Bulldog Days
Summer 2026 Dates
- Session 1: June 4-5
- Session 2: June 8-9
- Session 3: June 11-12
- Session 4: June 15-16
- Transfer Orientation 1: June 18
- Session 5: August 19-20
- Transfer Orientation 2: August 19-20
Registration will open mid-March!
Move-In and Host Hotels
Fall Move-In
All residential students will be emailed detailed instructions by the end of July. Room assignments for new students will be emailed by this time as well.
Host Hotels
Mission
The Office of Orientation takes a student-centered approach to the transition experience while introducing incoming families to all aspects of Samford University. By fostering relationships, we connect families to the Samford community and encourage students to pursue opportunities for personal, academic, and spiritual growth.
Pre-Orientation Checklist
Pre-Orientation Advising Survey
Please submit your Pre-Orientation Advising Survey. The information collected will be used to assist your academic advisor in developing your course of study and will also assist in making efficient utilization of your advising time while at Bulldog Days.
Housing Contract
All students living in on-campus housing are required to complete a housing contract. Submit your contract by logging onto the portal using your Samford username and password and clicking on the Housing tab, where you will find the housing contract link.
Accommodations
As you review the orientation schedule, please notice that Bulldog Days is walking intensive. If you would like to request any special accommodations for you or a family member, please contact us at orientation@samford.edu.
Language Placement
Students are strongly encouraged to take the language placement assessment to be properly advised for class registration. Please note: To access the language placement assessment, students must first successfully submit the pre-orientation advising survey. Students may access the assessment via the survey’s confirmation page or your personal Application Status Page.
Bring your Own Device
Students are asked to bring their own laptop to Bulldog Days. The Orientation Staff will introduce you to technology on campus and assist in troubleshooting any technology issues on your personal device prior to the class registration. Should you have additional questions or concerns about bringing your device, please contact your Admission Counselor.
Login
Students should have received a username and password from Technology Services when they were admitted to Samford. Students will need this information to register for classes during orientation. If you did not receive or have misplaced your username and password, contact Technology Services at 205-726-2662.
Bulldog Mail
Students should go to my.samford.edu and log in with your username and password. From there, click the Bulldog mail icon in the upper left corner of the screen to log in to Bulldog Mail.
Packing List
Students will stay in a residence hall the first night of orientation, so we recommend bringing the following items:
- Sheets/Blanket or sleeping bag
- Pillow
- Alarm clock
- Toiletries
- Towel
- Bathroom shoes
- Umbrella/raincoat
- Light sweater or a jacket
- Outfit for Late Night theme if you wish to dress up with us
International Students
The arrival days for Fall 2025 are scheduled for August 17 and 18. Once your travel plans are finalized, please contact SamfordGlobal to coordinate arrival services, such as transportation from the Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM) and residence hall check-in on the designated arrival days.
All international students new to Samford must attend a mandatory Immigration Check-In on August 19 led by SamfordGlobal prior to beginning classes. Immigration Check-In will introduce you to essential students services for international students and information on how to maintain your visa status during your time of studies at Samford.
Our Team
Frequently Asked Questions
Bulldog Days Orientation is a two-day, in person program held on Samford’s campus. It is designed to get students ready for college. You will spend the two days learning about Samford, campus partners, meet other students and staff and get all the helpful information before you start school in the fall. June sessions fill up fast so make sure you are ready to register when it opens up mid-March.
All incoming freshman and transfer students under the age of 22 are required to attend Bulldog Days Orientation.
While it is not required for parents to attend, we do have Orientation sessions designed for parents to hear more about the opportunities and services available to students and learn more about becoming a Samford Parent.
Samford hosts a spring Transfer Bulldog Days Orientation in January and summer Bulldog Days Orientation for both incoming freshmen and transfers in June and August.
Freshman Bulldog Days are two-day sessions. Transfer Bulldog Days in January and June are one-day sessions, while Transfer Orientation in August is two-days.
At Bulldog Days, you’ll be assigned an Orientation group led by one of our upper classman Orientation leaders. You will prepare for your first year as a Samford Bulldog. You will meet staff and other students to learn about campus life.
We have a waitlist that our team monitors as spots become available. It is not a guarantee that we will be able to change your session. To access the waitlist, please register for the next best session on your Application Status Portal. Once registered, a banner will appear with the link to the waitlist.
Yes. We partner with host hotels.
Yes. Students stay in residence halls.
No. Parents are welcome to book a hotel room with one of our partner hotels.
Check your Application Status Portal to complete your Next Steps Checklist.
