These are the milestones that will mark your first year at Penn

From New Student Orientation activities to campus traditions, every student’s first year at Penn is filled with firsts.

These experiences — whether sanctioned by the University or organized by students — help build lasting memories on campus. Here’s your guide to the events that every first-year Quaker should know about.

Class photo

On Aug. 21, the Class of 2029 will sport red and blue T‑shirts for their class photo. From 2-2:30 p.m., first years will gather on Franklin Field in the shape of their graduation year. The product — a picture taken from above — marks the first time the class is captured together. An NSO event in the Palestra follows the photo.

Philadelphia Museum of Art gala

On Aug. 23 from 6:30-9:00 p.m., first years will head to the Philadelphia Museum of Art for a gala, one of NSO’s most anticipated events. Offering free admission to the museum’s galleries and featuring music, dancing, and dinner, the gala is a chance to experience a night out with the entire class. Wristbands and Penn IDs are required for entry.

Convocation

Every student’s Penn journey truly begins at Convocation, the official welcome to the University community. During the event, hosted at Franklin Field, the incoming class will gather to hear speakers, welcome transfer students, and learn — or relearn — “The Red and Blue” chant. For first years, Convocation is the culmination of NSO, a week’s worth of icebreakers, informational sessions, and name tags wrapped up in one spirited ceremony. This year, Convocation will be held on Aug. 25, the night before classes begin.

Student Performing Arts Night

Penn's creative talent hits the stage during Student Performing Arts Night on Aug. 28 at the Zellerbach Theatre. Over 50 groups perform in a showcase designed to introduce first-year students to all that Penn’s artistic community has to offer, including a cappella, spoken word, dance, and comedy. Each group performs a short piece to give the audience a sense of their distinct style — and maybe inspire a few new members.

Econ Scream

The night before Penn’s first microeconomics midterm exam, hundreds of students gather on the Lower Quad to let out a collective, cathartic scream at midnight. While lasting only a few seconds, the event is a memorable night planned by the class board and usually features music and snacks. You don’t need to be enrolled in ECON 0100 to participate — the scream is more about shared stress relief and student bonding than the exam itself.

Homecoming, tree planting, and toast throwing

Homecoming weekend celebrations will commence on Nov. 7 as Penn football faces off against Cornell University the next day. The weekend brings together alumni and current students for tailgates, performances, and plenty of school spirit. As part of the festivities and an annual tradition, the Class of 2029 will select a tree to be planted on College Green. 

Another generations-old Penn tradition will take place during the game: toast throwing. After the third quarter — when the Penn Band performs “Drink a Highball” and reaches the line “Here’s a toast to dear old Penn” — students hurl pieces of toast onto Franklin Field. The ritual originated in the 1970s after alcohol was banned at all University-sanctioned games. Now, students literally “toast” to Penn.

St. Patrick’s Day 

St. Patrick’s Day — better known on campus simply as “Paddy’s” — is one of Penn’s most lively days of the year. Marked by an abundance of green apparel and themed accessories, Penn’s campus atmosphere on St. Patrick’s Day is vibrant from the early hours of the morning to late at night. While the origins of the tradition are unofficial, the day has become a staple event that unites students in a shared display of green spirit.

Spring Fling

Spring Fling is Penn’s ultimate student‑run festival and, for some, the most memorable event of the spring semester. In 2024, headliner Sexyy Red took the stage for the Friday night concert, which drew in thousands of attendees at Penn Park.

Since 1973, the weekend has consisted of two main parts: the nighttime concert on Friday and a themed festival on Saturday afternoon. The concerts committee of Penn’s Social Planning and Events Committee organizes the Friday concert, attracting around 8,000 students and community members each year. Meanwhile, the Spring Fling committee plans Saturday’s festivities, which transform campus into a lively carnival filled with food, games, and performances.

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