Family Orientation

Join us August 22!

Welcome to the family! This is an exciting time, and we are preparing now for your arrival in August. William & Mary views our relationship with you and your student as a partnership. Through this partnership, we seek to create the optimal support system for every student. Our relationship begins at Family Orientation where you will gain helpful information to support your student during the critical first year. 

Mobile Orientation & Move-In Info

Download the W&M Mobile app today! Select the New Students & Families experience to access orientation information including move-in maps and your schedules, review key app features including Tribe Card, Transit, and Academic Tools, and receive important notifications and updates from Student Transition Engagement Programs.

Registration

Registration for the 2025 Parent & Family Orientation is now open. Please do not register your students for Parent & Family Orientation. Students are required to participate in their own New Student Orientation upon move-in to campus.

Register Now!

Schedule

Family Orientation will begin the morning of Friday, August 22 and end late afternoon.

We invite you to review the 2025 Family Orientation Schedule (pdf) to better understand timing of events and presentation topics offered.

We also recommend that students and families discuss their "See You Later!" plan prior to moving in so all are prepared to part ways once all orientation activities begin. 

Some Family Orientation presentations will be recorded and posted by Family Engagement the following week for those unable to join us in-person in Williamsburg. 

Parking on Friday, August 22

Family Orientation attendees should park in their move-in day parking destination, as determined by their student's color-coded route, or at the School of Education.

There is not enough parking inventory at Kaplan Arena to accommodate all registered attendees. Attendees should plan to arrive early and walk to Kaplan or take a shuttle from their designated parking area.

Shuttles will run from the following lots (Parking Deck, Zable, Ludwell, Boswell, Power Plant, One Tribe Place, and School of Education) to Kaplan arena between 7-9am. Shuttles will resume in the afternoon between 4-6pm, picking up at the School of Education and returning attendees to campus lots.

Lunch Options on Friday, August 22

The Family Orientation schedule has a two-hour lunch break built in. We encourage you to explore Williamsburg and its robust food scene!

View the list of over 80 restaurants we compiled, both in walking distance of Kaplan Arena and the School of Education, or within a short 15-minute drive away (which encompasses all of Williamsburg!).

View Williamsburg Restaurants

Overnight Accommodations

If you are traveling from away or want to explore the Williamsburg area before or after moving your new student onto campus, overnight accommodations will be needed. Plan your visit now.

Family Engagement