Connect with the NEC Community
New Students
Use the ZeeMee app to connect with other new and existing students before you arrive on campus. Start building your crew today.
New Students
Parents and Families
Support your student as they embark on their NEC journey. You can receive personalized news and updates from and about NEC, choose specific communities (Student Success, Financial Aid, etc.) to join, and manage communication settings.
Enrollment Portal
After you deposit, you can begin your enrollment paperwork. This will include your housing contract, medical paperwork, financial aid/billing, and other important documents to be ready to begin courses at the start of the term. The portal will open by April 1 for the fall term start and by November 1 for the January term start.
To log in, visit apply.nec.edu and click “Login.” You received an email from the College with your login credentials. If you have trouble logging in, please reach out to your admissions counselor for assistance.
Orientation
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New-Student Orientation Programming
Orientation and transition to the college environment are a process and, therefore, do not occur solely over the course of one program. For fall-start students, orientation programs begin in June and continue into the fall semester. For spring-start students, orientation begins in January and continues through the spring semester. It is our hope that by participating in these programs, students will increase their understanding and knowledge of resources on campus to help them manage this transition. There are two parts to the program:
- Expedition: Summer Orientation
- Fall Welcome/Spring Welcome Orientation
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Expedition Schedule and Registration
Expedition Orientation: Summer Program for new students and family members
Expedition is a one-day orientation session offered in the summer for students and family members. You will have an opportunity to learn more about campus services, make sure your technology is working, meet and engage with faculty and staff, learn how to be a successful student, tour the campus, meet other students (current and new), and ask questions you have.Families can learn about curriculum, campus safety, wellness, policies, how NEC partners to support students, as well as ask any questions. The Expedition does NOT replace the fall welcome program. All components are part of the full orientation process.
Expedition Registration will open at the beginning of May.
July 10, 2026
July 11, 2026 -
Virtual Q & A
Unable to make Expedition in person? Please watch our orientation video content, then plan to join us for a live virtual Q and A session.
Join our virtual Q and A. Staff will be online to answer any questions you have.
Check back later this spring for dates/times.
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Fall Welcome Orientation
Fall Welcome Orientation begins with Move-In Day and continues until the start of classes. Fall Welcome is required for all new students. Commuter students and transfer students also participate in Fall Welcome. During Fall Welcome, you will meet with your First-Year Student group, engage in academic experiences, review safety and wellness procedures, and participate in fun college traditions. More details about Fall Welcome will be released by mid-summer.
Fall Welcome Orientation Dates
Thursday, August 20–Sunday, August 23
New students participate in all four days of orientation.Non-traditional (22+) Commuter Orientation
Friday, August 7, 2026, from 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Thursday, August 20, 2026, from 12:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
Sample Fall Commuter Orientation ScheduleMove-In
Thursday, August 20, 2026
More details will come over the summer via email about move-in logistics. -
Spring Welcome
Spring Welcome is a one- to two-day orientation program for all new students starting in the spring semester. Commuter and transfer students also participate in Spring Welcome. During the program, we cover safety and wellness information, academic support resources, technology, and other important topics to prepare you for the start of the term. You will have the opportunity to meet staff, fellow students and other members of the community.
New-Student Move-In:
Friday, January 9, 2026, from 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.New-Student Orientation:
- Residential Students: Friday, January 9, from 2:30–4:30 p.m. and Saturday, January 10, from 11:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
- Commuter Students: Saturday, January 10, from 10:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Check-in for commuters is 9:00–10:00 a.m.
Spring 2026 schedule will be available by December.
New-Student Move-In
New Student Move in Date: Friday, January 9, 2026
Time: 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. for all move-in days
More details will come via NEC email in the weeks leading up to move-in.
Classes Start: Monday, January 12
New-Student Move-In FAQs
When should I plan to move in and where do I go when I arrive?
Incoming students (first year and transfer) will move onto campus Friday, January 9.
At check-in, you will receive a list of any outstanding paperwork items to complete and will meet with those offices to complete any items before proceeding to receive your key/codes from Residential Life.
What should I bring for my residence hall? What can’t I bring?
Check out the packing list of what is allowed in the residence halls and what is not; it can also be found on the Residential Life webpage. As a friendly reminder… remember that less is more!
Do commuters need to check in?
Yes, commuter students will check in from 9:00–10:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 10.
When do classes begin?
Classes begin on Monday, January 12.
First-Year Seminar (FYS)
This course provides students with the foundation for a four-year liberal arts education. Students will explore the meaning of a liberal arts education within the context of a yearly theme. Students will engage in community activities that enhance their education and provide meaning to their academic, social, emotional, and personal growth while at New England College. Students are expected to attend regularly, participate in discussions, and engage in the larger community.
What’s It All About?
- Co-Taught by a faculty/staff member and peer leader
- Focuses on building a sense of community and belonging at NEC
- Engages in the College community by attending events and participating in academic discussions to strengthen communication skills and clarity of expression.
- Provides opportunities to connect with peers, peer leaders, faculty, and staff
- Develops writing skills that communicate main ideas, make connections to a liberal arts education, and foster self-reflection
- Engages with experiential learning to deepen your skills and understand campus resources
- Offers supportive environment for answering questions and addressing concerns
- Helps students better understand themselves as learners and members of our community
Who takes FYS?
All first-year students take this course, which is a graduation requirement, during their first semester at NEC.
What are students saying about FYS?
“It was great to have a community of people I could talk to about anything.”
“The class helped me be more confident about my college experience.”
“The staff and Peer Leaders were always there for us with anything we needed.”
“FYS helped me be more open with new people and become aware of new opportunities around me.”
“This course helped NEC feel more like home to me.”
Peer Leaders
Who are the peer leaders?
Peer leaders (PLs) are upper-class students who assist new students in their transition to college life. Beginning at Orientation, PLs welcome students and their families to campus and then continue to provide support to new students throughout the fall semester in the First-Year Seminar class and beyond. They not only help students connect with campus resources, but they also strive to build camaraderie and help new students engage in the greater NEC community.
2024–2025 Peer Leaders
- Study 14 different majors
- Play on seven different NEC athletic teams
- Participate in 12+ student organizations
- Include commuter students
- Hail from nine states and two countries
Are you interested in becoming a peer leader?
Learn more about becoming a peer leader.
