A new generation of Rebels will learn their first lesson in scarlet and gray pride as they join returning students Aug. 26 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 list of events, visit the UNLV calendar. Visit the campus map page for additional location details. 

Residence Hall Move-In

When: Wednesday, Aug. 21 (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 3,000 new and returning students move into campus residence halls. UNLV President Marta Meana and student athletes will greet and lend a helping hand to first-time students. 

This year, UNLV debuts The Degree, which joins the adjacent Legacy LV on the north end of campus — adding more than 750 beds to the previous residence-hall population. 

Rebel Welcome Day/UNLV Creates 

When: Friday, Aug. 23.  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, a barbecue and ice cream social, guided campus tours, an outdoor movie, informational booths, bookstore discounts and giveaways, and more designed to help them learn more about UNLV and campus life 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 School of Medicine White Coat Ceremony 

When: Friday, Aug. 23, 5 to 7 p.m. 

Where: Artemus Ham Hall 

Media: Park at the Cottage Grove Garage; Coordinate with UNLV School of Medicine, paul.joncich@unlv.edu or (702) 895-1696 

University staff welcomes its third class to the profession of medicine. The ceremony is commemorated with students taking their oath and receiving their first white coat and stethoscope. 

UNLV Fall Semester Begins 

When: Monday, Aug. 26 

Where: UNLV Main Campus

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 (near the Student Union), Student Services Complex, Alta Ham Fine Arts Building, Thomas T. Beam Engineering Complex, and Lied Library. 

24th Annual Premier UNLV 

When: Thursday, Aug. 29, from 5:30 to 9 p.m. 

Where: Intramural Field, corner of Swenson Street and Harmon Avenue 

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

UNLV Rebel Football Home Opener vs. Southern Utah 

When: Saturday, Aug. 31, 6 p.m. 

Where: Sam Boyd Stadium 

Media: Coordinate with UNLV Athletics Media Relations at (702) 895-4472 

Join UNLV head football coach Tony Sanchez and the Rebels as they host their first home game of the season, and embark on the 49th and final season of their off-campus home. Fans are encouraged to use #SBSFarewell in their social media posts to share photos and memories of the nearly half-century of games played at Sam Boyd Stadium. 

Involvement Fair 

When: Wednesday, Sept. 4, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

Where: Student Union, 1st floor 

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