Starting college can be both exciting and overwhelming. For many first-year students, the combination of beginning classes, meeting new people, and adjusting to a new environment can feel like a lot all at once. But at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, the transition is made easier through a program designed to help students feel welcomed and connected from day one.

Navigating Rensselaer & Beyond (NRB) is Rensselaer’s extended orientation experience. It officially welcomes new students and introduces them to campus life and the local community through three core programs:

1. NRB Optional Overnights – August 21–23 (Registration opens June 6)
   Small-group adventures and themed activities designed to build friendships before classes begin.

2. NRB Welcome Week which includes Adventure Block – August 24–28 (Registration opens June 6)
   A week of engaging events to help students explore campus, meet peers, and get ready for academic life.

3. NRB Beyond Blocks – August 28 – October 31
   Ongoing programs focused on learning all that Rensselaer has to offer through open houses, workshops, try-outs/ auditions, and social gatherings..

Created under The Rensselaer Plan in 2001, NRB is organized around three key themes: adventure/team building, cultural/historical exploration, and community service. These experiences help students connect with each other, engage with the region, and feel a sense of belonging from the very start.

Registration for NRB opens on June 6, 2025. Students are encouraged to sign up early to ensure a spot in their preferred activities.