Spring Orientation for first-year students takes place the week before classes begin in the spring semester.

Spring 2027 Orientation: Friday, Jan. 15, 2027 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. (In-Person, held at the Student Commons) - available for all majors.

Note: Spring semester classes begin on Tues., Jan. 19. Please refer to the Academic Calendar for more information on important dates.

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, your overnight stay on-campus (if applicable), on-campus parking, 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 two 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, meal(s) and refreshments during Orientation, staffing, and access to Ram Ready Orientation Modules for families.

Spring 2027 First-Year Family Orientation rates (in-person only):

• Family member adult (age 18+): $40
• Family member minor (age 4-17): $20
• 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.

• Parking is available at the W. Main Street Parking Deck (801 W. Main St.). Parking locations occasionally change, so please confirm the exact parking location for your session in the reminder email sent to you before Orientation. 
• Upon arriving to the parking deck, take a ticket from the kiosk and hold on to it for when you leave the deck.
• Parking voucher use: Parking is included in your fees for Orientation. Before your Orientation, you will be emailed a parking voucher with a QR code. Printed parking vouchers will also be available upon request during Orientation Check-in.
• Check-in will take place on the 1st Floor of the Student Commons (907 Floyd Ave). You can enter the building at the corner of Main St. and Cherry St. across the street from the parking deck.

Parking vouchers are only valid in the designated parking deck for your Orientation and are only valid through 11:59 p.m. on the final day of your Orientation. 

All students and registered family members/supporters will receive the following:

• Students: a drawstring bag, a refillable water bottle, and a custom VCU t-shirt.
• Families and supporters: a tote bag, a refillable tumbler and a notebook.
• Many campus offices will be on site for the Resource Fair and giving away free VCU items and informational flyers.
• Meals included:
  • Refreshments in the morning (coffee and tea)
  • Lunch at an on-campus dining facility
  • Snack or treat at the end of the program

• Comfortable clothes and shoes; we recommend bringing layers and to be prepared to walk outside for short periods from the parking deck and between buildings for sessions.
• Umbrella or rain jacket and/or winter coat. This program requires some outside movement between buildings and the program continues rain, snow, or shine. In the event of inclement weather, the Orientation team will reach out to all registered participants with any updates or changes to the schedule or modality. Check VCU Alerts for the most updated information on inclement weather and possible impacts to campus operations.
• A state-issued ID or driver’s license; required if you plan to get your student ID while you're here.

Two-day Orientation dates for incoming first-year students for Fall 2027 will be available in April. Sessions dates are available based on your academic college/school and availability.

Session dates by college/school:

• College of Engineering
• College of Health Professions
• College of Humanities and Sciences
• L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs
• School of the Arts
• School of Business
• School of Education
• School of Pharmacy
• University College
• Honors College*

*Student accepted into the Honors College must attend a session for both their primary college/school AND the Honors college.

Day 1: 

• 10 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.: Check-in at Gladding Residence Center.
•  10:30 a.m. - 12: 15 p.m.: Lunch at Market810, VCU's All-You-Care-To-Eat dining hall.
  • Optional Early Bird Sessions: Paying for College sessions, Military Benefits meeting, Library tours, and the opportunity to visit campus offices.
• 12:30- 4:30 p.m.: Student sessions covering topics such as your transition to VCU, the first-year experience, academic success workshops, and connecting with your academic 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 p.m.: The Ram Horn Tradition: Your first VCU tradition
• 5 - 6:30 p.m.: VCU Resource Fair and Dinner at Market810
• 6:30-7:30 p.m.: Small group time and Overnight Housing policy overview.
• 8:00 - 10:00 p.m.: Evening activities in the Gladding Residence Center for students staying overnight.

Day 2:

• 7:30 - 9 a.m.: Residence hall checkout and breakfast at Market810.
• 9:15 a.m - 1:00 p.m.: Student sessions include student rights and responsibilities, student involvement and well-being workshops, safety on campus, 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.: VCUCard pick-up and Party on the Plaza to wrap up your VCU Orientation experience.

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

• Parking is available at the W. Main Street Parking Deck (801 W. Main St.). Parking locations occasionally change, so please confirm the exact parking location for your session in the reminder email sent to you before Orientation. See below for more information on your parking voucher and entering the parking deck.
• Check-in will begin around 10 a.m. at the Gladding Residence Center (711 W. Main St.) and will run until 11:45 a.m. 
• Late arrivals (after 12 p.m.) should go directly to the Student Commons Lobby to check in. Students who arrive after 1:00 p.m. may need to reschedule their Orientation. If you are running late or need assistance, please contact our office at 804-828-3700.

Parking voucher use:

Parking is included in your fees for Orientation. Before your Orientation, you will be emailed a parking voucher with a QR code.

When you arrive at the parking deck, you will pull a ticket from the kiosk to enter. Keep that ticket with you or in your car for when you leave the deck. Upon leaving the deck, you will first scan the ticket you received upon arrival, then scan the QR code provided on the Parking Voucher. Printed parking vouchers will also be available upon request during Orientation Check-in.

Parking vouchers are only valid in the designated parking deck for your Orientation and are only valid through 11:59 p.m. on the final day of your Orientation. 

Overnight parking:

Overnight parking in the deck is permitted for students and families attending Orientation. Please be sure to secure all valuable items and lock your vehicle.

If you indicated that you are staying overnight on campus in Gladding Residence Center (GRC), you will be assigned a room for Orientation. 

• Orientation roommates are preassigned based on the gender identity indicated on your VCU application, and roommate requests cannot be accommodated.
• If you require accommodations for a permanent or temporary disability for your overnight stay, please note this in your registration under “Accessibility and Accommodations." We also encourage you to begin the documentation process with the Student Accessibility and Educational Opportunity (SAEO) office for any academic year accommodations.
• Room check-in will take place when you check in for Orientation. You should bring your overnight bag, linens and pillow and anything else you need with you. You and your registered guests will check-in together in the Lobby of GRC to receive your name badge and your room assignment. You will then head to your designated floor to get your room key and drop off your belongings in your room.
• Day 2 check out will take place in the morning before the start of the program. Students must check out of their rooms, take all of their belongings, and return their key before heading to breakfast.
• Luggage storage: Students are encouraged to store their belongings in their vehicle (if applicable), otherwise storage will be available in a locked room on their assigned floor. Luggage storage rooms will be unlocked at the end of the program, around noon.

As a reminder, overnight accommodations are for students ONLY. Family members will need to make other arrangements off campus for their overnight stay.

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.

• Students will receive a tote bag and a 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, afternoon refreshments, 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 refreshments and Day Two breakfast will be catered.

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 two adult and two minor 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.

First-Year Family Orientation rates (in-person only) *These reflect summer 2026 rates, 2027 rates have not been finalized.

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.

Orientation one-day dates for incoming first-year students will be available in April. Please check back.

Session dates by college/school

• College of Engineering
• College of Health Professions
• College of Humanities and Sciences
• L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs
• School of the Arts
• School of Business
• School of Education
• School of Pharmacy
• School of Social Work 
• University College
• Honors College*

*Students accepted to the Honors College students must select a date for their primary school/college AND Honors.

• 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, student's rights and responsibilities, and staying safe on campus. 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 involvement and well-being workshops, and information sessions to learn about various VCU offices and programs that interest you.
• 4:30- 6:00 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 two adult and two minor 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.

First-Year Family Orientation rates (in-person only) *These reflect 2026 rates, 2027 rates have not been finalized.

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.

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.).

• 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.

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).

A virtual Orientation session for first-year students is typically held at the end of July. It is primarily intended for out-of-state and international students, or those who cannot attend an in-person Orientation date.

Log back into your account to make changes, add family members and more at least one week prior to your session.

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.

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.

All students and registered family members/supporters will receive the following:

• Students: a drawstring bag, a refillable water bottle, and a custom VCU t-shirt.
• Families and supporters: a tote bag, a refillable tumbler and a notebook.
• Many campus offices will be on site for the Resource Fair and giving away free VCU items and informational flyers.
• Meals included:
  • Refreshments in the morning (coffee and tea)
  • Lunch at an on-campus dining facility
  • Snack or treat at the end of the program