Second-Year Students

Second-Year Orientation (SYO) Events

See below for the official Second-Year Orientation (SYO) schedule. For more information about the Second-Year Experience (SYE), click here!

Sunday, August 28 

10am – 2pm  
Brunch  
Location: Hill, Kings Court English, Lauder, and 1920 Commons dining cafes. Kosher dining available at Hillel. 

4pm – 8pm 
Dinner 
Location: Hill, Kings Court English, Lauder, and 1920 Commons dining cafes. McClelland for Ware residents. Kosher dinner available from 5pm-7pm at Hillel. 

5pm – 8pm 
SYO: College House Activities 
Check with your RA, House Coordinator, or House Director for more info regarding activities in your College House. 

8pm – 10pm 
Penn Campus Recreation Open House 
Join Penn Recreation & Athletics for the Recreation Open House! Tour the five floors of fitness spaces with an interactive scavenger hunt, jump into some express group exercise classes, try the Rock Climbing Wall, visit the Sport Club Expo, and so much more! Talk with Campus Rec and Athletics staff about all the ways to stay healthy and active with your friends on campus. Enjoy a live DJ, refreshments, and raffle prizes! 
Location: Pottruck Health and Fitness Center 

11pm – 1am
Late Night Activities Fair 
Grab a friend and enjoy games, food, and raffles while meeting student groups. 
Location: College Green 
Rain Location: Penn Commons & Houston Hall 

Monday, August 29 

7am – 10am 
Breakfast 
Location: Hill, Kings Court English (8am-10am), and 1920 Commons dining cafes.  

11am – 2pm 
SYO: Second-Year Preceptorials
Click here for more information! 

11am – 2pm 
Lunch 
Location: Hill, Kings Court English, and 1920 Commons dining cafes. Kosher dining at Hillel. 

2pm – 5pm 
SYO: PennTracks Tours and West Philadelphia and University City Tours  
Learn more about PennTracks Tours here! 
Learn more about the West Philadelphia and University City Tours here! 

6pm – 8pm 
Dinner  
Location: Hill, Kings Court English, Lauder, and 1920 Commons dining cafes. Kosher dining at Hillel. 

Tuesday, August 30 

5pm – 6:30pm 
President’s Welcome Back Celebration for the Classes of 2024 & 2025 
Mingle with President Liz Magill and enjoy refreshments, live music, giveaways, and more! Registration and a Penn ID are required for entry. No bags permitted. Please RSVP to prespic@pobox.upenn.edu
Location: Penn Commons 

Wednesday, August 31 

6pm – 8pm 
SYO: Class Board Spikeball Tournament 
All skill levels are invited to bump, set, and spike their way to glory as they compete against their fellow Penn classmates! Great food, drinks, and raffle prizes are in store for all players and on-lookers!  

To play, you must sign up:
Are you the best Spikeball duo on campus? Fill out this form to compete for the title.
Looking to play for fun? Fill out this form to play in the beginners bracket.

First Place in the competitive bracket will receive a $150 Penn Bookstore Gift Certificate.
Second Place in the competitive bracket will receive a $50 Penn Bookstore Gift Certificate.

Location: Gutmann College House Lawn  
Rain Location: Gutmann College House Multipurpose Room 

7pm 
Student Performing Arts Night (SPAN) 
Showcasing over 50 dance, music, comedy, theatre, poetry, and student performing arts clubs at Penn. Tickets: $5 || Ask your RA about discounted tickets! https://platthouse.vpul.upenn.edu/span/ 
Location: Annenberg Center, Zellerbach Theatre 

Thursday, September 1 

11am – 1pm 
SYO: Second-Year Day 
Explore the Penn resources and services available to second-year students. Refreshments and raffle prizes for all participants. First 100 second-year students receive a Class of ’25 bucket hat. 
Location: Gutmann College House Lawn
Rain Location: Gutmann College House Multipurpose Room 

Friday, September 2 

10am – 11am 
Sophomore Breakfast 
Join the LGBT Center as we host a delicious breakfast for all sophomore students. 
Location: LGBT Center 

8pm – 10pm 
Mask & Wig and Bloomers Present: Free Show 
The Mask & Wig and Bloomers Free Show is a great opportunity for new students to learn more about these comedy groups! 
Location: Annenberg Center, Zellerbach Theatre