First-Time Freshman PREVIEW!

New Student & Family Programs

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.

Spring PREVIEW Information

Students who are beginning classes in the Spring of 2025 have the option to attend Spring Preview! This is a day of fun and connection: the perfect way to start your first semester at ETSU. Sprign Preview will be on Friday, January 17. Students will be able to register for that in their Orientation portal beginning in November. 

 

Fall 2025 Traditional PREVIEW Information

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

The 44th Annual Preview for Fall 2025 students will be Wednesday, August 20- Saturday, August 23.

Below is an overview of each day. Please note, this schedule is subject to change. You can find last year's schedule here.  

  • Opening Day 2024: Wednesday, August 20

    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: 

    • 7:30am-1:30pm: New Student Move-In: Get settled and move-in to your new on-campus home! More information to come via your ETSU email.
    • 3:30pm: Opening Day Welcome & Reception: We encourage students and families to attend this program that officially welcomes you into the ETSU community! Light refreshments will be served.
    • 6:30pm: Residence Hall Meetings: 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.
    • 7:00pm: Preview Check-in: Get checked-in for the 43rd Annual Preview!
    • 12:00pm-5:00pm: The Plunge:  See below for more information on the Preveiw Service Plunge. Additional sign-up required and space is limited!

    Stop by the dining hall for lunch or dinner and enjoy a free meal on the Division of Student Life & Enrollment! Your student can use their meal plan and family members can eat for free!

    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:

    • 3:30pm: Opening Day Welcome & Reception:  We encourage students and families to attend this program that officially welcomes you into the ETSU community! Light refreshments will be served.
    • 6:30pm: Family Social: 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!
    • Lunch or Dinner in the Dining Hall! If you would like to join your student for lunch or dinner on the dining hall- have that meal on us! All you have to do is have your student use their meal plan and then let the dining staff member at the front know you are a family member and they will sign you in!
  • The Plunge: Wednesday, August 20

    August 21 Noon to 5:00pm: Additional sign-up is required. Space is limited, so register today!  Learn more and register here. 

    An annual tradition that takes place as part of ETSU's Preview experience, The Plunge offers our newest students the chance to take a deep dive into community through direct, hands-on service with community partners throughout the region.

    By engaging in such impactful projects during The Plunge, ETSU’s incoming first-year students begin immediately living out the mission of the institution: "To improve the quality of life in the region and beyond."

    This annual tradition paints an evident picture of service to the region, telling the story that Bucs work hard, Bucs give back, and Bucs go beyond.

  • Preview: Wednesday, August 20
    Join us for Preview Check-in 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 including a DJ and movie showings. Programming will run till 11:00pm
  • Preview: Thursday, August 21

    Preview programming will run from  around 10:00am until 10:00pm 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!
    • Preview Expo: Learn more about ways to get involved by meeting almost all of our student organizations!
    • Preview Olympics: A new tradition during Preview! Join your small group to compete in challenges against other small groups- may the best team win! Challenges will be a mix of physical and mental skills so all students will have a role on the team!
  • Preview: Friday, August 22

    Preview programming will run from 10:00am until 11:00pm 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 2024 Preview t-shirt and we will take a class photo on the football field!
    • 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: Saturday, August 23

    Preview programming will run from 10:00am 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. 
    • 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

  • Will I have time to move-in?
    Yes! New student move-in will be in the morning of Wednesday, August 21 and conclude early afternoon. You will have plenty of time to get settled before Preview begins. 
  • 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 in the evening 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 in the evening on Wednesday, August 21. Each evening will last until 10pm-10:30pm and every other morning will start between 9am-10am. Check out 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 and 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!