The goal is for students to complete all items on their New Student Checklist before arriving on campus. Taking time now to finish these tasks will help ensure a smoother, less stressful transition.

Many campus offices are available to assist students remotely, there’s no need to wait until arrival. For example:

- CATcard: Downloading their CATcard in advance means students will have immediate access to their residence hall and meals on campus the first day. Without it, they will be delayed on move-in day. If your student is having issues getting their CATcard installed on their phone, reach out to catcard@uvm.edu.
**Pro Tip: Ask your student to show you their CATCard to ensure they have it

- Vector Solutions Modules: Incomplete modules will trigger persistent reminders until finished.

- Authorized Payer Setup: In order to view and/or make payments on your student's bill (due August 21), your student must designate you as an Authorized Payer. Visit the Student Financial Services website for more information and instructions.

- Direct Deposit Setup: Submitting bank account info to Student Financial Services, allows students to immediately receive refunds from meal plans, lab fees, or other sources.

We encourage you to partner with us by reminding your student to complete their checklist, which can be found on their Application Status Page. These tasks don’t disappear once students arrive, they’ll continue receiving emails and texts until everything is done. Incomplete items may even result in holds on their account during the fall semester.

Check in with your student to ensure they’re making progress on these key tech-related tasks. Completing them now will help avoid delays and frustrations during their first days on campus:

- Essential Apps: Have they downloaded all of UVM’s ’Must Download’ Apps? These tools are critical for navigating campus life.

- Laptop Readiness: Does their laptop meet the Student Computer Requirements?

Engaging your student to complete these items now will help them start strong and stay focused on what matters most - learning and connecting.

We have a few more insight sessions to support the upcoming transition and to support your arrival on campus.

- Tomorrow, Tuesday, August 6th, at 7:00pm ET:  Tools and Tips for Supporting Your New Student

- Monday, August 10th at 7:00pm ET:  Campus & Beyond Navigating Travel and Transportation

- Thursday, August 13th at 7:00pm ET:  Meet Your RA, Hall, and Learning Community Team (for students)

- Thursday, August 20th at 7:00pm ET:  Getting Course Ready: Tools & Tips for Academics at UVM

Remember that previous New Student Insight Sessions have been recorded, captioned, and are (or will be) available on the orientation website.

Course Materials are Now Available at the UVM Bookstore

Students can now purchase text books and course materials through the UVM Bookstore. Make sure students have their course number and section/instructor to find what materials they will need. In many cases, course materials will be digital.    **Some students find it helpful to have a Kindle or iPad for reading digital text books.

Interested in shipping items ahead of your arrival?

* Remember UVM cannot receive packages for new students before August 17
* Use the mailing address of your student's residence hall
* Packages may not be available when you first arrive, so please do not ship anything your student will need immediately.
* Students will be notified via UVM email when they have a package and will need to pick up their items at the front desk or office of their residence hall.

If you are still looking for dorm necessities, check the following for deals and partnerships for UVM Students:

* MicroFridge for refrigerator and microwave rental
* DormCo for room essentials (bedding, laundry bags, shower caddy, etc.) that can be picked up at the UVM Bookstore on move-in day
* Storage Squad can receive shipped items before August 17th and deliver them to your student's room on move-in day

Many students want their beds “lofted” (raised up to create some space underneath). Students who did not request a lofted bed by the July 1 deadline can make the request with front desk staff on Move-In Day. Lofting may not happen immediately, but it will be done shortly after move in.  University Housing strongly discourages families from lofting beds themselves.

Need help with what to bring (and what not to)? Scroll down on this webpage for details on Room Essentials.
** If your student is new to Vermont weather, consider that it will likely get pretty cold (30s) before your student returns home for November break. A rain jacket, a warm coat, waterproof shoes/boots, a warm hat, and gloves are a great start to make sure your student is prepared for fall weather!

One important item your student should pack is a valid original form of  identification (such as a passport). Yes, the time has come to trust them with these essential documents!

Students will need proper ID for several important tasks, most commonly for completing the I-9 employment eligibility form. To do this, they must have either:

- A valid passport OR

- A state-issued photo ID AND their original Social Security card.

Please note: Photocopies, scans, or photos of these documents will not be accepted.

Move-in day is a major milestone, especially for families sending a student to college for the first time. It’s helpful to talk ahead of time about what the goodbye might look like - whether your student wants a quiet moment, a quick hug, or something in between.

Naming expectations in advance can ease the emotions of the day and give everyone a bit more peace of mind. It can also be helpful to make a plan for how and when you’ll stay in touch going forward- whether it’s a daily text or a weekly call. 

Talking in advance about how you’ll part ways and what your goodbye might be like will help you when the moment arrives, whether you keep it simple or need a bit more time and space. Whatever you do, be sure to say goodbye in the way that feels right for your family.  

Looking for things to do in Burlington Before Move-In?

* Treat yourself to a Vermont classic: Don’t miss out on a maple creemee - a sweet local tradition. Are you looking to enjoy a Vermont tradition while in town? 

* Planning to dine out? Burlington has fantastic food scene. Be sure to make a reservation in advance, as restaurants can fill up quickly during Move-In week.

 * From scenic walks to local events, Hello Burlington is a great resource for exploring the area and planning your visit.

👉 Please avoid planning family dinners or outings with your student after your  Welcome event for their Pre-Orientation or New Student Orientation, as this pulls students away from important opportunities to build community and settle in.

After move-in, we are offering programs for families while students begin their programming. We invite you to join the send-off event that coincides with your student's program and move-in day:

- Families of SESP Students: Wednesday, August 12, 12:30 PM
Gather in the Mosaic Center for a barbecue to meet other families  and the program leadership team

- Families of TREK Program Students: Friday August 21, 3:00 - 4:00 PM
Head to Patrick Gym to join Director of Student Life, Lina Balcom, to reflect on your student's milestone and celebrate the beginning of their UVM Journey

- Families of First Scholars, UVM GO Community, and Impact Scholars: Sunday August 23, 2:00 - 3:00 PM
Join the Department of Student Affairs in the Mansfield Room at the Davis Center to hear from a panel of staff who will share advice on supporting your student's transition to UVM. Light refreshments will be served.

- International Students and Families: Wednesday, August 26, 4:00 - 5:00 PM
Connect with other international students and their families over light appetizers and beverages.

- Families of New Students: Wednesday & Thursday, August 26 & 27, 3:00 - 5:30 PM
Attend our Family and Supporter Orientation (details and schedule on our website) in the Davis Center to learn more about UVM and connect with other families.

Phone: (802) 656-4136

Email: orientation@uvm.edu

Monday - Friday

8:30am - 4:30pm ET