
Welcome Week 2025
UCR Welcome Week 2025
All UC Riverside Highlanders are invited to celebrate the start of our 2025-26 academic year with a ton of fun and informative events hosted by various campus partners. This is a great time to discover new resources, explore the campus, and make new friends.
To add to the excitement, University Relations is hosting a UCR hoodie giveaway to get students fitted up with back-to-school spirit!
UCR Hoodie Giveaway Details
Instructions
- Follow @UCRiversideOfficial on Instagram
- Stay tuned for the Instagram post on Monday, Sept. 22, for a chance to win
Rules
- All currently enrolled UCR undergrad and grad students are eligible to win
- Two winners will be selected randomly to receive a $100 gift card good for any bookstore purchase, including but not limited to UCR hoodies
- Winners will be contacted/announced on Monday, Oct. 6
Events Schedule
View a complete list of the 100 Welcome Week 2025 listings on the UCR Events Calendar (events.ucr.edu).
- Most events are open to all students (new, continuing, undergrad, and grad), but some events are for specific audiences only
- Click on each event to find details, like audiences, times, locations, perks, and giveaways
Featured events you should definitely check out:
- Block Party w/ ASPB
- Scavenger Hunt w/ Botanic Gardens
- Ice Cream Social w/ Recreation
- Fraternity and Sorority Fair w/ Student Life
- Latinx Art Exhibit w/ Chicano Student Programs
STUDENT AFFAIRS SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
-
Saturday, September 20
ASP Family Weekend (Day 1)
Saturday, September 20, 2025
10 a.m. – 3 p.m. -
Sunday, September 21
ASP Family Weekend (Day 2)
Sunday, September 21, 2025
10 a.m. – 3 p.m. -
Monday, September 22
AFRICAN STUDENT PROGRAMS
Barbershop Talk: The Cut Up
Monday, Sept 22, 2025
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
LOCATION: Glasgow Conference RoomWhat if the barbershop came to UCR?
Not just the clippers and fades, but the conversations, wisdom, and brotherhood that make it a place of thriving and support. That’s what ASP's The Cut-Up is all about. Often imitated, never duplicated!
Since 2018, this program has been a space for first-year and transfer ASP male scholars to link up with upperclassmen, staff, and each other to talk about real campus life: academics, involvement, success, and thriving at UCR. Free food on deck.
First 25 first year and transfers to RSVP will get a free cut from Riverside’s own Jay.
Pull up, plug in, and walk out sharper than when you came.
#TheCutUp #ASP #Brotherhood #FromASPhttps://events.ucr.edu/event/barbershop-talk-the-cut-up
RECREATION
FREE Chair Massage
Monday, Sept 22, 2025
5:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.
LOCATION: Student Recreation Center (SRC), SRC South - Weight Room UpstairsChair massage is a perfect way for college students to relax, recharge, and relieve stress. Just a few minutes can help ease muscle tension from studying, improve focus, and give you a quick mental break. Take care of your mind and body and join us in a soothing massage experience at no charge.
Join us every Monday and Tuesday by the SRC South 2nd Floor Stairs from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Indulge in relaxation and rejuvenation with our expert massage therapy services. Pamper yourself with a complimentary 10-minute chair massage to ease tension and promote well-being. Registration is HIGHLY encouraged! Walk-in registration is welcome; however, entry is dependent on spot availability and is not guaranteed.
Join us for a complimentary 10-minute chair massage, available from September 22 to December 9.
Registration opens five days in advance. Please note that this service is only available to individuals with an active SRC membership. If you are unable to attend your session, please cancel your registration to provide other patrons an opportunity to attend. For more information about massage therapy services, contact fitwell@ucr.edu.
-
Tuesday, September 23
RECREATION
Intramural Sports Registration Opens
Tuesday, Sept 23, 2025
6:30 a.m. – 11 p.m.
LOCATION: Student Recreation Center (SRC), SRC SouthIntramural Sports is a fun and easy way for undergrads to get active, meet new people, and take a break from classes. No experience needed. Sign up as a team with friends or join as a free agent to be placed on one.
Fall quarter registration will open on September 23 and end on October 14
If there are any questions please reach out to us via email or phone and we will be glad to assist you!
Register for IM sports online at http://imleagues.com/ucr
This quarter we're offering mens/womens/coed competitive games in:
- Registration opens – (9/23/2025)
- Registration closes – (10/14/2025)
- Captain's Meeting – (10/15/2025)
Note: Associate Members and non-International students taking classes through the UCR Extension Center are ineligible to participate in Intramural Sports.
AFRICAN STUDENT PROGRAMS
Tea Talk!: The Intro
Tuesday, Sept 23, 2025
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
LOCATION: HUB 355African Student Programs is kicking off the academic year with our annual Tea Talk for the ladies. Join African Student Programs for girl time, lunch, and more! Let’s start the year on the right path. RSVP now through this link.
RECREATION
Ice Cream Social
Tuesday, Sept 23, 2025
12 – 2 p.m.
LOCATION: Student Recreation Center (SRC), Cooking Well KitchenThis event is a welcome event for undergrads and grads to kick off the new year with sweet treats and great company.
Join us for a delightful afternoon of sweet treats at our Ice Cream Social to bring in the new school year! Whether you're catching up with old friends or meeting new ones, there's no better way to start the semester than with delicious ice cream, and great company.
No registration required, but you must check in and sign the waiver at the door. First come, first served until goodies last.
Contact valerie.batlle@ucr.edu or cookingwell@ucr.edu for questions.
http://recreation.ucr.edu #ucrsrc
RECREATION
Fit Fest
Tuesday, Sept 23 & 24, 2025
3:30– 8 p.m.
LOCATION: Student Recreation Center (SRC)Kick off the quarter and sample FitWell’s most popular Group Fitness classes at Fit Fest!
These 30-minute sessions are the perfect chance to sample a variety of different workouts, meet our amazing instructors, and connect with other students. Whether you’re into yoga, strength training, or Zumba, there’s something for everyone! While you're there, enjoy some grab-and-go snacks from CookingWell and get the scoop on Personal Training. Come solo or bring your roommate! All are welcome!
September 23 & 24
3:30 – 8:00 p.m.
SRC North – Locations VarySee the Offerings details below for information about the class description, room location, and instructor.
Registration is highly recommended, although walk-ins are accepted for most classes, subject to space availability. Registration is required and is limited to 18 participants for Cycle Burn. For more information about group exercise classes, contact fitwell@ucr.edu.
*PRESS RELEASE: Please be aware that a photographer will be present at this event, and photos may be taken for promotional purposes. By attending, you consent to have your image captured and used in event-related materials. For more information, contact fitwell@ucr.edu.
-
Wednesday, September 24
RECREATION
Fit Fest
Tuesday, Sept 23 & 24, 2025
3:30– 8 p.m.
LOCATION: Student Recreation Center (SRC)Kick off the quarter and sample FitWell’s most popular Group Fitness classes at Fit Fest!
These 30-minute sessions are the perfect chance to sample a variety of different workouts, meet our amazing instructors, and connect with other students. Whether you’re into yoga, strength training, or Zumba, there’s something for everyone! While you're there, enjoy some grab-and-go snacks from CookingWell and get the scoop on Personal Training. Come solo or bring your roommate! All are welcome!
September 23 & 24
3:30 – 8:00 p.m.
SRC North – Locations VarySee the Offerings details below for information about the class description, room location, and instructor.
Registration is highly recommended, although walk-ins are accepted for most classes, subject to space availability. Registration is required and is limited to 18 participants for Cycle Burn. For more information about group exercise classes, contact fitwell@ucr.edu.
*PRESS RELEASE: Please be aware that a photographer will be present at this event, and photos may be taken for promotional purposes. By attending, you consent to have your image captured and used in event-related materials. For more information, contact fitwell@ucr.edu.
http://recreation.ucr.edu #ucrsrc
You Belong at UCR
All programs, services, and events offered through Student Affairs are open to everyone, consistent with federal and state law and the University of California’s nondiscrimination policies. Whether you’re seeking support, joining a community, or participating in campus life, every effort is made to ensure your experience is inclusive, respectful, and accessible, regardless of background or identity.
To learn more, visit the UC Nondiscrimination Statement or the Nondiscrimination Policy Statement for University of California Publications Regarding Student-Related Matters.