Bluegrass Day 2026
What is Bluegrass Day?
Bluegrass Day is an early orientation option for freshman admitted for fall 2026. Students have the opportunity to meet other Wildcats, explore life on campus, connect with campus resources, and register for your fall 2026 courses.
By attending Bluegrass Day, you’ll have the opportunity to complete orientation, advising and course registration before our summer BBN Orientation dates that run from June 15 through July 9.
Register for one date
- Thursday, April 30
- Friday, May 1
Registering early for Bluegrass Day is strongly encouraged. Space is limited and is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
As dates reach capacity for each academic college, they will no longer appear as options to register for in your myUK portal. We anticipate that we will reach capacity early for several colleges.
Each Bluegrass Day will include:
- Welcome to Bluegrass Day and Opening Session
- This session formally kicks off Bluegrass Day and begins at 8:30 a.m. (Eastern Time). Check-in will be open from 7:30-8:15 a.m.
- Small group meetings with a First-Year Experience Ambassador and other new students
- Lunch in Champions Kitchen, an on-campus dining hall
- Information about living on campus and student life
- Opportunities to meet with and ask questions of different student resources on campus
- Registration for fall courses with your academic college
- Family/Guest programming from the Office of Parent and Family Engagement
Prior to Bluegrass Day, students will be required to complete modules in their Bluegrass Day Canvas course.
Most students will be finished by 4:30 p.m. ET.
How to Register for Bluegrass Day
If you have not already registered for a BBN Orientation
You’ll need to use Google Chrome or Firefox to complete this process. Microsoft Edge, Safari and Internet Explorer do not work with the myUK portal.
You can follow the steps below or follow these detailed instructions with screenshots.
- Log in to myUK.uky.edu with your linkblue username and password.
- Select the Menu button on the top left
- Navigate to the Registration section
- Click on BBN Orientation Registration
- Once you’re in the BBN Orientation Registration in myUK:
- Select Register for an Orientation;
- Select your preferred Bluegrass Day date;
-
Select Continue and choose your payment method. Once you have selected your payment method, click the Next button to enter your payment method information. If payment is not made at the time of confirmation, you will not be confirmed for Bluegrass Day and will need to reserve your space when your payment can be completed.
IMPORTANT: After completing your payment, be sure to follow all prompts. If you do not complete the process after payment to select an orientation date, you will not be registered for Bluegrass Day.
If you've already registered for a BBN Orientation
You’ll need to use Google Chrome or Firefox to complete this process. Microsoft Edge, Safari and Internet Explorer do not work with the myUK portal.
- Log in to myUK.uky.edu with your linkblue username and password.
- Select the Menu button on the top left
- Navigate to the Registration section
- Click on BBN Orientation Registration
- Once you’re in the BBN Orientation Registration in myUK:
- Select Modify;
- Select preferred Bluegrass Day date;
- Select Continue
There will be no additional charges for switching to Bluegrass Day.
Orientation fee and enrollment pre-payment instructions
There is a $250 Bluegrass Day payment that includes the Bluegrass Day orientation fee and enrollment pre-payment. This payment process must be completed to reserve your space at Bluegrass Day.
Military-connected students and families: We appreciate those who defend our country and the incredible role of military families, who sacrifice and support their loved ones. If your admission application responses indicated that you are a member of a military-connected family, as gratitude from the University of Kentucky you'll receive a reduced registration fee when registering for a UK orientation date.
Additional Fees:
- There is a $30 guest fee for each guest a student brings to Bluegrass Day. Students are allowed to bring up to two guests to Bluegrass Day
- There is a $20 Student ID Fee that covers the cost of the physical student ID students will receive prior to the start of the Fall semester. This fee is optional at this time but will be required prior to the start of the fall semester.
Instructions based on payment method
If paying via credit or debit card, a new browser window will open and display our credit/debit card payment form, powered by Value Payment Systems, LLC (please note the convenience fees associated with credit and debit transactions). Follow the instructions to enter and process your payment. When finished, the window will close and you will receive a confirmation message in the student portal.
If paying via electronic check, you will proceed through our UK check payment process. Follow the prompts to enter and confirm your bank and routing numbers and the account holder name and click Submit Payment. Please note that it will take several days for your transaction to post through your financial institution.
If paying via international bank transfer or international credit card, you will select one of our international payment vendors. Once you select one and click the Continue button, you will be redirected to that vendor’s website to complete your payment.
Please do not attempt to pay your orientation fees directly through the UK Account Services tab, Web Payment Services or Guest Access through the student portal. Proceed through the BBN Orientation Registration (see instructions above) to make any changes or payments.
If payment is not made at the time of confirmation, you will not be confirmed for Bluegrass Day and will need to reserve your space when your payment can be completed.
Parents and Families are included
Families and guests of students attending Bluegrass Day are encouraged to join us! The Bluegrass Day schedule includes sessions that students and family members experience together and some dedicated, separate programming that addresses the unique needs of each group.
Specific family programming includes:
- A morning presentation dedicated to the needs of college families. You’ll learn about UK resources and ways to support your student.
- An afternoon panel to ask questions of current students and get their insights on life at UK. This popular session will take place while Bluegrass Day students meet with their academic colleges.
Connect with us
UK is dedicated to supporting the parents and families of our students, knowing that you continue to be a vital part of their support system. Visit the Parent and Family Engagement website to learn more about resources, programs and events.
Families of incoming students are invited to join the Cat Chat Family Community, UK’s online family communications portal. The Cat Chat Family Community if your place for:
- Access to important campus news and deadlines
- Personalized newsletters and announcements
- Sharing of updates with friends and family