• Jun. 23-24*
• Jun. 26-27*
• Jul. 7-8* - Reserved for students participating in Summer Scholars, TRIO, and Acceleration. Seats will be open for other students if available.
• Jul. 10-11*
• Jul. 14-15*
• Jul. 17-18
• Jul. 21-22

*Indicates this session is for students accepted into the Honors college. Availability is still based on your primary school/college (e.g., Arts, Business, Humanities and Sciences, etc.).

Day 1: 

• 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.: Check-in at Gladding Residence Center.
• 11 a.m. - 12: 45 p.m.: Lunch at Market810, optional Financial Session, visit campus offices.
• 1:00- 5:30 p.m.: Student sessions covering topics such as your transition to VCU, the first-year experience, Academic Success, and connecting with your college/school. Students will also spend time in small groups led by your Orientation Leader (OL) with other students in your school/college. 
• 4:30 - 5:30 p.m.: VCU Resource Fair
• 5 - 7:15 p.m: Dinner at Market810 and time in small groups
• 7:30 - 9:30 p.m.: Evening activities in the Gladding Residence Center.

Day 2:

• 7:45 - 9 a.m.: Residence Hall Checkout and Breakfast at Market810.
• 9:15 a.m - 12:30 p.m.: Student sessions include student well-being and resources, safety, “Find Your Herd” sessions, a chance to visit your college/school, and a selection of information sessions to learn about various VCU offices and programs that interest you.
• 12:15 - 1:30 p.m.: VCUCard pick-up and time in small groups

Session topics and times may vary. A final schedule will be available closer to your scheduled Orientation.

There is no upfront cost for students to participate in Orientation. The cost for the program is covered by the New Student Transition Fee on your student bill in your first semester and will be paid alongside tuition and other fees or covered by your financial aid package (if applicable).

The fee for incoming first-year students covers your full Orientation experience, including meals during Orientation, materials (usually a bag, water bottle and more), your overnight stay on-campus (if applicable), parking during the program, staffing, software and other associated costs (including space rentals and facilities fees). The fee also contributes to programming for first-year students during the academic year, including New Student Convocation.

Visit Student Financial Services to learn more about mandatory student fees.

First-year students may add up to three family members or supporters to their Orientation reservation for an additional fee. This non-refundable, one-time fee covers the cost to attend the in-person program and includes materials, parking, meals and refreshments during Orientation, access to Ram Ready Orientation Modules for families, staffing, and facilities rental fees.

Summer 2025 First-Year Family Orientation rates (in-person only)

Two-day Orientation:

• Family member adult (age 18+): $70
• Family member minor (age 4-17): $35
• Small child age 3 and under: No cost

This fee is collected at the time of registration via a secure online payment system. All major credit and debit cards are accepted. We cannot accept cash or checks. Note: Fees are evaluated annually and are subject to change from year-to-year.

• Students will receive a tote bag and refillable water bottle.
• Families and supporters will receive a tote bag, refillable tumbler and a notebook.
• Student Meals: Students will receive lunch, dinner and snacks on Day One and breakfast on Day Two. All meals will be at Market 810, VCU’s all-you-care to eat dining hall located in Shafer Court Dining Center. 
• Family meals: Families will receive lunch, an afternoon snack, and an optional dinner on Day One and coffee/tea and breakfast on Day Two. Families and supporters will enjoy lunch and an optional dinner in Market 810 with their students and the snacks and breakfast will be catered.

Items all students should bring

• Comfortable clothes and shoes. While it may be warm outside, we recommend bringing layers as buildings can be chilly in the summer. You will be walking around quite a bit, so comfort is key.
• A rain jacket or umbrella. Our program will continue rain or shine and you may need to be outside for short amounts of time to move between buildings.
• A state-issued ID or driver’s license (to pick up your VCU Card).
• Phone and/or device charger(s).

Additionally, students attending a two-day, overnight program should bring the following additional items:

• A pillow and linens for your bed. Linens and pillows will not be provided. All beds are Extra Long Twins. We recommend bringing the following:
  • Two flat sheets (or a fitted and flat if you have an XL twin set).
  • A blanket (should be packable).
  • A pillow with a cover.
  • Note: The rooms can get chilly in the summer.
• One small towel and one bath towel (if you would like to shower during your stay).
• Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, face/body wash, soap, shampoos, lotions, make-up, etc).
• Any required prescribed medications (if applicable) - each room is equipped with a micro-fridge if you need to keep items refrigerated.
• In addition to comfortable clothes and shoes for both days, don’t forget pajamas and, if you would like, a change of clothes for the evening activities.

Orientation is a two-day program that begins around 12 p.m. on Day One and ends by 2 p.m. on Day Two. Students are expected to attend the full duration of the program. Check-in will begin around 10 a.m. at the Gladding Residence Center (711 W. Main St.), giving students the opportunity to attend optional sessions, explore campus, or visit campus offices. Parking is typically available in the W. Main Street Parking Deck (801 W. Main St.).

Students attending the two-day program will stay overnight in Gladding Residence Center, either in a traditional double room with a community bathroom or a suite-style room (two double rooms) with a shared bathroom. Roommates are preassigned based on the gender identity indicated on your VCU application, and roommate requests cannot be accommodated. Overnight housing is not available for students in a one-day program or for family members or supporters. If you do not plan to stay overnight, please indicate this in your Orientation registration. You will still need to remain with the program until approximately 7 p.m. on Day One and return by 8 a.m. on Day Two. If you require accommodations for your overnight stay due to a documented permanent or temporary disability, please note this in your registration under the “Accessibility and Accommodations” tab, and begin the process with the Student Accessibility and Educational Opportunity (SAEO) office for academic year accommodations.

• Students will receive a tote bag and refillable water bottle.
• Families and supporters will receive a tote bag, refillable tumbler and a notebook.
• Student and Family Meals: Students will receive a catered breakfast after checking in. Lunch and dinner (optional) will be held at Market 810, VCU’s all-you-care to eat dining hall located in Shafer Court Dining Center.

• Jun. 30*
• Jul. 24
• Aug. 15* - Reserved for out-of-state and international students or those who cannot attend a June or July session.

• 9 - 10 a.m.: Check-in.
• 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.: Student sessions covering topics such as your transition to VCU, the first-year experience, your well-being and resources. You’ll also spend time in small groups led by your Orientation Leader (OL) with other students in your college/school.
• 12 - 2 p.m.: Lunch at Market810.
• 2 - 4:30 p.m.: Student sessions including academic success, connecting with your college/school, student safety, and information sessions to learn about various VCU offices and programs that interest you.
• 4:30- 6:30 p.m. Resource Fair, VCUCard pick up, and dinner at Market810.

Session topics and times may vary. A final schedule will be available closer to your scheduled Orientation.

There is no upfront cost for students to participate in Orientation. The cost for the program is covered by the New Student Transition Fee on your student bill in your first semester and will be paid alongside tuition and other fees or covered by your financial aid package (if applicable).

The fee for incoming first-year students covers your full Orientation experience, including meals during Orientation, materials (usually a bag, water bottle and more), your overnight stay on-campus (if applicable), parking during the program, staffing, software and other associated costs (including space rentals and facilities fees). The fee also contributes to programming for first-year students during the academic year, including New Student Convocation.

Visit Student Financial Services to learn more about mandatory student fees.

First-year students may add up to three family members or supporters to their Orientation reservation for an additional fee. This non-refundable, one-time fee covers the cost to attend the in-person program and includes materials, parking, meals and refreshments during Orientation, access to Ram Ready Orientation Modules for families, staffing, and facilities rental fees.

Summer 2025 First-Year Family Orientation rates (in-person only)

One-day Orientation:

• Family member adult (age 18+): $55
• Family member minor (age 4-17): $25
• Small child age 3 and under: No cost

This fee is collected at the time of registration via a secure online payment system. All major credit and debit cards are accepted. We cannot accept cash or checks. Note: Fees are evaluated annually and are subject to change from year-to-year.

A virtual Orientation session for first-year students will be held on July 25. It is primarily intended for out-of-state and international students, or those enrolled in fully online programs. To request registration for this session or to learn more, please email our team at newrams@vcu.edu.

Orientation will begin around 9 a.m. and will end around dinner time. Students should plan to attend the entire program. Check-in will be immediately before the program. Check-in will take place in Gladding Residence Center (711 W. Main St.). Parking is typically provided in the W. Main Street Parking Deck  (located at 801 W. Main St.).

Items all students should bring

• Comfortable clothes and shoes. While it may be warm outside, we recommend bringing layers as buildings can be chilly in the summer. You will be walking around quite a bit, so comfort is key.
• A rain jacket or umbrella. Our program will continue rain or shine and you may need to be outside for short amounts of time to move between buildings.
• A state-issued ID or driver’s license (to pick up your VCU Card).
• Phone and/or device charger(s).

• Students will receive a tote bag and refillable water bottle.
• Families and supporters will receive a tote bag, refillable tumbler and a notebook.
• Included Meals: Students and families will receive lunch. 
• Student and Family Meals (one-day Orientation): Students will receive a catered breakfast after checking in. Lunch and dinner (optional) will be held at Market 810, VCU’s all-you-care to eat dining hall located in Shafer Court Dining Center.

Items all students should bring

• Comfortable clothes and shoes. While it may be warm outside, we recommend bringing layers as buildings can be chilly in the summer. You will be walking around quite a bit, so comfort is key.
• A rain jacket or umbrella. Our program will continue rain or shine.
• A state-issued ID or driver’s license (to pick up your VCU Card).
• Phone and/or device charger(s).

Please log back in to your Orientation account to select a new date, add a family member or guest or make any other updates. Go to the “Completed Tasks” tab to find your Orientation Registration page and make changes.

Be sure to complete that process before Orientation, if possible. To request a change of major, email Undergraduate Admissions at admproc@vcu.edu. If your major change request is in another VCU college or school, your application will need to be reevaluated and you may need to change your Orientation date.

If you have a family member or supporter that is planning to join you, you must add them to your reservation at the end of your registration and pay the family Orientation fee (in-person Orientations only). They should receive a confirmation email to the guest email provided if they have been successfully registered. To add a family member, log back in to your Orientation account and go to the “Family/Supporter Orientation” tab.

If you cannot, please reschedule for a time that works better for you.

Complete Ram Ready Orientation Modules. These online modules can be completed at your own pace and are designed to be completed BEFORE participating in Orientation. The modules cover some of the VCU basics and help you prepare for your Orientation session.