K Week kicks off welcoming new and returning Wildcats to campus

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LEXINGTON, Ky. (Aug. 19, 2026) — This week, the University of Kentucky has been welcoming Wildcats to campus with Big Blue Move-In. Today,  K Week kicks off, helping new and returning students transition into life on UK’s campus. The week of events runs through Aug. 23. 

K Week was created in coordination with the UK Office for Student Success to help all students find and build a community from the very moment they step onto campus. 

K Week offers programs and events designed to introduce incoming students to the people, places and pathways to support their success on campus. It’s the best way to get started at UK. 

“My favorite part of K Week is seeing new students step outside their comfort zones, make new friends and start feeling like they belong at UK,” said Hassan Raza, 2026 K Board member. “It is rewarding to watch those connections form so quickly.” 

As UK’s official welcome experience, all incoming students are encouraged to participate. 

“K Week is important because it gives students the opportunity to meet new people, learn more about campus and begin getting comfortable with their new environment,” said Alauna Watts, 2026 K Board member. “It helps students discover different resources and involvement opportunities while taking their first steps toward building their UK experience.” 

This year, more than 200 student leaders have been selected to mentor and lead K Teams of incoming students. K Team leaders will help incoming students navigate the campus landscape, participate and check in to all K Week signature programs, and share how students can get involved. 

“I cannot wait for everyone to be back on campus. As an incoming senior, it is bittersweet to do everything for the last time,” said Haley Rowland, 2026 K Board member. “Participating in these K Week events has shown me that you are never alone, you have unlimited support available to you and UK is the place to be.”

Some of the key events for all new students include Wildcat Fest, college meetings, Campus Ruckus, Big Blue U, and Chill and Grill. 

Beyond those, there are more than 160 events students can pick and choose based on their interests and needs. A schedule of events can be found on the UK Guides mobile app.

The full list of K Week events includes something for everyone. Below are some of the main events students are encouraged to attend. Please note that some events include large crowds, amplified music, cheering and other loud noises that could be challenging for individuals with sensory sensitivities.

• Wildcat Fest: 7:30-11 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 19, at Avenue of Champions and the Gatton Student Center 
  Wildcat Fest serves as the official kickoff to K Week. Held along Avenue of Champions and throughout the Gatton Student Center, the event connects students with staff from across the Office of Student Success and introduces the people, places and resources that will support them throughout their college experience, from academic success and career development to financial wellness, well-being and campus involvement. With support from the Gatton Student Center, UK Alumni Association and UK Athletics, this high-energy block party features live music, games, inflatables, giveaways, free food and opportunities to connect with fellow Wildcats. New students can pick up their official K Week T-shirt for Friday’s Big Blue U class photo, enjoy interactive activities hosted by campus partners, and experience the energy, traditions and community that make UK feel like home. The event is sponsored by the UK Credit Union. 
• College meetings: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 20, at various locations 
  All new students are expected to attend designated college meetings where they will get to meet and interact with fellow students, staff and faculty. Specific times and locations for each college are available in the  UK Guides mobile app. 
• Campus Ruckus: 7-11 p.m. Thursday,. Aug. 20, at Alumni Commons (along Rose Street) 
  Join the Student Activities Board’s annual back‑to‑school bash featuring more than 180 student organizations, each offering an interactive game or activity to help students make connections and discover opportunities for involvement on campus. The event includes free snacks, T‑shirts, inflatables and giveaways, with an evening drone show concluding the event.  
• Pick Your Path: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 21, at various locations 
  Pick Your Path is a day set aside during K Week for new students to spend time getting to know more about some of UK's wonderful campus resources. Students can choose from a variety of sessions based on their interests, while learning more about the resources, opportunities and services available at UK. Check the UK Guides mobile app for information on all the paths available. 
• Big Blue U: 7-10 p.m. Friday, Aug. 21, at Kroger Field 
  Join Big Blue Nation for one of K Week’s most iconic traditions. Learn UK cheers and songs, hear from President Eli Capilouto and coaches, and get a class photo taken on the football field. Students should wear their K Week T-shirt (available for pickup at Wednesday’s Wildcat Fest) and comfortable shoes.
• Student Organization Welcome Events: 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 22, and Sunday, Aug. 23, at various locations 
  Explore UK’s registered student organizations during welcome events. These events provide opportunities to meet organization members and find ways to get involved on campus. Details are available via the UK Guides app. 
• Wildcat WELLcome: 7-10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 22, at Alumni Gym and Gatton Student Center 
  Discover how UK supports student well-being and success at Wildcat WELLcome. Hosted by Student Well-Being and the Office for Student Success, this K Week event highlights campus resources and programs that help students stay healthy, connected and successful both inside and outside the classroom. Connect with Campus Recreation, the Counseling Center, Disability Resources Center, TRACS, the VIP Center and POWER while enjoying free food, interactive activities, inflatable games and free T-shirts.  A quiet sensory space will be available in the Worsham Cinema Green Room for anyone who needs a calm environment during the event. 
• Chill and Grill: 7-11 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 23, at Woodland Glen Courtyard 
  Gather with fellow Wildcats to enjoy dinner, yard games and a movie in the courtyard. Academic resources will also be available to explore before the first day of classes. Sponored by the UK Credit Union.