Dear Vanderbilt families,

Congratulations on your student’s remarkable achievement. I am delighted to welcome you to the Commodore family!

As vice provost for undergraduate education, I work closely with our five undergraduate schools and colleges to oversee the educational experience for all students. I am also fortunate to lead initiatives that connect learning inside and outside the classroom, including two cornerstones of a Vanderbilt education: residential colleges and Immersion Vanderbilt.

Deadlines and Reminders

June 24: Registration link: Preparing for International Student Orientation, 8–9 a.m. CT

June 25: Registration Link: Parent and Family Insurance Webinar, noon–12:45 p.m. CT

June 30: Academic and religious accommodations due

July: Expect International Student Orientation information and VUceptor letters

July 8: Meeting link: Residence Life Revealed: A Conversation with Housing and Dining, 6–7 p.m. CT

July 15: SHIP waiver due

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Resources

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.

International families: ISSS and OIS monitor immigration policy developments that may affect Vanderbilt’s international community. Updates are posted on their Recent News webpage.

Summer webinar opportunities for students and their families

Preparing for International Student Orientation | June 24, 8–9 a.m. CT
Hear from Assistant Director for Student Development Michael Wallace on what to expect during International Student Orientation.

Residence Life Revealed: A Conversation with Housing and Dining | July 8, 6–7 p.m. CT
Hear from representatives from Housing and Residential Experience, Planning, Design and Construction, and Campus Dining.

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Parent and 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 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.

The Vanderbilt Alumni Association invites you and your family to a Commodore Launch

Commodore Launch events are a decades-long tradition for welcoming 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.

FIND YOUR PARTY

Start planning your Family Weekend trip

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.

Several nearby hotels have partnered with us to offer discounts to parents and families when they come to visit their students.
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.
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.

Prepare for Move-In

First-Year Move-In: Aug. 22, 2026

International Move-In: Aug. 19, 2026

Housing assignments and move-in instructions will be emailed to students on or before Aug. 1. 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. First-year domestic students will also receive move-in documentation in the mail. You can start getting familiar with campus using this campus map.

Packages can be sent to campus starting Aug. 5. If packages are on campus before Aug. 13, they will be placed in students’ rooms before arrival. Packages arriving from Aug. 14 to Aug. 20 will be available for pickup at various locations on campus. Detailed instructions on sending packages before Move-In are on the Mail Services website.

International families: Packages arriving between Aug. 6 and Aug. 13 will be placed in your student’s room. Packages arriving after will be available for pickup at your assigned tent at The Commons.

Meal plans will start on Aug. 19, and more information will be available soon about dining options on Move-In Day.

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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