New Student Orientation

August 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 Class of 2029 "Gold" New Student Orientation Schedule to get a sense of what to potentially expect this August.

Table outlining Orientation Check-In Locations

New-to-W&M Students All new W&M students should plan to attend New Student Orientation sessions and activities beginning Friday, August 21 through Tuesday, August 25.  Residential New Student Check-In: New students residing on-campus will check-in for New Student Orientation based on their Thursday, August 20 move-in appointment through the same drive-through contactless process. Community building activities will be held for residents that evening. Off-Campus New Student Check-In: New students living off-campus should plan to check-in for New Student Orientation at the Sadler Center the morning of Friday, August 21.

Family Orientation Fall 2026 Family Orientation will be held Friday, August 21. The goal of our full-day 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 the 2025 Family Orientation Schedule to get a sense of what to potentially expect this August.