First-year Orientation
Orientation for first-year students offers an immersive experience that teaches you about life at VCU, academic requirements, and campus resources. At Orientation, you will connect with current VCU students, faculty, staff, and other new students. Students who select a two-day program will also have the opportunity to stay on-campus and participate in additional programming. In addition to attending Orientation, you will complete the online Ram Ready Orientation Modules before attending Orientation.
Orientations sessions are available based on the VCU college or school that your major falls within. At Orientation, you will have the opportunity to meet with staff and faculty from your college or school and will be grouped with other students by your college/school.
Learn more about:
Accepted Students:
Students can select either a two-day, overnight program or a one-day program (based on availability). Sessions are held throughout the summer in June or July with a last chance option in August, reserved for out-of-state and international students.
Orientation Registration Opening Soon
Orientation registration opens April 1, 2025. Secure your spot to get connected, explore campus resources, and prepare for your first year at VCU.
Two-day Orientation
This overnight experience provides students with the opportunity to stay on-campus in Gladding Residence Center in either a suite-style or traditional style room. You will get a glimpse of life living on campus with activities in the evening to help you get connected with other students.
The two-day program is strongly encouraged for students planning to live on-campus in the fall or students who want a more immersive experience and down-time to experience campus life.
- 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.).
Learn more about the two-day Orientation program.
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.
- 5:30 - 7:30 p.m: Dinner at Market810 and activities.
- 8 - 10 p.m.: Evening activities in the Gladding Residence Center.
Day 2:
- 8:00 - 9:30 a.m.: Residence Hall Checkout and Breakfast at Market810.
- 9:30 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.
- 12:30- 2:00 p.m.: VCU Resource Fair and VCUCard pick-up.
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, refreshments and a reception with heavy hors d'oeuvres on Day One and coffee/tea and breakfast on Day Two. Families and supporters will enjoy lunch in Market 810 with their students and the refreshments, reception and breakfast will be catered.
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 Orientation registration, 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.
One-day Orientation
New for summer 2025, VCU is offering a limited number of one-day sessions to best meet the needs of students who are commuting to campus, live local to VCU, or are enrolled in a fully online program. The one-day session offers the same presentations and experience as the one-day without the overnight stay and extended time in the evening to mix and mingle with other students. The one-day session is not recommended for students who plan to live on-campus during their first year.
- Jun. 30*
- Jul. 24
- Aug. 15* - Reserved for out-of-state and international students or those who cannot attend a June or July session.
Learn more about the one-day Orientation program.
- 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+): $50
- 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 the University Student Commons (907 Floyd Ave.). Parking is typically provided in the W. Main Street Parking Deck (located at 801 W. Main St.).
Spring Orientation
For students accepted for the spring semester:
The Spring Orientation program is typically a half day that runs about 5 hours for both new first-year and transfer students. Students should plan to attend the entire program. This program is similar to an in-person Transfer session; see more information below. Check-in will take place in the University Student Commons (907 Floyd Ave.). Parking is typically available in the W. Cary Street Parking Deck (located at 1201 W. Cary St.).
- 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 (two-day Orientation): 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 (two-day Orientation): Families will receive lunch, refreshments and a reception with heavy hors d'oeuvres on Day One and coffee/tea and breakfast on Day Two. Families and supporters will enjoy lunch in Market 810 with their students and the refreshments, reception and breakfast will be catered.
- 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.
The two-day program includes an overnight stay on campus for students; an overnight stay is not provided to students attending a one-day program or any family members or supporters. Students attending a two-day, overnight program will stay in Gladding Residence Center in either a traditional double room with a community bathroom or a suite-style room (2 double rooms) with a shared bathroom.
- Roommates at Orientation: Roommates are preassigned to students based on their gender identity indicated on their Orientation registration. We cannot accommodate requests for roommates.
- Overnight accessibility accommodations: If you need any special accommodations for your overnight stay due to a documented permanent or temporary disability, please make sure you have indicated this in your Orientation registration under the “Accessibility and Accommodations” tab. You should also begin the process for requesting accommodations for the academic year with the Student Accessibility and Educational Opportunity (SAEO) office.
Not staying overnight on campus? If you do not plan to stay overnight on campus, please make sure you indicated as such on your Orientation registration. You will still need to plan to stay with the Orientation program until around 7 p.m. on Day One and then be back on campus around 8 a.m. on Day Two.
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).
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, 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.
- Comfortable clothes and shoes for both days. You may also want a change of clothes for the evening activities.
Family Orientation
Students are encouraged to bring at least one family member to Orientation, though it’s not required. Families will attend some sessions with students and others separately to learn about campus resources and how to support their student.
General Reminders:
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.