Families of First Year Students

Welcome to the Vanderbilt Community!

Your student is about to embark on an incredible journey full of personal growth and self-discovery, as they work toward earning a degree.

This isn't just a big change for your student - it's also a major transition for your family. Vanderbilt Parents & Family Programs is here to offer support, guidance, and resources every step of the way. Reach out to us anytime: parents@vanderbilt.edu.

Preparing for Arrival?

Find helpful information like expected communications, what to pack, informational webinars and more all in one place! 

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Admitted Student Programs

Admissions offers several programs exclusively for admitted students including Anchor Day, webinars, and Vanderbilt & You events.

Commodore Connection Archives

First-Year: Adjust to College

  • Meet the Career Center coaches during walk-in hours at The Ingram Commons to learn more about their services
  • Create a resume and have a coach review it
  • Academics and Course Selection: Focus on exploring interests, values, and skills and completing AXEL (general education) requirements
  • Take a seminar course to start thinking about your Immersion Vanderbilt project
  • Explore co-curricular opportunities and get involved in organizations and clubs
  • Create a profile on AnchorLink to learn more about the various groups on campus
  • Visit the Office of Experiential Learning & Immersion Vanderbilt and plan for the best time to study abroad
  • Make use of the great academic enhancement services on campus (tutoring, writing studio, study skills)
  • Practice time management! The flexible schedule of college life can be hard to adapt to!

More to Explore

Campus Contacts

There are many resources available at Vanderbilt. Here are some of the most frequently used resources in an easy-to-access list.

Still need help finding what you're looking for? We'll be happy to point you in the right direction! Feel free to send us an email at parents@vanderbilt.edu.