Dear Vanderbilt families, 

Welcome to Vanderbilt! We are delighted to welcome you and your student to campus as you begin this exciting new chapter. The transition to college is a meaningful milestone not only for students, but for families as well. We want you to know that you are an important part of the Vanderbilt community. 

Our office is here to support you along the way. Whether you have questions, are looking for resources or just want to stay connected, we are committed to helping you navigate this journey. We encourage you to stay engaged, explore opportunities to connect and take part in the vibrant life of the university. 

One of the highlights of the year is Family Weekend, which will be Sept. 18–20. This special weekend is a wonderful opportunity to experience campus life firsthand, spend time with your student and connect with other Vanderbilt families. We hope you will join us for what promises to be a memorable and enriching experience. 

Once again, welcome to Vanderbilt. We look forward to partnering with you and supporting your family throughout your student’s time here. 

Anchor Down! 

Sandra Robinson 

Director, Parent and Family Programs 

All month:  

- Prepare immunization, tuberculosis and health information that might require contacting or visiting your health care provider, then submit 

- Review immunization requirements and submit records 

- Book your hotel for Move-In 

May 20: Entering the Vanderbilt Community Webinar 

June 1: Housing application and accommodations due 

Your student can log into the Your Enrollment Services (YES) portal using their VUnetID once it has been activated. This is where they can monitor their progress on the incoming student checklist and complete any required items. 

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 also get emails in 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.

International Families: See a general timeline of important tasks before transitioning to campus.  

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. 

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’s a weekend you do not want to miss! 

The deadline to submit a housing application is June 1. First-year students are permitted to submit roommate requests. Each student in the pair must request the other for the request to be considered. The deadline to submit roommate requests is June 15.  

Students will receive room assignments in early August. Room measurements and walkthrough videos can be helpful as you start buying furniture and décor. 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.  

Renters insurance is required, as noted in the Housing Contract. Insurance may be provided by a standalone renters insurance policy or by endorsement or extension from a homeowners insurance policy. 

Students should receive course registration information this month. First-year course registration is staggered from June 15 – July 2, so not all students register at the same time. Students will connect with their academic adviser before registering for classes. Adviser assignments are posted in each student’s YES portal in the “Academic Record.”  

If students have questions about AP credits or course placement, policies are outlined online.  

Current Vanderbilt families are a valuable resource for your questions about academic advising or registration. Students can also connect with a current VU student.  

The Martha Rivers Ingram Commons  

Parent and Family Programs

Academic Calendar

Athletics

Bookstore

Career Center

Commodore Card

Give to Vanderbilt

Housing and Residential Experience

Project Safe

Student Accounts