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Getting Started


We are thrilled that your student is joining the Emory community! 

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 7. Instructions here.
  • Emory Welcome App: Stay up-to-date over the summer by downloading and utilizing the Emory Welcome App.
  • Attend our three Welcome Webinars: Click each title for dates, times, and details.

Friday, June 13 | 12-1:15 PM | Open to ATL & OXF 

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: 

  • Student Privacy (FERPA + Guest Access) 
  • 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 

Start your Emory journey feeling prepared and informed—don’t miss this important session! 

Friday, July 18 | 12-1:15 PM | Open to ATL only 

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 
  • Campus safety 
  • 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! 

Friday, Aug 15 | 12-1:15 PM | Open to ATL only 

College is more than just academics – it’s about building community, exploring new interests, and making the most of your Emory experience. This webinar will introduce you to the many ways students can get involved, build connections, and feel at home on campus. 

In this webinar, we’ll cover: 

  • Student organizations and campus involvement 
  • Community spaces  
  • Religious and spiritual life on campus 
  • Finding professional opportunities and career resources 
  • Weeks of Welcome and key events to kickstart your Emory journey 

Join us to discover the endless ways to make Emory your own—whether through clubs, leadership roles, networking, or community events. Don’t miss this chance to start shaping your college experience before you even arrive! 

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, Guest Access, and Parent Portal here.

Prepare for Move-In

Whether your student is arriving early on August 18 for Pre-Orientation or International Student Welcome, or moving in with the full incoming class on August 23, we are here to support you through this transition.

Not sure where to start? Full Move-In Day details will be available on July 15 within the Emory Welcome App, but you can begin planning now by exploring key dates and family programming 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.

Important Dates for Planning

 
  • July 15, 2025: Housing assignments released
  • August 5 - 7, 2025: First-Year Course Registration
  • August 18 - 22, 2025: Pre-Orientation and the International Student Welcome (ISW) 
    • August 18, 2025: Move-in Day for Pre-Orientation participants & ISW participants only
  • August 23 - 26, 2025: Orientation Week  (required)
    • August 23, 2025: Move-In Day for all incoming First-Year students not participating in a Pre-Orientation program or ISW
  • August 27, 2025: First day of classes Fall 2025
  • September 3, 2025: Fall tuition due
  • October 13 - 14, 2025: Fall Break
    • No classes, res halls and dining remain open
  • November 26 - 28, 2025: Thanksgiving Break**
    • No classes, res halls and dining remain open
  • December 10 - 20, 2025: Final Exams**
  • January 13, 2026: First day of classes Spring 2026
  • For more details, visit the College Academic Calendar

    **Fall schedules will be finalized by the end of Add/Drop/Swap. Please wait to schedule any travel until schedules are finalized.