A new generation of Rebels will learn their first lesson in scarlet and gray pride as they join returning students Aug. 27 to kickoff UNLV’s fall semester classes.

But the road to academic success at UNLV stretches beyond the classroom. For both first-time and returning students, the university is hosting a smorgasbord of events -- from the inspirational TED-like talks of UNLV Creates and a new student BBQ to the home football opener, campus club fair and more -- geared at steering students toward successful college careers by entrenching them in school spirit and acclimating them to campus life.

Media interested in attending the events are asked to coordinate with the UNLV Office of Media Relations.

For a complete listing of events, visit the UNLV calendar. Visit the campus map page for additional location details.

Residence Hall Move-In

• When: Wednesday, Aug. 22 (freshmen), 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Where: Dayton Community, South Complex, Upper Class Complex and Tonopah Community
• Media: Enter at Tropicana Boulevard and Thomas & Mack Center

About 1,900 new and returning students move into campus residence halls. UNLV Provost Diane Chase, Athletics director Desiree Reed-Francois and student athletes will greet and lend a helping hand to first-time students. Residence Life will debut Howell Town, a new themed floor geared toward students of African and black diaspora communities. Stonewall Suites, a themed floor for LGBTQ+ students and allies, has expanded as it enters its second year.  

Rebel Welcome Day/UNLV Creates

• When: Friday, Aug. 24.  Welcome Day, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.; UNLV Creates, 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
• Where: Thomas & Mack Center/Cox Pavilion
• Media: Park in front of UNLV’s Thomas & Mack Center, off of Tropicana Avenue

Rebel Welcome Day kick starts students’ college careers with live music, bookstore discounts and giveaways, an outdoor movie, a scavenger hunt, informational booths, a barbecue and more designed to help them learn more about campus and its programs. The capstone activity is UNLV Creates, a TEDx-like event featuring motivational messages from UNLV staff and students. Freshmen at the mid-morning event also receive Rebel Cords and make a pledge to graduate.

UNLV Fall Semester Begins

• When: Monday, Aug. 27

Throughout the day, more than 200 UNLV staff and student volunteers will operate “ask me” booths to answer student questions. The booths will be located at the Student Recreation and Wellness Center, Pida Plaza, Student Union and Lied Library.

23rd Annual Premier UNLV

• When: Thursday, Aug. 30, from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.
• Where: Intramural Field, corner of Swenson Street and Harmon Avenue (note new location this year)

An annual tradition featuring fireworks and the formation of a giant illuminated “UNLV” created by hundreds of UNLV students and alumni.

Involvement Fair

• When:  Wednesday, Sept. 5, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Where: Student Union

Students learn about the more than 350 on-campus student organizations, as well as community groups around the Las Vegas area.

UNLV Rebel Football Home Opener vs. UTEP

• When: Saturday, Sept. 8, 6 p.m.
• Where: Sam Boyd Stadium
• Media: Coordinate with UNLV Athletics Media Relations at (702) 895-4472

Join new UNLV head football coach Tony Sanchez and the Rebel team for their first home game of the season.

UNLV State of the University Speech

• When: Thursday, Sept. 13 at 2:30 p.m.
• Where: Judy Bayley Theatre
• Media: Coordinate with UNLV Media Relations at (702) 895-3102

UNLV President Marta Meana gives an annual update on the university and its vision for 2018 and beyond.