Main content
fam-getting-started.png

Getting Started

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. 
  • Attend our Welcome Webinars.
 

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  

Family Resources