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.
Table outlining Orientation Check-In Locations
Class of 2029 First-Time-In-College (FTIC) Students
On-campus Class of 2029 FTIC students should arrive at the designated residence hall check-in location at their selected appointment time on Thursday, August 21 via their designated move-in map route. Check-in for both your residence hall - and - new student orientation will be accomplished at this time.
Off-campus Class of 2029 FTIC students should arrive early-morning Friday, August 22 to meet their Orientation Aides and begin participating in new student orientation. Commuting new students should plan to participate in required orientation activities through Tuesday, August 26.
Review the general New Student Orientation DRAFT Highlights to get a better sense of what you can expect upon your campus arrival. Students move through the schedule along with their residential community, so presentation times will differ. Events are added as they are confirmed.
Transfer, Exchange and Joint Degree Programme Host Students
On-campus new students with college experience should first move into their housing assignment at their selected appointment time on Thursday, August 21 via their designated move-in map route. Check-in for both your residence hall - and - new student orientation will be accomplished at this time.
Off-campus new students with college experience should report early-morning on Friday, August 22 to meet their Orientation Aides and begin participating in orientation. Commuting new students should plan to participate in required orientation activities through Tuesday, August 26.
Review the general New Student Orientation DRAFT Highlights to get a better sense of what you can expect upon your campus arrival. Students move through the schedule along with their various orientation groups and student populations, so presentation times will differ. Events are added as they are confirmed.
Family Orientation
2025 Family Orientation will be held Friday, August 22 - 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, including program dates and a schedule of events, will be shared via email, social media and our website as the summer progresses.
Mobile Orientation & Move-In Info
In early August, make sure to download the W&M Mobile app and select the New Students & Families experience to access orientation information including move-in maps and schedules, review key app features including Tribe Card, Transit and Academic Tools, and receive important notifications and updates from Student Transition Engagement Programs.
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.