Your Accepted Students Day Guide: Food, Fun and Exploration Around JWU

Author Ava Zajczenko '27 is a Nonprofit Management major with a focus on food insecurity and works as a student assistant at JWU, contributing to JWU News.

As the chill in the air fades and green buds emerge, there's one thing students are eagerly anticipating: Accepted Students Day, when new and transfer students are invited to campus to celebrate the milestone of being accepted to Johnson & Wales University.

Not only is this time exciting for incoming students, but it's also anticipated by the university. As new students buzz with enthusiasm about their upcoming classes, adventures and new friendships, JWU stands ready to support them on their journey and help them get to know their campus and instructors.

Here are some of the activities planned on each campus on this special day!

What You'll Learn at Accepted Student Day Sessions

1. Information Sessions on Adjusting to Campus Life

Whether you're coming from out of state, another country or commuting, seeing the place you'll call home for the next few years is a big moment for an incoming student. Visiting campus and getting familiar with JWU is the best way to dispel any feelings of nervousness.

Accepted Students Day includes sessions to discuss everything from next steps to life on campus to orientation. And you'll get a lot of that information from JWU students themselves!

Accepted students and their parents will attend academic sessions hosted by each college to understand the academic side of things as well. This will give incoming students the chance to see what their future could look like and what help they will receive as a student.

2. Campus Tours

For many students, college will be your first time living away from home. To help with this transition, JWU offers campus tours on Accepted Students Day to help you feel welcomed and informed about where you'll live, learn and explore. Start picturing yourself in class, studying in the library or relaxing in your room.

In Providence, students can tour both the Harborside and Downcity campuses, exploring everything each campus has to offer — from dining halls and residence halls to academic buildings and sports fields.

On the Charlotte Campus, students will enjoy tours of the Uptown Charlotte location, where they can explore academic buildings, residence halls and dining options while experiencing the city around them.

3. Meet your Future Professors and CAT Members 

One of the highlights of the day is getting to meet your future professors and current students.

You and your family will get to ask questions about course loads, hear how current students have enjoyed their classes and learn what to expect as you begin your academic journey.

A big part of being a Collegiate Ambassador Team (CAT) member is meeting new students and helping them feel welcomed on campus. Ranasia James '27, a CAT member on the Charlotte Campus, shares: "Being a part of incoming students journeys even in the smallest way will always be fulfilling for me and hopefully reassuring for them. Making college seem less scary to future JWU students is my #1 goal."

Abby Vandiver '28, another CAT member on the Charlotte Campus, expresses, "I was once an incoming first-year with no idea what college had in store for me, and now I get to welcome new students and families by sharing my own experiences, answering questions and, hopefully, helping them get excited about this big step in their lives! Being able to talk to incoming students and then also seeing what amazing things they do on campus later makes me grateful for the opportunity to be part of something so special!"

Xavier Sandoval '27, a CAT member on the Providence Campus, shares, "For me, I would say allowing students to have a friend to know throughout their process is very fulfilling. That's definitely something that I found helpful when coming to JWU. I want to be that person for those incoming students — somebody that they can have as a friend on the first day of classes or on move-in day."

The CAT members on both campuses are excited to meet the incoming students on Accepted Students Day and to guide them on their new journey at JWU!

4. Meet JWU’s Mascot, Wildcat Willie 

What's better than meeting JWU's official mascot?

Wildcat Willie — the beloved face of JWU — brings school spirit to athletic games, campus events like the involvement fair and alumni events, and major milestones across the JWU community. Of course, Willie wouldn't miss the chance to welcome accepted students on such a special day!

Pro tip: get a photo with Willie as a new student, and another at graduation when you're wearing your cap and gown. It will be a nice memento of your time at JWU!

5. Catch An Athletic Event 

If you love sports and are thinking about joining one of JWU's many athletic teams — such as basketball, volleyball or ice hockey — be sure to catch a game or match during your visit! Joining a JWU team is a great way for students to meet friends and find a community on campus. Being in the stands cheering our teams on is a fun way to experience our school spirit.

Be sure to check when any of the athletic games are happening during your visit so you can experience the excitement firsthand and support your fellow Wildcats. You'll be able to find the information here for both Providence and Charlotte games and matches!

6. Explore Your New City 

Both Providence and Charlotte offer a vibrant mix of dining, shopping and entertainment, ensuring there's something for everyone to enjoy. Each city hosts a variety of events that invite you to explore and connect with the local culture.

Whether you're drawn to the lively college-town atmosphere of Providence or the electric and little neighborhoods of Charlotte, both destinations provide countless opportunities for discovery and memorable experiences that are fun for students.

7. Meet your New Classmates 

One of the most exciting parts of college is meeting your classmates and future friends. At Accepted Students Day, you'll have the chance to connect with fellow students who share your interests or plan to pursue the same major.

It's a perfect opportunity to exchange contact information, find potential roommates and start building meaningful connections before the semester begins. Connect with other students on JWU Providence's and Charlotte's ZeeMee!

JWU Can't Wait to See You!

While beginning your college journey can feel both exciting and nerve-wracking, JWU is here to help every step of the way as you begin to forge new friendships, make great memories and feel prepared for your career.

Register for Accepted Students Day by visiting the JWU Accepted Students Page, selecting your campus — Providence or Charlotte — and completing your registration through the admissions portal.

You'll also find helpful guides like Your Checklist in your admissions portal, which outline everything you need to complete to prepare for the fall semester. We can't wait to welcome you to Accepted Students Day, Wildcat!

Apply to JWU

Visit JWU

Transfer to JWU