We are delighted your student chose Vanderbilt University as their home away from home. They will flourish in our dynamic living-learning community that makes the Vanderbilt experience unique.
Commodore Connection is a newsletter series exclusively for parents and families of Vanderbilt students. We’ll email monthly issues tailored for the parents of transfer students from June until Move-In Day in August, featuring important topics like deadline dates and introductions to campus offices and resources. Once your student is on campus, you’ll get a monthly edition for all undergraduate parents. If you need to update your contact information (ex: provide a preferred email address), please complete this short form for our office.
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We are looking forward to seeing you on campus for Move-In and hope you will visit as often as you can. Family Weekend is Sept. 18–20! It will be a weekend of fun opportunities to learn about your student’s experience on campus and connect with fellow parents.
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 family involvement, and there are many ways to get involved in your area, virtually and on campus by becoming a Vanderbilt Parent Ambassador. We also encourage you to connect with your local Vanderbilt Chapter’s virtual and in-person events. Chapters are a great way to connect alumni, parents, students and friends of the university. Taking part in these volunteer and social opportunities can inspire the same sense of belonging that your student will feel while at Vanderbilt.
Be sure to visit the Transfer Students webpage and Welcome website for more information.
Please know our office is here to serve and support you in the coming months and years.
New Student Information Line: 615-322-4948
Parent Information Email: parents@vanderbilt.edu
Go Dores!
Sincerely,
Sandra Robinson
Director, Parent and Family Programs
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Visit the Welcome website for incoming students to check out important dates, plan to-do lists, explore pre-arrival programs and more. Your student will get emails to their Vanderbilt inbox throughout the summer with important dates and information.
Bookmark the 2026–27 Academic Calendar to keep track of university breaks, important deadlines and more.
Find tuition payment information and deadlines on the Office of Student Accounts website.
The Academic Resources page provides information on advising, tutoring, career guidance, study abroad opportunities and more.
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Summer webinar opportunities for students and their families |
Parent & Family Insurance Webinar | June 25, noon –12:45 p.m. CT
As a parent or guardian of a Vanderbilt undergraduate student, you want to ensure your student’s safety and well-being throughout their college journey. Join us for an informative webinar where representatives from Academic HealthPlans and Vanderbilt’s Student Care Network will equip you with essential knowledge on health insurance and renters’ coverage. Discover the benefits of these plans, learn important insurance terms and get valuable tips to help ensure your student’s well-being. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain peace of mind and learn how to safeguard your student’s future.
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Transfer Student Virtual Meet & Greets (Students only) | 7–8 p.m. CT
Virtual opportunities for incoming transfer students to connect with one another, led by Transfer Connect Board and Adviser.
June 30 and July 15
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The Vanderbilt Alumni Association invites you and your family to a Commodore Launch |
Commodore Launch events are a decades-long tradition for welcoming new students and families to the Vanderbilt community. Join us this summer for a fun and festive celebration—a perfect introduction to the Vanderbilt experience! With more than 40 parties around the globe, we look forward to meeting you at a location near you.
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Join us for Family Weekend, Sept. 18-20! Immerse yourself in campus life alongside your student, meet other families, cheer on the Dores and more. Plan to arrive early, as many activities begin on that Friday. Registration will open this summer. It is a weekend you do not want to miss!
We can’t wait for your family to join us on campus for Family Weekend 2026! While you wait for registration to open on Aug. 7, start booking your travel.
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- Several nearby hotels have partnered with us to offer discounts to parents and families when they come to visit their students.
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West End Tower offers families and guests an authentic on-campus experience with spacious suites, personalized service and unmatched proximity to everything Vanderbilt has to offer.
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Southwest Airlines is pleased to offer Vanderbilt Family Weekend 2026 attendees discounted fares. To get the discount, book with SWABIZ®. Discount valid for travel Sept. 15–21, 2026.
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All incoming transfer students must submit a housing application through the Housing Portal within 10 days of their matriculation deposit deadline.
They may indicate room type preferences and submit an optional roommate request. While every effort is made to accommodate requests, room types are limited and cannot be guaranteed.
Transfer students may also join the off-campus housing waitlist through the application. If more off-campus authorizations become available, eligible students will be contacted by email and may accept or decline the offer.
At this time, we cannot provide information about if or when more off-campus authorizations may be granted. Students and families should not sign a lease or otherwise commit to off-campus housing unless they have received and accepted off-campus authorization.
Renters’ insurance is required, as noted in the Housing Contract. Insurance may be provided by a standalone Renter’s Insurance Policy or by endorsement or extension from a Homeowners Insurance Policy.
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Transfer Move-In: Aug. 21
Housing assignments and move-in instructions will be emailed to students on or before Aug. 10. Assignment information includes the student’s residence hall name and room number, private mailbox address, the name, email address and phone number of your roommate, and complete move-in instructions, including your assigned move-in time. You can start getting familiar with campus using this campus map.
Packages can be sent to campus starting Aug. 5. Students will get an email notification for each package received in their name. The package notification will tell you the date and time received, carrier, tracking number and pick-up location of the package. Detailed instructions on sending packages before Move-In are on the Mail Services website.
Meal plans will start on Aug. 19, and more information will be available soon about dining options on Move-In Day.
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Student Health Insurance Plan |
Domestic and international students are required to have high-quality health insurance coverage and are automatically enrolled in the Student Health Insurance Plan. The premium for coverage is added to tuition billing unless proof of comparable coverage is furnished. The SHIP waiver will be open June 17–July 15.
Take time to look through the various resources available to decide if your student is going to use or waive SHIP for the school year.
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Parent and Family Programs
PMB 401627| 2301 Vanderbilt Place
Nashville, TN 37240-1627
Family Information Line: 877-887-2736 | parents@vanderbilt.edu
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Parents and Family Programs PMB 401627 | 2301 Vanderbilt Place | Nashville, TN 7240-1627 US
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