Transfer Orientation
Orientation for transfer students offers a streamlined program tailored to the needs of transfer students and adult learners. This program will help you make a successful transition to VCU and navigate specific VCU offices and resources.
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. Transfer Orientations are available as in-person or virtual sessions at varying times to best meet your needs.
Readmitted Students
Readmitted students are those who have reapplied for admission after at least three consecutive semesters away from VCU. For students who have been readmitted to VCU after at least two years away, we recommend that you attend a transfer Orientation session. There may be a fee associated with attending an in-person session since readmitted students are not billed the new student transition fee at the time of readmittance. Be sure to follow the readmitted Accepted Student Checklist for important steps to return to VCU.
Adult and non-traditional students
Many of VCU’s transfer students are also adult learners or non-traditional students. At VCU, adult learners are undergraduate students who are 25 years old or older when they start their education at VCU. Non-traditional students are those who are married/widowed/divorced, have children/dependents or who are military-affiliated (veteran/active duty/reservists). We know that undergraduate students who fit in either of these groups may have some unique needs and concerns as a student. The Office of Adult and Non-Traditional Student Services serves as a great resource for you. Look out for breakout sessions for this group at your Orientation.
Orientations for transfer students admitted for the fall semester take place throughout the summer (June - August). Orientation session availability is based on your VCU college or school. You will be able to see the specific dates available when you log into your Orientation account.
Registration for Fall 2025 Orientation opens on: Apr. 1, 2025
In-Person Transfer Orientation
- Wed., Jun. 18, 12 - 5 p.m.
- Wed., Jul. 23, 12 - 5 p.m.
- Thurs., Aug. 14, 12 - 5p.m.
Virtual Transfer Orientation
- Wed. June 25, 1 - 4:30 p.m.
- Tues., Jul. 8, 4 - 7:30 p.m.
- Tues., Aug. 12 1 - 4:30 p.m.
11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Check-in, lunch and VCU Resource Fair.
12:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Sessions covering academic support resources (tutoring, writing support, libraries and transfer credit), safety on- and off-campus, well-being resources, support, and student involvement, dining, parking and off-campus housing. You will also choose from a selection of interest sessions with VCU offices that interest you and smaller group sessions to help you meet other new transfer students.
3:30 - 5 p.m Academic session on designing your success plan and sessions with your academic college or school. Finish the day by taking pictures by the Ram Horns and completing your first VCU tradition!
Session topics and times may vary. A final schedule will be available closer to your scheduled Orientation.
1 - 3 p.m.: Designing your success, college/school breakout sessions and student success resources (tutoring, writing support, transfer center and VCU libraries)
BREAK
3 - 5 p.m.: VCU Campus Services (VCUDine, Barnes & Noble @ VCU, RamTech), VCU Parking & Transportation, and off-campus housing session, student involvement and well-being resources, the Student Financial Management Center, and safety on and off-campus. Breakout sessions based on your interests.
Session topics and times may vary. A final schedule will be available closer to your scheduled Orientation.
Orientation for transfer students admitted for the spring semester can attend Orientation virtually or in-person. These sessions typically take place in December and January before the start of the spring semester.
Registration for Spring Orientation opens on Nov. 3, 2025.
For military-affiliated students or those who may be receiving military benefits to help fund your education at VCU, you will want to connect with Military Students Services either before or during your Orientation to ensure that you have taken the necessary steps to confirm your eligibility and use of benefits. Each Orientation features a Military Benefits Briefing to help you understand and fully utilize your benefits.
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 transfer students covers your full Orientation experience, including all virtual and in-person experiences, your Orientation materials, program staffing and other associated costs (including space rental and technology). The fee also contributes to programming for transfer students and adult learners during the academic year
Visit Student Financial Services for more information on student fees.
Transfer students can add a family member or supporter to their Orientation registration. For the in-person program, there is an additional fee. This non-refundable, one-time fee covers the cost to attend the in-person program and includes materials, parking, staffing, rental/facilities costs, refreshments and a meal during Orientation, as well as access to Ram Ready Orientation Modules.
Summer 2025 Transfer 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.
Prepare for Transfer Orientation
For students attending an in-person program
This is typically a half-day program that will run for around five hours. Students should plan to attend the entire program. Sessions take place at various times, so be sure to check your email to confirm your exact time. Check-in typically begins up to one hour before your session start time. 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.).
For students attending a virtual program
This is typically an abbreviated version of Orientation that covers the main highlights and gives you an opportunity to meet with staff and faculty and get any final questions answered. The program runs for around 3.5 hours total. Students should plan to attend the entire program.
- Students and their registered family members will receive a meal ticket valid at either the on-campus dining locations located in the University Student Commons or Market 810, VCU’s all-you-care to eat dining hall located in Shafer Court Dining Center, depending on the session. This can be used at Orientation or at a later time. Light refreshments may also be served depending on the time of your Orientation.
- All students and their guests will receive a reusable bag and a refillable water bottle or tumbler; guests will also receive a notebook.
- Comfortable clothes and shoes. While it may be warm outside, we recommend bringing layers as buildings can be chilly in the summer.
- A method for taking notes, if you would like.
- A state-issued ID or driver’s license (to pick up your VCU Card).
- Check your technology. We’ll be utilizing Zoom for your virtual meeting, so make sure you have the most updated version of Zoom. You may begin using the VCU Zoom platform by logging in at zoom.vcu.edu. VCU Zoom accounts are set up on a rolling basis throughout the summer, so if your account is not set up yet, you may use a personal Zoom account.
- Get your meeting link. You will be emailed instructions a few days before your session with information on accessing your Zoom meeting link.
- Plan to be in a quiet place free from distractions. For your safety, you should not join this meeting while operating a vehicle, and you should do your best to be in a quiet location free from distractions. You will be muted upon entry, but are encouraged to unmute to ask questions, if you would like.
- We strongly recommend that you join using a computer, laptop, or tablet so you can easily view the slides, use the chat box, and see the presenters. It is not recommended that you join using a phone.
- For a more personal experience and to help build community, we encourage you to turn your video on, if you feel comfortable, although it is not required.