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Student Transition Engagement Programs

New Student Orientation

January will be here before we know it!

Orientation, an enrollment requirement, occurs immediately prior to the fall semester to introduce all new students to the many aspects of William & Mary, including student life, academic policies, and the honor code. The goal of each orientation program is to make our students feel right at home from the moment they set foot on campus.

View the Spring 2026 *DRAFT* New Student Orientation Schedule to get a sense of what we may have in store for you this January!

Table outlining Orientation Check-In Locations

New-to-W&M Students

All new W&M students should plan to arrive at the Sadler Center on Friday, January 16 for orientation check-in. 

Residential New Student Check-In: New students residing on-campus will check-in at the Sadler Center based on their Move-In Appointment slated with Residence Life between 8 AM - 12 PM. Check-in for Orientation and their residence hall key pick-up will be accomplished during the same process. 

Off-Campus New Student Check-In: New students living off-campus should plan to check-in at the Sadler Center anytime between 12 PM - 1 PM. New Student Orientation programming begins promptly at 1:15 PM in the same building.

Family Orientation

2026 Spring Family Orientation will be held the afternoon of Friday, January 16 - after you have settled your student into their new Williamsburg home.

The goal of our program is to provide you with the tools necessary to help support your student’s success at William & Mary. More details will be shared via email, social media and our website.

View this year's Family Orientation Schedule to get a sense of what to expect this January!

Register for Family Orientation

Parking

New students and supporters should park in the Zable Stadium Parking Lot on Friday, January 16 to accomplish their check-in process and attend New Student and Family Orientation programming. 

If moving into a residence hall assignment, students and supporters should be mindful of marked spaces, such as a ADA or Reserved spots, and unload only in appropriate areas.

Students planning to bring a vehicle to campus or who are living off-campus, should become familiar with Parking Services Rules & Regulations and make arrangements to purchase your Student Parking Permit online.