Welcome, Wildcats

K-State celebrates start of the fall 2026 semester

Two girls standing in front of Anderson Hall with a sign that says “First Day of College.

Kristina Bonner

By Kristina Bonner

Division of Communications and Marketing

Monday, Aug. 31, 2026

Kansas State University's newest Wildcats and returning students started the semester strong with a fun-packed Week of Welcome, including the Welcome Bash on The Quad and Lunch on Bosco Plaza.

Explore photos capturing the excitement of the first week of the fall 2026 semester at K-State.

First day of classes and Welcome Bash

Two girls in front of two guys that are standing in front of Anderson Hall. The girl on the left is holding a sign that says “hi dad” and the girl on the right holding a sign that says “hi mom."
Taylor Witt/Division of Communications and Marketing
Two girls standing in front of Anderson Hall with a sign that says “First Day of College.
Taylor Witt/Division of Communications and Marketing
A K-State staff member handing a goodie to a student outside, under a tent.
Union Creative Services

Two individuals talking at a table outside, near a tent.
Kristina Bonner/Division of Communications and Marketing
Willie the Wildcat posing with a student in front of giant letters that spell out “Welcome Wildcat”. The female student is holding a sign that says, “Happy 1st Day of Classes.”
Kristina Bonner/Division of Communications and Marketing

A group of staff members taking a group photo with Willie the Wildcat in front of giant letters that spell out “Welcome Wildcat."
Union Creative Services
A student grabbing a bag of popcorn from a staff member.
Union Creative Services

Hale of a Week

A student hitting a golf ball through stacks of books.
Kristina Bonner/Division of Communications and Marketing
A group of students standing around an information table.
Kristina Bonner/Division of Communications and Marketing
A student talks to a person at a table filled with purple giveaways.
Kristina Bonner/Division of Communications and Marketing.

A woman in a red dress grabs a drink out of a cooler with ice in a tent outside of Hale Library.
Kristina Bonner/Division of Communications and Marketing.

Lunch on Bosco Plaza

Two students posing while holding up a frame that says “Week of Welcome” on the top and “August 24 – 28, 2026” on the bottom.
Union Creative Services
A student petting Oakley, the university service dog.
Union Creative Services

Willie the Wildcat petting a service dog.
Kristina Bonner/Division of Communications and Marketing
Willie the Wildcat stands with arms raised next to three students at an outdoor event
Kristina Bonner/Division of Communications and Marketing

International Block Party

Different mini flags of different countries sitting on a table. 
Kristina Bonner/Division of Communications and Marketing
Four students posing in front of an inflatable flag with “K-State” written across the flag.
Kristina Bonner/Division of Communications and Marketing
A woman panting a student’s face while sitting down.
Kristina Bonner/Division of Communications and Marketing

A group of students dancing in a circle with bright lights around them.
Kristina Bonner/Division of Communications and Marketing
Students lined up dancing.
Kristina Bonner/Division of Communications and Marketing

Campus life