Welcome to the Vanderbilt community! 

We are delighted your student has chosen Vanderbilt University as their home away from home. They will flourish in our dynamic, living-learning community that makes the Vanderbilt experience unique.  

This time of transition looks different for every family. Our office, along with many across campus, are equipped to help you manage the first-year experience with your student. As your student moves through their collegiate journey, Vanderbilt’s outstanding faculty, administration and staff will be a constant support system. 

In the coming months, you and your student will receive communications from several Vanderbilt offices. Our Families of First-Year Students webpage has all of those details for you. On our website, you will also find a variety of other great resources to help prepare your family before coming to campus in August.  

Commodore Connection is an email newsletter series created exclusively for parents and families of Vanderbilt students. As the parent or guardian of an incoming first-year student, you will receive special monthly issues from May until Move-In Day in August. Featured topics include important deadline dates and introductions to helpful campus offices and resources. Once your student is on campus, you will receive a regular monthly edition that is sent to all undergraduate parents and families. 

We are looking forward to seeing you on campus for Move-In and hope you will visit as often as you can. Please join us for Family Weekend, Sept. 6–8! It will be a weekend of fun activities and opportunities to learn about your student’s experience on campus. Registration and event schedule will be available in the summer. We also strongly encourage you to reserve your accommodations now as hotels and rentals fill up fast! Our Visiting Nashville page has information on hotel discounts and things to do around Nashville.    

As your student starts their Vanderbilt journey, we hope you, too, will be an active member of our community. The university has a strong tradition of parent and family involvement, and there are many ways to get involved in your area, virtually and on campus. We also encourage you to connect with your local Vanderbilt Chapter through virtual and in-person events. Chapters help to connect alumni, parents, students and friends of the university. Taking part in these volunteer and social opportunities is a great way to feel the same sense of belonging that your student will feel while at Vanderbilt.   

Please know our office is here to serve and support you in the coming months and years. If you have any questions, please email us at parents@vanderbilt.edu or call one of the following numbers: 

New Student Hotline at The Commons: 615-322-4948 

Parent Information Line: 877-887-2736