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New Knox students, all in yellow t-shirts, talk as they wait for an orientation event to begin.

New Student Orientation

New Student Orientation brings students from around the nation and world to unite as one community, living and learning here in the heart of the Illinois prairie.

Pre-Arrival Tracker

Welcome to the Knox Community!

Our New Student Orientation program is designed to welcome you to campus and introduce you to the Knox community. You will meet lots of new people, including your classmates, student leaders, current students, as well as faculty and staff. Orientation leaders will facilitate small group discussions and many fun activities for new students.

New Student Orientation is filled with social, educational, and academic programs designed to introduce you to the many unique aspects of the College. By the end of orientation, you will have the chance to:

  • Meet faculty, staff, and students
  • Learn how to navigate campus
  • Experience the resources you will have available to you as a Knox student
  • Understand how learning happens at Knox
  • Cheer on a Prairie Fire athletic team
  • Explore the city of Galesburg

Welcome to Knox!

The first few weeks of the academic year are always a great time for community building events! This video includes highlights from Pumphandle, a tour of Knox Farm, The Great Game scavenger hunt, a trolley tour of Galesburg, and Opening Convocation.

A student stands next to Blaze and smiles. Blaze waves at the camera.

News

Read about welcome events from previous years at Knox!

More News

Knox College’s Newest Students Bring Global Community to the Illinois Campus

Knox College began the 2025-26 academic year welcoming more than 340 new students, one of the largest classes in College history, representing 32 states and 20 countries

Read More
Knox alumni gather for the President's Circle event during Homecoming and Family and Friends Weekend

Knox Alumni, Families, and Friends from around the World Attend Homecoming 2025

Alumni and family and friends celebrate Knox College during Homecoming Weekend

Read More

Check back closer to the start of classes for orientation details!