First Year Families

Prepare for Arrival

We know there is a lot to do before your student comes to campus in the fall. Find helpful information like expected communications, what to pack, informational webinars and more all in one place!

First Year Families Communications Prepare for Arrival Adjusting to College
move in 2023

  • Welcome Website

    The New Student Welcome website is a great resource and starting point for preparing to come to campus in the fall. You can check out important dates, plan to-do lists, explore pre-arrival programs and so much more. 

  • Residential Colleges

    Get more information about CommonVU Orientation, Parent and Family Orientation, Move-In Day and more on Residential Colleges website.

     

  • The Ingram Commons

    Learn more about The Ingram Commons, which is a residential campus for all first-year students. One campus fosters a common experience that encourages class unity and class identity.

     

     

Residential Colleges

  • Webinars

    Dean Gresalfi of The Ingram Commons and Natalee Erb, Director of First-Year Experience host three webinars each summer to inform incoming families of important information for Move-In.

    2025 webinars will be announced this spring.

    Watch 2024 recordings below:

  • Parents & Family Orientation

    August 16, 2025    
    Parent and Family Orientation will be offered in the afternoon and evening on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025. 

    A specific schedule will be released when the CommonVU Orientation schedule is released in June. Sessions will be livestreamed and recorded for families who need to depart early. Families should plan to depart campus after Parent and Family Orientation has concluded as all sessions beginning on Sunday, Aug. 17 are for students only.

    2024 ORIENTATION RECORDING

  • First-Year Housing FAQ's

    Housing FAQ's

    Room Measurements
    Room sizes, dimensions, and shapes vary within buildings and among buildings. The measurements provided represent the range of room sizes on The Martha Rivers Ingram Commons. We recommend that students wait until after move-in to purchase items where exact room dimensions are required. We cannot honor requests to measure specific rooms.

    Learn More

     

Packing List

Elisa Bauman, parent of two VU grads and former Parent Ambassador Council member, created a recommended first-year student packing list that is full of great ideas. 

If planning on mailing items to campus ahead of move-in, follow these instructions.

  • Bedding
    • Sheets (XL if you are using a bed topper)
    • Blanket
    • Mattress protector
    • Mattress topper
    • Bed throw
    • Back rest/husband
    • Pillows
  • Bath
    • Shower towel
    • Hand towel
    • Shower caddy
    • Bathrobe
  • Cosmetics/Health/Beauty
    • Toothbrush 
    • Toothpaste
    • Soap
    • Skin care
    • Shampoo/conditioner
    • Deodorant
    • Medications (including over-the-counter)
    • Makeup
    • Hairdryer
    • First aid kit
    • Thermometer
  • Closet
    • Shower rod/extension rod
    • Shower curtain
    • Shoe caddy
    • Hanging shelves
    • Hangers
    • Under bed boxes
    • Extra drawers (like a dresser on wheels)
  • Desk
    • Desk supplies (tape, stapler, highlighters, pens, pencils, paper, notebooks)
    • Printer
    • Organizers
    • Chargers
    • Extension cords
    • Batteries
     
  • Laundry
    • Laundry basket (to carry to laundry)
    • Hamper (in room)
    • Vacuum
    • Duster 
    • Laundry pods
  • Room Extras
    • Rolling cart (for coffee maker, microwave, food storage)
    • Floor rug (in room and at foot of bed) 
    • Photos/wall décor
    • Umbrella
    • Step stool 
    • Kitchen-ish area:  (microwave, hot water pot, coffee maker, blender, microwave- safe dishes for in room)
    • Travel cups
    • Paper goods/plastic utensils
    • Food items (snacks, drinks, easy microwave foods)
    • Extra hooks, that hang over bed rail, easy stick on the wall hooks
    • Bed pockets (that either hang from under the mattress or over the bed rail)
  • Touches of Home
    • Gift box
    • Photos of family
    • Fun items for desk
    • Baked goods to share with roommate(s)