Bulldog Days
2025 New Student Orientation
- Spring Bulldog Days: January 10
- Bulldog Days I: June 2 - 3
- Bulldog Days II: June 5 - 6
- Bulldog Days III: June 9 - 10
- Bulldog Days IV: June 12 - 13
- Bulldog Days V: June 16 - 17
- Transfer Bulldog Days I: June 18
- Bulldog Days VI: August 20 - 21
- Transfer Bulldog Days II: August 20 - 21
New Student Move In: begins August 19
Spring Bulldog Days ScheduleMove-In and Host Hotels
Fall Move-In
All residential students will be emailed detailed instructions by the end of July. Room assignments for new students will be emailed by this time as well.
Please click on your session below to book your rooms at special rates for university visitors.
Session I
Session II
Session III
Session IV
Transfer I
Session V
Session VI and Transfer II
Mission
The Office of Orientation takes a student-centered approach to the transition experience while introducing incoming families to all aspects of Samford University. By fostering relationships, we connect families to the Samford community and encourage students to pursue opportunities for personal, academic, and spiritual growth.
Pre-Orientation Checklist
Pre-Orientation Advising Survey
Please submit your Pre-Orientation Advising Survey. The information collected will be used to assist your academic advisor in developing your course of study and will also assist in making efficient utilization of your advising time while at Bulldog Days.
Housing Contract
All students living in on-campus housing are required to complete a housing contract. Submit your contract by logging onto the portal using your Samford username and password and clicking on the Housing tab, where you will find the housing contract link.
Accommodations
As you review the orientation schedule, please notice that Bulldog Days is walking intensive. If you would like to request any special accommodations for you or a family member, please contact us at orientation@samford.edu.
Language Placement
Students are strongly encouraged to take the language placement assessment to be properly advised for class registration. Please note: To access the language placement assessment, students must first successfully submit the pre-orientation advising survey. Students may access the assessment via the survey’s confirmation page or your personal Application Status Page.
Bring your Own Device
Students are asked to bring their own laptop to Bulldog Days. These devices will be used to register for classes during your orientation session. The Orientation Staff will introduce you to technology on campus and assist in troubleshooting any technology issues on your personal device prior to the class registration. Should you have additional questions or concerns about bringing your device, please contact your Admission Counselor.
Login
Students should have received a username and password from Technology Services when they were admitted to Samford. Students will need this information to register for classes during orientation. If you did not receive or have misplaced your username and password, contact Technology Services at 205-726-2662.
Bulldog Mail
Students should go to connect.samford.edu and log in with your username and password. From there, click the Bulldog mail icon in the upper left corner of the screen to log in to Bulldog Mail.
Packing List
Students will stay in a residence hall the first night of orientation, so we recommend bringing the following items:
- Sheets/Blanket or sleeping bag
- Pillow
- Alarm clock
- Toiletries
- Towel
- Bathroom shoes
- Umbrella/raincoat
- Light sweater or a jacket
International Students
The arrival days for Fall 2024 are scheduled for August 19 and 20. Once your travel plans are finalized, please contact SamfordGLOBAL to coordinate arrival services, such as transportation from the Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM) and residence hall check-in on the designated arrival days.
All international students new to Samford must attend a mandatory Immigration Check-In on August 21 led by SamfordGLOBAL prior to beginning classes. Immigration Check-In will introduce you to essential students services for international students and information on how to maintain your visa status during your time of studies at Samford.