First-Time Freshman

The transition to college life can be both an exciting and challenging time. Your new student transition experience will help you successfully prepare for your time here at East Tennessee State University. Together, we will make your transition to East Tennessee State University to new heights.

Fall 2023 Traditional PREVIEW Information

All new Fall first-time freshman participate in Traditional PREVIEW.

The 42nd Annual Preview will be Wednesday, August 23- Saturday, August 26. See below for a snapshot of the times and activities for each day of Preview! Please note, schedules are subject to change.

You can find the 42nd Annual Preview Schedule here.

Opening Day 2023: Wednesday, August 23
Opening Day is the day students will move-in and when Preview starts. It is an exciting day that marks the start of your ETSU experience. Stay connected to your email for more information regarding move-in and Preview. Here is a brief outline of the day:
- New Student Move-In: 7:30am-1:30pm
- Opening Day Welcome & Reception: 3:30pm-4:30pm in Brooks Gym; We encourage students and families to attend this program that officially welcomes you into the ETSU community! Light refreshments will be served.
- Residence Hall Meetings: 7:00pm-7:30pm; If you are living on campus, you will meet in your Residence Hall with Housing and Residence Life to help you prepare for a successful year living on campus.
- Preview Check-in: 7:30pm on Brooks Quad; Get checked-in for the 42nd Annual Preview!
Just for Family Members: This year, we have a few opportunities for families to engage with each other and ETSU on Opening Day. We hope you come take a break from the fun of move-in and join us at both of these events:
- Opening Day Welcome & Reception: 3:30pm-4:30pm in Brooks Gym; We encourage students and families to attend this program that officially welcomes you into the ETSU community! Light refreshments will be served.
- Family Social: 7pm-9pm (drop-in) in the D.P. Culp Student Center Cave (1st floor). Take a break, relax, and unwind with other family members and staff from ETSU. We will have light appetizers, a coffee bar, and other snacks to have an informal space to relax after a busy day!
Preview: Wednesday, August 23

Join us for Preview Check-in at 7:30pm on Brooks Quad. On Wednesday, you will meet your small group for the first time and then enjoy your first night at ETSU with exciting activities throughout the DP Culp Student Center. Programming will run till 11:00pm
Preview: Thursday, August 24
Preview programming will run from 9:00am until 10:30pm on Thursday. Here are some highlights of the day:
- Small Group Sessions: Small Groups are one of our favorite parts of Preview. You will have two POLO Leaders lead these sessions as you get to know other new students, learn more about ETSU, and begin making great memories!
- Service Plunge: At ETSU, our students Go Beyond. Service Plunge is an opportunity for our incoming class to engage in our local communities through a variety of different service projects and programs.
- Silent Disco and Magician Show: Join your new friends for one of the highlights of Preview: the Silent Disco and enjoy a show by KID ACE Magician who was on America's Got Talent!
Preview: Friday, August 25
Preview programming will run from 10:00am until 10:00pm on Friday. Here are some highlights of the day:
- Your ETSU Story: Preview marks the beginning of your ETSU story. During small groups and other interactive sessions, you will learn more about getting involved, meeting new people, and thinking about your goals for your time at ETSU.
- University Convocation: Convocation marks the official welcome into the academic community of ETSU.
- Class Photo: Friday, you will get your official 2023 Preview t-shirt and we will take a class photo on the football field!
- Hypnotist Show: Every year, one of our student's highlights of Preview is the hypnotist show. Whether you want to get hypnotized or just watch, this show is full of laughs and fun.
Preview: Saturday, August 26
Preview programming will run from 9:30am until 10:00pm on Saturday. Here are some highlights of the day:
- Risqué Business: See your POLO Leaders take the stage for a performance that shares experiences you may face at ETSU and resources to help support you through all aspects of college life.
- Preview Expo: Learn more about ways to get involved by meeting almost all of our student organizations!
- Pride Walk Painting: Join your small group in making your mark on ETSU by painting a square of our Pride Walk on campus.
- Preview Closing Celebration: Before you know it, Preview will be over! Saturday evening will be a chance to end on a high-note with the Lip Sync competition with your small group and closing celebration at the CPA where we will have the Zip Line open, inflatables, games, and much more!

FAQs

I'm a member of Marching Band:

Congratulations! The ETSU Marching Bucs is a phemomenal program and a great way to get invovled. Unfortunately due to Band Camp, students participating in the Marching Bucs are not able to come to most aspects of Preview. When Preview programming does not conflict with band requirments, we encourage students to join in as they are able! The ETSU Marching Bucs program will share all information reguarding move-in and band camp, so please follow those instructions.
I'm a commuter student/live off campus:

Wonderful! For students who commute, Preview will start at 7:30pm on the Quad outside of Brooks Gym on our main campus. Students not living on campus will follow the same schedule as other students. Though we want you to stay at all of the same programming, we recognize sometimes needing to leave a little bit earlier in the evening to drive home safely. We ask students stay for as long as they are able and feel comfortable doing so.
How long is each day?

Preview will start at 7:30pm on Wednesday, August 23. Each evening will last until 10pm-10:30pm and every other morning will start between 9am-10am. Checkout each day above for more details on when each day starts and ends and what to expect!

What to expect at PREVIEW

During your PREVIEW experience you will spend time meeting many of your fellow classmates, making friends, and learning more about the campus while a great deal of fun along the way! The goal of PREVIEW is that you leave empowered to be as successful as possible.

Student Small Groups

Your Preview group is always a highlight of the experience. Led by Two POLO Leaders, your small group is your group of other new Bucs who you get to enjoy Preview with. You will be in around 8 different small groups where you will talk about classes, tips for success, get to know each other, and most importantly, have fun!
Evening Activities

Each day of Preview ends with a celebration. Some of our favorites include Silent Disco, a hypnotist show, a Lip Sync battle and more!
ETSU Traditions

Take part in ETSU Traditions including the Service Plunge and New Student Convocation.
Academic Preparation

Preview is all about making sure you have a GREAT start to ETSU! You will learn more about tips for success in the classroom, the resources we have to help you succeed, and learn where your class buildings are!