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First-Year Families

Families play a crucial role in helping their student prepare for college through support, guidance, and practical assistance. 

Here are ways that families can help their student prepare for a smooth start at Emory.

Are you the family of a transfer student? Visit our Transfer Families page. 

For information about Orientation and programs on the Oxford Campus for incoming students or their parents and family members, please visit the Oxford Onboarding website which will go live in mid-May.

Receive Important Updates

 
  • Contact Info: Make sure your student has updated YOUR email and phone number within their OPUS account so we can reach you. Emails start May, 2026. Instructions here.
  • Emory Welcome App: Stay up-to-date over the summer by downloading and utilizing the Emory Welcome App in March, 2026. 
  • Attend our Welcome Webinars starting in May, 2026.

Sunday, May 17 | 12–12:45 PM
 
Begin your Emory experience with confidence! This kickoff session will provide an overview of everything students and families need to know for a smooth onboarding period.


In this webinar, we will highlight: 

  • Important Dates 
  • Summer Resources 
  • Preparing for Course Registration 
  • Meeting Immunization Requirements 
  • Housing + Roommate Selection 
  • Tips for Booking Travel 
  • Tips for a strong start to your Emory journey 
Join us so you don’t miss a thing this summer! Registration coming soon.

Friday, June 12 | 12-1:15 PM
 
Join us for the first webinar in our summer series that will introduce students and their families to key resources to help transition smoothly and confidently. 

In this webinar, we will cover: 

  • Transferring prescriptions 
  • Meeting immunization requirements 
  • Finding new healthcare providers 
  • Prioritizing well-being 
  • Accessing counseling and mental health support on campus and in the community 
  • Requesting accommodations 
  • Student Privacy (FERPA + Guest Access) 
Start your Emory journey feeling prepared and informed – don’t miss this important session! Registration coming soon.

Friday, July 17 | 12-1:15 PM
 
Get ready for your Emory arrival with this all-in-one webinar covering everything you need to know about Move-In, Orientation, and living and eating on campus. 

In this webinar, we will cover: 

  • Shipping items in advance 
  • Move-in Day process and schedule 
  • What to bring (and what to leave at home) 
  • Orientation Week schedule 
  • Residence halls and on-campus living 
  • Dining options and accommodations for dietary needs 
By the end of this webinar, you’ll feel prepared and confident about Move-In and Orientation – so you can plan your arrival with ease! Registration coming soon.
 

Talk to Your Student About Information Access

 
Talk with your student about how much access to information works best for your family. Learn more about FERPA Consent and Guest Access here.

Review To-Do List Items

 
Review your student’s To-Do List together to ensure they stay on track. Key areas for family support are listed below, with completion instructions available in the To-Do List.

  • Immunizations: Review Immunization requirements and schedule any necessary appointments to meet the July 1 deadline.
  • Housing Consent Form: If your student is under 18 on Move-In Day, a parent/guardian must co-sign their housing agreement.
  • Accommodations: Assist with submitting Housing and/or Academic Accommodations requests (if applicable).
  • Additional Requirements: Help your student make a plan to complete other essential tasks, including: EmoryCard Photo Upload, Pre-Advising Registration Appointments, and SAP-U & AlcoholEDU (required online courses). Meeting these deadlines will ensure a smooth transition, allowing students to move onto campus and register for classes without delays.

Review Billing + Insurance Information

 
Assist your student in setting up bill pay and insurance to prevent any unexpected issues.

  • Bill Pay: Students must add family members as bill payers under the Profile tile in OPUS for them to receive billing notifications.
  • Health Insurance Waiver: All students are required to have health insurance. Students without an approved opt-out waiver on file will be billed annually for the Emory Student Health Insurance Plan.
  • Insurance Options: Review Tuition Insurance and Renter's Insurance with your student (optional).
  • Financial Agreement: Review Student Financial Agreement with your student.
  • Emory’s Payment Options: Learn about billing, payment, tuition, etc.