Check-In/Orientation FAQs

What are the dates of check-in/orientation?

Please refer to the Academic Calendar or the Orientation section for information regarding the fall, spring, or summer check-in/orientation-week schedule.

Where do I go when I arrive to campus for check-in/orientation week?

If you are living in the residence halls, then your first stop is your residence hall to move in, and your second stop is the Student Activities Center to check in.

If you are living off campus, then your first stop is the Student Activities Center to check in.

The Student Activities Center is located on the third floor of the 939 Boylston Street building, accessible through the 921 Boylston Street building.

Do I need to bring anything with me to check-in?

Yes. About one month prior to check-in/orientation week you will receive a check-in card in the mail. Bring this card with you to check in at the Student Activities Center, as it contains critical information that will help you and us throughout check-in/orientation week.

We would also recommend that you bring a notebook and a pen or pencil to take notes or write down questions throughout the week.

What is the check-in/orientation week schedule going to be like, and can I expect to receive any more details?

Check-in/orientation week is a great opportunity to meet friends who will stick with you for your entire Berklee College of Music experience and beyond.

You can count on the entire week being action packed. The schedule we provide you with on the web is not the full schedule and is intended only to give you an idea of when each day begins and ends.

When you check in, you will receive a comprehensive schedule of the week's events, and we encourage you to participate in as many planned events as possible. In addition to placement exams and auditions, the week is filled with opportunities to interact with faculty, learn about Berklee programs and services, and connect with fellow entering students.

When will I receive my course schedule?

At the end of check-in/orientation week, you will receive your course schedule during a meeting with your peer advisor. You will receive this meeting time and location information when you check in.

Can I just go and pick up my laptop computer when I arrive

No. In order to pick up your laptop you must visit the Student Activities Center and check in first. After being checked in and "cleared" you will receive more information about when and where to pick up your laptop computer. General laptop computer pickup days are held during the first two days of check-in/orientation week.

If you have a "hold" on you student account, you will prevented from picking up your laptop computer until your "hold" has been "cleared." To ensure you will be "cleared" when you check in, you can check your status ahead of time on my.berklee.net.

When do I purchase books and where? How will I know which books to purchase?

After you receive your course schedule at the end of check-in/orientation week, you can bring your schedule to the Berklee Bookstore, located on the corner of Massachusetts Avenue and Boylston Street. To easily find your books, on your own or with the help of staff, match the class call numbers with the numbers on your schedule.

Are practice rooms open during check-in/orientation week?

Yes. Learn more about locations, hours of operation, and rules for using practice rooms. To gain access to the practice facilities, visit the front desk in the respective locations and provide your student ID. You will receive your student ID when you check in.

Where can I ship my belongings prior to classes beginning?

To ensure that any belongings you are shipping to the college arrive in time for school, use the on-campus address we provide you. You will receive this info via email prior to your arrival on campus and on your check-in card.

Please use this format for all letters, packages, and express shipments

Please arrange for shipments to arrive anytime within three days of check-in. Berklee Mail Services will receive and store all packages in the 168 Massachusetts Avenue building so that you can pick them up once you arrive on campus.

If I, or my parent(s)/guardian(s)/guest(s), require special assistance due to a medical, physical, or disability-related reason, will Berklee be able to provide me with the necessary assistance?

We are committed to welcoming and accommodating all entering students and their guests at our check-in/orientation week activities. As some accommodations take time to implement, participants who require special assistance in order to fully experience the week's events are encouraged to contact both the Counseling and Advising Center and the Student Activities Center well in advance, and together we will do our best to provide you with the appropriate assistance.

I am an entering student. Where do I stay during check-in/orientation?

For on-campus residents, housing opens on the first day of check-in/orientation week. If you are not living in the Berklee residence halls and will not already be moved into your off-campus housing, you will need to find a temporary place to stay off campus. Some temporary housing options are listed here.

Is there parking during check-in/orientation week?

No. There is no parking at Berklee College of Music. We suggest you use one of the many designated public parking areas throughout the Back Bay area or plan to park at a meter near campus. View some of our public parking options.

Are there check-in/orientation week events planned for parents, guardians, and guests?

Yes. On the first day of check-in/orientation, our Friends and Family Reception is a place where family members can relax and enjoy music by Berklee student musicians. On the first day of check-in/orientation we will also be providing parents/guardians/guests with a complete list of sessions that are intended to cater to the needs, concerns, and interests of parents/guardians.

Among the events scheduled, parents, guardians, and guests are specifically encouraged to attend Convocation, Parent and Family Orientation, and the Parents of Students with Disabilities session. During the first few days of orientation there will also be time to learn about various Berklee services and activities available to our students as well as have time to connect with other parents/guardians/guests and to meet various college officials.

When does check-in/orientation week end for parents, guardians, and guests?

Depending on the semester, events for parents, guardians, and guests will take place on the first and second days of check-in/orientation week or just on the first day.

Please refer to the appropriate semester's check-in/orientation-week schedule for more specific date and time information.

Where can parents, guardians, and guests stay during check-in/orientation?

Because many area colleges and universities will be starting at the same time, we recommend that parents, guardians, and guests choosing to stay overnight in Boston make arrangements for accommodations prior to the first day of check-in/orientation week. There are a number of options for accommodations right here in the Back Bay area.

Can siblings attend check-in/orientation events?

We recommend any siblings accompanying parents, guardians, and guests only attend parent/guardian/guest events. We leave this decision to the families, since our programming is geared towards guests with a guardian relationship to the entering student, and siblings may feel out of place, but they are certainly more than welcome to attend.