Early arriving residential and commuter students will receive themed giveaways.

After move-in day, students can attend the First Night Out Block Party in the Residence Village at 5 p.m., which includes a barbecue dinner and yard games.

Campus Activities’ CA Link-Up returns this year as a way for students to connect with each other during daytime events that continue throughout the school year.

Fraternity and Sorority Life together with Chartwells will host a Skyline Social at Montgoris Dining Hall patio at 6 p.m., offering food from local vendors such as pizza and Nathan’s Famous hot dogs along with games, music, and a photo booth.

Religious services include the annual Move-In Student Mass held at St. Thomas More Church.

Athletic events feature prominently in the welcome week lineup. The Red Storm Women’s Soccer team will play its home opener against Youngstown State University at Belson Stadium; admission is free for students who arrive early enough to receive limited-edition posters. Later in the week, both women’s and men’s soccer teams have scheduled matches accompanied by giveaways like Hawaiian-themed bucket hats and ice cream treats.

Other activities include a Sand and Sip event where students can make mocktails and sand art keepsakes; an ice cream social providing information about study-abroad opportunities; a Welcome Back Luau hosted by the Resident Student Association; celebrations for the first day of classes; career networking opportunities through Career Services’ Career-nival; photo shoots; business student orientation sessions; pre-health meet-and-greets; student organization fairs showcasing over 120 groups ranging from theater to eSports; and a Sunset Festival closing out summer festivities.

“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.”

These activities aim to foster community engagement among new arrivals while helping returning students reconnect as they begin another academic year.