Frequently Asked Questions

How should I keep up with orientation events?

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What should I bring to Orientation events?

For events with alcohol, please bring your government-issued ID, drivers license, or passport if you would like to drink. Your MIT ID will not be accepted as proof of drinking age. For educational events, we recommend that you bring pen and paper to take notes.

Are any Orientation events mandatory?

Orientation events are not mandatory, but we encourage you to attend as many events as you can. In particular, Grad Panels, the Presidential Welcome, and ONE MIT are events you won’t want to miss. The other events during Orientation provide opportunities for learning, networking, and socializing that will introduce you to the Institute and graduate student life in general.

Can I bring my spouse, partner, or children?

Most events are open to spouses, partners, and children. For more details, please see the events descriptions on the events page.

Can I bring my non-MIT friends?

Orientation events are tailored for the needs of incoming MIT graduate students and their spouses, partners, and families. We do not recommend inviting non-MIT friends to the GSC orientation events.

Is there a dress code for Orientation events?

There is no uniform dress code. Most events are casual, but for others, such as the Boston Harbor Cruise, we encourage you to dress to impress. For more details, please see the event descriptions.

If I have an issue or questions, who do I ask for help?

You can find all orientation coordinators and volunteers wearing red t-shirts with the orientation logo on them. Any of them are happy to help you or answer your questions.

I have dietary restrictions. Will there be food for me?

We will be providing vegetarian options at all events with food. However, due to the large number of students attending our events, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to meet all dietary restrictions.
Please check with the Event Coordinators (in red orientation t-shirt) if you have any food-related questions.

How do I buy tickets? Which events are ticketed?

Tickets will be sold online. Check the event's description on the calendar and the Tickets page for details such as onsale dates, pricing, and instructions.

Are there make-up dates for Orientation events?

Unfortunately there are no make-up dates for Orientation events. Some events, such as the Apple Picking trip, may be rescheduled due to bad weather.

Help! Some events conflict with my department’s Orientation!

We’re sorry to hear that! Due to the large number of departmental orientations, conflicts are bound to happen. We encourage you to talk to your department and determine whether your attendance is required.

How do I get from the airport to the MIT campus?

Boston and Cambridge have many great transportation options. You can take the “T”, which is Boston’s public transportation system. From the airport, board the Silver Line bus until you arrive at South Station. At South Station, board the Red Line train towards Alewife. The MIT campus is at the Kendall Square / MIT stop, whereas the graduate dorms (SidPac, Ashdown) are closest to the Central Square stop. If you have a lot of luggage, you can also take a cab from the airport.

I have a questions about a specific event, who can I contact?

Please contact the event coordinator(s) and the Graduate Orientation Chairs (gsc-oc-chair@mit.edu). You can find the coordinator info for the events in the About Us page.

I have an additional question.

You can reach out to the Graduate Orientation Chairs at gsc-oc@mit.edu with any additional questions.
We also encourage you to stop by the GSC Open House on Tuesday September 5 from 6-8 pm in 50-140 to meet us and learn about more ways to become involved with the Graduate Student Council. There will be free food and drinks!