Welcome to the #EagleFamily!
New Student Orientation is designed to help you transition smoothly into your first year at EWU. Our goal is to set you up for a successful, memorable and rewarding college experience.
New Student Orientation
Sign Up for Summer Orientation 2026
Full-Day Attendance Required
To secure your spot, select the date that works best for you and log in using your official EWU credentials (EWU email and password). You must have an active EWU account to complete your registration.
* Includes Overnight Experience and Spanish Language Sessions.
Need a different option?
If your summer schedule is making it difficult to attend, please don’t wait to reach out! Contact us directly so we can help you find a solution.
Contact Orientation & Family Programs at 509.359.6843 or orientation@ewu.edu.
Experience Life on Campus!
FREE for the First 50 Students! 🦅
Curious about what it’s like to live on campus at Eastern Washington University? Want the full experience? Spend the night in one of our residence halls and see what it’s really like to be an Eagle!
✨ As a new Eagle, be prepared to:
- Meet with an academic advisor and get registered for your fall courses
- Connect with future classmates and start building your community
- Enjoy an evening of activities and campus life
We’re excited to partner with EWU EPIC Adventures—your go-to for outdoor activities, and unforgettable college memories.
Don’t wait-spots will fill fast!
Tentative Schedule (July 9, July 30 or August 6):
- 1 PM: Check-in with Housing at the Resident Halls (to be announced soon!)
- 2 – 4:30 PM: Academic Advising Appointments
- 5 PM: Dinner
- 6 – 8 PM: Activities hosted by EPIC Adventures & Housing
- Bike tours of Cheney
- Firepit and smores
Orientation FAQ's
Once you officially confirm with Admissions that you’re attending EWU in the Fall 2026, then you will get an email from us regarding signing up for your Orientation. Don’t see the email? Let us know at orientation@ewu.edu and we can help you out!
You can also register using the buttons above!
You must activate your EWU account in order to register with your single sign-on.
Plan on being on campus from 8am to 5pm
Note: There is a scholarship drawing just before 5 and you must be present!
July 9
July 30
August 6
Yes! The sign-up form will allow you to change your date. Just log back into your registration and edit your submission.
Absolutely! You can bring 2 guests. This number is based on the maximum capacities of the rooms we’ll be using.
The schedule is essentially the same for all six Orientation dates. However, July 10, July 31, and August 7 we do have a Spanish breakout session**. If you or your guest would prefer to learn more about EWU in Spanish, we would encourage you to attend one of these dates.
**Please note that the entire Orientation program will not be translated in Spanish. There will be a dedicated morning session on these dates where Spanish will be the primary language spoken. The remainder of the day will be spoken in English.
New Students: If you’re interested in spending the night on campus, prior to your Orientation, make sure you choose the “overnight component” option when you register for your date. The overnight option is only available for July 9, July 30, and Aug 6 and is only available to incoming EWU students.
For Families: Looking for some accommodations for you and/or your family? Check out some local hotels below!
Tip: Some local hotels may offer a special EWU rate if asked.
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites (Cheney)
509.235.1100 / 800.315.2621
5 minutes from campus
Holiday Inn Express Spokane-Downtown
509.328.8505
30 minutes from campus
Hotel Indigo
509-862-6400
Downtown Spokane, 25 minutes away
Northern Quest Resort & Casino
877.871.6772
25 minutes from campus; located in Airway Heights
Oxford Suites Downtown (Spokane)
509.353.9000 / 800.774.1877
25 minutes from campus
Brewster Hall
509-750-7025
2 minutes from campus
Students are free, guests are $15 each. Please see the link in the registration to pay online.
Great question! The menu will be a grilled cheeseburger/vegetarian sandwich on a roll with condiments. Fruit, salad, cookies, and drinks will also be provided.
Exploring your Academics is important! Here’s a list of majors and minors within each College:
Parking lot 17 (corner of C Street and 5th Street) is free on the day of your Orientation!
We ask this question in the Orientation registration form. Please make sure to explain the requested needs and our team will follow up with you closer to the event!
Here’s a list of things we recommend you bring for your Overnight Orientation experience:
- Sleeping bag/bedding
- Pillow
- Toiletries
- Snacks
- Portable fan
- Anything else you might need to make you feel comfortable 🙂
There’s a lot to know as you begin your journey as an Eagle! Here are some FAQs to help guide you through the process.
Have a question? Text us!
Our Orientation team is here to help you thrive! Feel free to text our line with whatever questions you might have- Orientation related or not.
(509) 359-9711
*texts may take up to 24 hours to respond; weekends vary
Transferring into EWU?
There can be a lot to keep track of. Check out the transfer website to learn more about transferring credits, registering for classes, and more!
Why Students Choose Eastern
Hear from real students about their EWU experience and why they decided to become an Eagle!
Access the full EWU video library below:
Reach Out for Assistance
The orientation team is available to connect if you would like to discuss any aspect of your transition to EWU. We’re also a great resource if you’d like to ask any general questions.
Send us an email at orientation@ewu.edu and let us know:
- Full Name
- EWU Username
- Phone number
- Brief overview explaining the nature of your requested meeting.
Once you have emailed us, our team will reach out as soon as possible.
Questions? Please contact us at orientation@ewu.edu or 509.359.6843.