Welcome, and congratulations on beginning your journey at Vanderbilt! This is the first of a series of newsletters you will receive before arriving to campus about important information, deadlines and events. Check your Vanderbilt email for updates and visit the Welcome website for more information.

Steps to Access University Systems
ASAP

To ensure you are set up to receive important information and communications, you must create your VUnetID and enroll in Vanderbilt University's multifactor authentication solution.

You will receive an email from the university (noreply@vanderbilt.edu) with instructions to complete your VUnetID. View more detailed instructions and support options on the Welcome website.

Immunization Requirements 
ASAP 

Review the immunizations that you are required to receive before arriving on campus. Please follow the New Student Checklist for Immunization and TB Compliance for completing a Tuberculosis screening survey, submitting acceptable immunization forms and uploading your documents to the secure Vanderbilt Student Health portal. You will not be able to register for classes until your immunization and tuberculosis documents have been received, reviewed and approved for compliance by Student Health. 

Housing Application 
ASAP 

Transfer students should plan to live in on-campus housing.  Your housing application is due within 10 days of your matriculation deposit deadline.
 
When completing the Housing Application in the Housing Portal, you can indicate your room type preferences, submit a roommate request and, if desired, add your name to the off-campus housing waitlist. We will do our best to accommodate housing preferences, pending room type availability.

Visa Information
ASAP

International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) at Vanderbilt will process the immigration document, Form I-20 (F-1) or Form DS-2019 (J-1) Certificate of Eligibility, that you need to obtain your student visa. The I-20/DS-2019 will be issued after you complete and submit your Initial I-20/DS-2019 Student Request, which can be accessed from the online requests in the ISSS Portal. If you are in another visa category and do not require F or J visa sponsorship, please submit your visa documentation to ISSS.

Reasonable Housing Accommodation Requests
June 1

If you are seeking accessible housing accommodations due to a physical, psychological or other disability-related limitation, contact the Student Access Office (SAO) prior to June 1. Review the information regarding reasonable accommodations and documentation guidelines. Following a decision that a housing accommodation is needed for access, SAO will notify Housing and Residential Experience (HRE). The HRE office will make every effort to find an appropriate and reasonable assignment as recommended by SAO.

Course Registration

You will receive registration information from your school in late May or early June that will include the exact dates of your registration windows, information on how to match your class choices to the requirements in your school and how to contact an adviser. This information will either be mailed to your home address or sent to your Vanderbilt email. You may review additional academic resources online.  

Transfer Connect

Transfer Connect, a student organization whose members are Transfer Student Leaders (TSLs), offers support, guidance and community to transfer students throughout their transition to academic and student life at Vanderbilt. Over the summer, you will be assigned a TSL who will serve as your guide at orientation and peer mentor throughout the fall semester. TSLs facilitate transfer group meetings during Transfer Student Orientation, beginning on Transfer Student Move-In Day on August 21, and host ongoing programming open to all transfer students. Learn more about Transfer Connect. 

Welcome Newsletters and Website

Check your Vanderbilt email over the summer for a series of newsletters and important information about life on campus. In addition to newsletters, you may also receive text messages throughout the summer with reminders. Make sure your correct cell phone number is in the system by managing your Personal Information in the YES Portal.

Visit the Welcome Website at vanderbilt.edu/welcome to explore important dates, plan your to-do list, check out pre-arrival programs like our summer information sessions and so much more!

Transfer Student Information Sessions

Visit the Transfer Student website for additional details regarding the 2026 Transfer Student Webinar Series. Sessions linked below will be offered through Microsoft Teams. 

Virtual Meet & Greets

Get to know your fellow incoming transfer students and connect with current Transfer Student Leaders over Zoom. Visit the Transfer Student website for links to join. For students only.

Pre-Arrival Information Sessions

Each summer, International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) hosts a series of virtual pre-arrival sessions to get you prepared for arrival and help you maximize your experience and success. Topics include navigating the visa interview, employment, safety and more. Sessions will be recorded and shared online but ISSS encourages you to attend live. See the full schedule and register.

Commodore Launch

The Vanderbilt Alumni Association invites you and your family to a Commodore Launch, a tradition of over 50 years to welcome incoming students and families to the Vanderbilt community. Join fellow students, families and alumni to celebrate the launch of your Vanderbilt experience! Celebrations will be held throughout the summer across the globe. Learn more about Commodore Launches.