Performances + Events
New Student Orientation
We are excited to welcome all new students to campus and help you get off to a great start!
NEC’s New Student Orientation, Welcome Aboard: Flight 2026 — Sky’s the Limit!, invites you to connect with peers, ask questions, and explore the NEC campus, discovering the resources and support that will help you thrive academically and personally.
The New Student Orientation schedule is packed with important and exciting events — from mandatory sessions, auditions, and department meetings to fun socials, themed activities, and drop-in sessions for academic, accessibility, and international student support and questions.
Participation in the New Student Orientation is mandatory for all new students.
Schedule and Important Dates
Saturday, August 29
Residence hall move-in for new residential students begins at 9 a.m. in the Student Life and Performance Center (SLPC), located at 255 St. Botolph Street.
9 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Move-in for Students on Floors 6, 8, and 10
1–5 p.m. | Move-in for Students on Floors 4, 7, and 9
5 p.m | Parent and Family Welcome Reception
7 p.m. | Residence Hall Dinner
8 p.m. | Social Event
Sunday, August 30
5 p.m. | Orientation Check-in: Graduate Students and Off-Campus Students
6 p.m | Graduate Student Social Event
Monday, August 31
9 a.m. | Official Orientation Programming Begins in Jordan Hall
Tuesday, September 8
12 p.m. | NEC Classes Begin
Tuesday, October 6
President’s Convocation
Additional information, including a finalized orientation schedule, will be shared later this summer.
Questions?
We look forward to meeting you and supporting your journey at NEC! Please contact the Office of Academic and Student Affairs if you have any questions.
For housing questions, please contact residencehall@necmusic.edu.
For general questions, please contact student.services@necmusic.edu.
Pre-Orientation Requirements
Please complete all required pre-orientation steps by the deadlines provided. These requirements are important for your arrival and may result in a registration hold if not completed, which could prevent you from enrolling in classes.
All incoming students are required to complete the Sexual Assault Prevention Course, an online informational program that educates students on healthy relationships, the meaning of sexual consent, and the role of the bystander in creating a safe and healthy community. On July 1, incoming students received a link to the course, sent to their NEC email address. Students must complete the course before arriving at NEC on August 29. This interactive program takes about 45 minutes to complete. Please see Title IX and NEC’s Prohibition on Sexual Misconduct Policies for more information.
All incoming undergraduate students are required to complete the AlcoholEdu course, an online informational program designed to reduce the negative consequences of alcohol among students. On July 1, incoming undergraduate students received a link to the AlcoholEdu course, sent to their NEC email address. Students must complete the course before they arrive at NEC on August 29.
All students must turn in their Student Health Report by July 18. Information for the 2026-27 Student Health Insurance Policy was updated on July 1. Please check back after that date to find out rates and benefits as well as how to waive our student plan.
Your Penguin Pass is your student ID. It allows you to gain access to NEC’s buildings. You can also load money on your Penguin Pass that can be spent on dining, copying, and other cashless purchases. Please submit your picture for your Penguin Pass before arriving on campus.
Orientation Exams
Details about orientation exams can be found below. For more information about Summer Academic Testing, including sign-up instructions and specific dates, please visit the Summer 2026 Diagnostic Testing page.
All incoming BM students were invited to take the Undergraduate Music Theory Placement Exams in early June.
All incoming MM students are required to take the Master of Music Theory Competency Exam. This exam will be offered online in early June and in August. Graduate Diploma and Graduate Certificate students are also invited to take this exam.
All incoming MM students are required to take the Music History Competency Exam. This exam will be taken online in August. The exact date and time of your exam will be sent to you later in the summer.
These three optional exams are designed to determine appropriate course recommendations for graduate students who intend to pursue language study at NEC in French, German, or Italian. The Graduate Language Exams are strongly recommended for entering MM students in Vocal Performance and Collaborative Piano with prior experience in German, French, or Italian, as their curricula include a foreign language requirement.
All incoming CMA students will take both the Aural Skills Placement Exam and will be scheduled for Individual Meetings with members of the CMA Department.
All incoming graduate and undergraduate Jazz Studies students are scheduled to take the Jazz Theory and Ear Training Exam on August 5. This exam serves as a diagnostic tool for placement in the curriculum.
The English Language Placement Exam is required for entering students who are non-native English speakers and who have not yet placed into an English Language (ESL) level. This online exam will take place in mid-August and will include reading, writing, and speaking sections.
Academic Support and Campus Services
Academic advising provides resources and support for students to explore their academic interests and goals, take responsibility for their educational success, and plan for life beyond NEC.
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The Music Theory Learning Center provides an excellent opportunity for teaching assistants to gain experience in tutoring undergraduate and graduate students. Its services are available to the entire NEC community every day from 5–6 p.m.
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NEC is committed to helping musicians develop professional skills in writing, critical thinking, project organization, and time management. Our Writing Center provides one-on-one support to all members of our community. Our tutors are professional writers and trained tutors who are skilled in working with both domestic and international students.
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NEC recognizes the inherently multilingual nature of music and professional music-making and is therefore committed to making language instruction in English, French, German, and Italian available to all students.
To support our students’ unique personal and professional goals, we have created the NEC Language Resource Center, where students can maintain and practice skills in the foreign languages they have acquired in the classroom or abroad.
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NEC offers state-of-the-art facilities, innovative digital tools, and dedicated support to ensure you can create, collaborate, and perform at the highest level. You can also access software and borrow gear through NEC’s Recording and Performance Technology Services (RPTS) department.
Explore our offerings and discover how NEC’s technological infrastructure empowers you to achieve your artistic and educational goals.
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Student employment opportunities take you behind the scenes. As an NEC student, you’re welcome to work on campus regardless of your financial aid status.
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Discover study spaces, listening rooms, computers, printing, and borrowing services designed to support your success.
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Student Discounts and Memberships
Free ticket to the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
You can use the promo code “NEC” to get a free ticket to the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. Please book tickets online in advance for a timed entry. Make sure to enter the promo code at the beginning to apply the free-ticket discount. Remember to bring your student ID and have your ticket ready when you arrive.
Free entry option for the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA)
NEC college students can gain free entry to the Museum of Fine Arts by showing their current NEC ID at the MFA ticket desk.
Ticket discounts for the Boston Symphony Orchestra (BSO)
You should receive communication from the Office of Academic and Student Affairs regarding a discounted BSO College Card available for the price of $10. Keep an eye out for these messages! The cards last the entire season (excluding the Boston Pops and Tanglewood).
Please note that NEC’s BSO College Cards are available on a first-come, first-served basis. If you’ve missed the discount, you may still purchase a college card from the BSO website.
YMCA Gym Membership Discount
NEC students can receive a 10% discount on their gym membership at the YMCA. To receive the reduced rate, please go to the YMCA and bring the following: NEC ID, government-issued ID (ex. passport), and a payment method (credit or debit card).
Northeastern University’s Marino Recreation Center Discount
NEC students receive a discounted rate on gym memberships at Northeastern University’s Marino Recreation Center. For more information about the facility, pricing, and how to sign up, visit Northeastern’s website.
MBTA Pass (Boston Subway/the “T”)
Please reach out to the NEC Business Office at businessoffice@necmusic.edu.
Parking
There is no parking available for NEC students. However, if you need proof of out-of-state or Massachusetts residency stickers for your vehicle, and you have not completed the Fall 2026 Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Acknowledgement form, please contact the Registrar’s Office at collegeregistrar@necmusic.edu.
Prepare for Arrival
International Student Information
Access resources and guidance to help you prepare for your arrival, understand immigration requirements, and navigate your transition to academic and campus life at NEC.
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Health and Immunization Requirements
Review the required immunizations and health documentation needed for enrollment and take the necessary steps to ensure a smooth start to your time at NEC.
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