Winter Welcome Kick-Off & Week
January 9–17, 2026
Winter Welcome Kick-Off begins immediately after New Student Orientation (NSO) on Friday, January 9, and continues through the weekend with fun, community-focused events for all UNC students. After that, a full Winter Welcome Week of programming keeps the celebration going during the first week of classes.
Together, these events are designed to help new and returning Bears reconnect with campus, explore involvement opportunities and start the semester with energy and pride.
Winter Welcome Kick-Off Events
Friday, January 9, 2026
5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.: Dinner and a Movie
Campus Commons
Join fellow Bears for a cozy dinner-and-a-movie experience to celebrate the start
of the semester! Enjoy dinner, popcorn and good company.
6:45 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.: Cosmic Skate
Greeley Ice Haus
Hit the ice under the lights! Cosmic Skate is a fan-favorite tradition featuring music,
glow lights and plenty of Bear pride.
Saturday, January 10, 2026
10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.: Brunch Meet-Up & Board Games
Holmes Dining Hall
You’re officially a Bear now! Join students, staff and campus leaders as we celebrate
the start of your UNC journey. Get ready for big energy, live performances and a powerful
welcome to your new community.
2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.: WinterFest
University Center Ballrooms
WinterFest brings together Campus Recreation, Student Life and our Cultural & Resource
Centers for a fun afternoon of games, crafts and giveaways—all designed to help you
get involved and stay connected.
Winter Welcome Week (January 13–17, 2026)
Your UNC experience doesn’t stop after the Kick-Off weekend! Winter Welcome Week features a variety of events hosted by departments, student organizations and campus partners across the university.
Throughout the week, you can:
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- Attend open houses, student organization fairs, and involvement events
- Meet campus departments and discover new ways to get involved
- Join social events, workshops and community gatherings to help you settle in
All Winter Welcome events are listed on BearConnect, where you can explore, RSVP and build your own event schedule for the week.
