Welcome to King!
Heading off to college for the first time can be a big transition. Our goal is to make it as fun and seamless as possible. Launch helps provide students with answers, experiences, and specialists who can help you integrate into the King community — and thrive here. Over the four-day weekend you’ll meet new helpers, learn new skills, and build new friendships, all of which may last you a lifetime!
What is Launch?
Launch is a four-day program where we help build connections on campus and support new students in exploring the King environment. We start by helping students move in to their rooms and continue with programming that helps students feel at home in community, familiarizing them with campus and the broader Bristol area. By the end of the four days, students will feel more connected and comfortable, ready to begin their studies.
Launch is geared to all new students including high school graduates, college transfers, those commuting from home, and international students. No matter how close or far away you live, we would love for you to join us and be part of our welcome week. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to an enrollment counselor over email, social media or by phone. We look forward to having you and being part of your next big step!
Launch Orientation Schedule
Launch 2025 (meals, events, etc.)
We focus on building community over Launch in a few key ways:
Move In
The first order of business for those living on campus will be checking in at Maclellan Hall, getting a new student ID, and then heading to your dorm to get checked in with the RA staff. Once you have your room key, our Launch leaders will be there to assist with any move-in needs you may have.
Small Groups
Small groups are an essential way to quickly build positive relationships. We will work on placing students in groups of students with similar interests to walk through orientation week together in discussion, fellowship, and competition.
Dedication
This meaningful ceremony marks the momentous life step of families gathering together before parents depart. New students and their families will hear from campus leadership, share in the dedication ceremony, participate in an Oval walk (the front bookend to its sister counterpart at graduation), and for those who choose, join in the signing of the honor code.
Activities
The rest of the week is marked by fun, cheerful, and competitive activities, all geared at helping students connect. This is done with a “challenge by choice” mindset that motivates students to step out of their comfort zones and have fun forming new friendships. There are a variety of events that take place such as relay races, movie nights, pool days, yard games, lake days and more. Many lifelong friendships have started at Launch!
Launch according to students:
“Launch Week isn’t just about fun – it’s a time for creating unforgettable memories, embarking on new adventures, and building lifelong friendships. It’s your chance to discover that King is more than just a place – it’s a home, and the friends you make here become family.” -Brayden Templeton
