For new Fordham students, few days are more exciting than opening day.
You may have visited campus during your college search or taken part in Spring Preview, the university’s open house for admitted students. But when you step among Fordham’s winding elms and bustling city blocks for the first time as a Ram, it gets real.
Since Fordham first opened its doors in the summer of 1841, the Jesuit University of New York has embraced rituals and rites of passage to help new Rams get off to a good start as they settle into college life.
From heartfelt farewells to dancing under the stars with new best friends, here are seven Fordham welcome week traditions.
1. Urban Plunge and Global Transition
Before the official move-in, hundreds of new Rams arrive early to dive into NYC and college life.
- Urban Plunge offers an optional hands-on introduction to community service with our Bronx and Manhattan neighbors.
- Global Transition helps international students get settled on campus and comfortable in NYC.
Both programs give early arrivals a chance to make lifelong friends and explore the city before the full week of welcome begins.
2. A Warm Welcome
Incoming students and their families are often surprised to learn that when it comes to unloading their car, they’ll have a lot of help. A friendly herd of orientation leaders and student-athletes is on hand to help grab your boxes, haul your bags, and deliver all your things straight to your room.
Keep an eye out when you arrive and while you unpack. You might get a bottle of water or even a high five from Fordham President Tania Tetlow.
3. Welcome Mass and the Family Farewell
Opening day includes moments for both connection and reflection. Across campuses, students gather at Multicultural and First-Generation Receptions to meet peers, find mentors, and learn more about Fordham’s resources for first-generation college students.
Later, the traditional Welcome Mass—held in the University Church at Rose Hill and the Church of St. Paul the Apostle at Lincoln Center—officially brings families into the Fordham community. After Mass, new students bid their families farewell for now.
4. Party on the Plaza
Rose Hill students travel to Lincoln Center for the Party on the Plaza, taking their first trips into Manhattan for a night of food and fun activities, including a silent disco under the stars. Keep an eye out for Ramses, who might tag along for the trip.
5. The Official Class Photo
After getting settled, Lincoln Center students join their fellow classmates at the Rose Hill campus for the annual class photo in Moglia Stadium, decked out in their new Fordham gear.
6. Ringing the Victory Bell
Following the class photo, orientation leaders officially celebrate the new class by ringing the iconic Victory Bell. This tradition began more than 80 years ago when President Harry Truman rang it for the first time at Fordham. It highlights moments of achievement—from football wins to signature events like commencement.
7. The Candlelighting Ceremony
As night falls on Edwards Parade, the entire incoming class gathers for the candlelighting ceremony, officially bringing students into the new academic year. One by one, new students pass the flame from candle to candle and illuminate the campus, a symbol of the knowledge that will be passed on, the community they’ll carry with them through four years, and the charge to go forth and set the world on fire.