Move-In and Orientation

When Will I See My Student on Welcome Days? 
We planned Welcome Days to maximize the time you get to spend with your student. All Welcome Days programming is meant for both families and students, except for evening social programming for students and families.

Note: students begin their Orientation experience at 10 a.m. on Aug. 19—make sure you say goodbye prior to then!

Affinity Welcome Zone
We are proud of the rich intersectional diversity of our community! While at the Resource Fair on Welcome Days, visit the Affinity Zone to learn about resources and support available to students. Pop into the semi-private lounge area to have deeper conversations and build a network of folks who share common interests, identities, or backgrounds.

New Student Convocation
While parents are not able to join New Student Convocation in person, we welcome you to watch the live stream on Thursday, Aug. 21, beginning at 10 a.m. The link to view will be available on the Orientation website. 

Mobility Needs During Welcome Days
If any member of your family attending Welcome Days has mobility concerns, please note that most accessible parking spots near the residence halls will be closed due to move-in. The campus shuttle will run both days to help you navigate campus—you can find stops and the schedule on the Parking and Transportation website. Additionally, we will have a few mobility golf carts available for mobility concerns that can be requested. Please note that these carts are limited, and the shuttle should be used as much as possible. D Lot—which is the closest parking lot to the Gordon Field House and Activities Center—will be designated as an accessible parking lot during Welcome Days.

Dining on Welcome Days and Orientation
A number of RIT Dining locations will be open on Welcome Days; hours can be found on the Dining website. Additionally, food trucks will be available on both Welcome Days outside of the Gordon Field House and Activities Center from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Throughout Orientation week, your student can enjoy RIT Dining’s Orientation Week Food Truck Event. Running Aug. 17–24, the event features daily lunch and dinner from rotating vendors like Macarollin, Kabob Stop, Wraps on Wheels, and more—served outside Baker Hall and M Lot.

Family Connections and Support

Tips for Supporting Your Student During Move-In

• Be patient: The move-in process may not always run as smoothly as you’d like (e.g. lines, rain, waiting for the elevator). Stay calm and patient for your and your student’s sake.
• Let them make it their space: Allow your student and their roommate to unpack, arrange, decorate, and make this their new home. (If you want to help, make their bed!)
• Know when to take a break: If you want to give your student some space, take a quick walk around campus or pop into the Parent and Family Lounge at the Resource Fair.
• Adjustment takes time: If your student seems unsure or upset, stay positive and remind them that the adjustment to college can take time.
• Expect nerves and emotions: It’s OK to feel nervous, but don’t let these feelings get in the way of this exciting experience.

Tips for Saying Goodbye

• Don’t drag it out: Remember that your student will be busy with Orientation activities all week. 
• Try to save your tears for the car: If you don’t know how to say goodbye, stick to “I love you” or “I am proud of you."
• Congratulations! Your student successfully made it to RIT! Celebrate YOUR success when you leave campus.

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