Family Orientation Newsletter May 26, 2026

In This Message

Navigating the Transition
- Room and Move-In Selection
- RIT Student Email Accounts
- Complete Our New Tiger Family Survey
Family Connections and Support
- Surviving the Summer
- Last Time Syndrome
Let's Talk About It

Three side-by-side photos showing groups of people at RIT: on the left, 3 individuals in RIT hockey jerseys indoors; center, 2 students posing with the Ritchie mascot outdoors in autumn; on the right, three people in RIT shirts standing together outside.

Navigating the Transition

Room and Move-In Selection

The first-year student room selection process is beginning soon. Students who completed their housing contract by May 11 received an email last week with their appointment time to select a room (appointment dates will be between May 27 and June 12). Students should be searching for a roommate now on the RIT Housing portal, ZeeMee, or through their own channels. In early July, students will receive another email prompting them to choose a move-in appointment time.

Move-in for incoming students will take place on August 17 and 18, with appointment times starting as early as 8 a.m.

"It’s a good idea to get to know your roommate's expectations and boundaries in advance. Communication and respect are key to a satisfying living environment. Also, have second and third choices about where to live, as rooms fill way faster than I had thought they would." -Stelle

RIT Student Email Accounts

Important information will be sent to your student's RIT email throughout the summer. Please remind your student to start checking this account regularly.

It may be tempting to log in to your student’s accounts to make sure everything is taken care of, but we encourage you to let your student take on this responsibility. They will need to manage their own schedules and accounts when they arrive at RIT.

"I love checking email, it’s my favorite hobby! Just kidding, but it is important to make sure you’re up to date! Students will be notified of many important things starting this summer. Remind your student to start checking their email now!" -Emmett

Complete the New Tiger Family Survey

At RIT, we often seek parent feedback as we strive to best meet your information needs. In order to better understand the experience of parents of incoming students, please take a minute to complete a brief survey. Your responses will help guide our communications over the summer.

Take the survey >

Family Connections and Support

Surviving the Summer

Your student may seem a bit different this summer. Whether they’re preparing to start college for the first time or transitioning from another school, this period often brings a growing sense of independence. They may feel ready to move forward and less connected to familiar routines at home, which can sometimes look like less time or patience for family.

You might also notice your student is around less. In addition to preparing for what’s ahead, they’re spending time saying goodbye to friends and getting ready for a new environment. It’s okay to have expectations for family time—just plan to talk through them together and find a balance that works for everyone.

Tips for surviving this summer:

Be clear about your expectations around family time
Give your student some extra freedom and space
Start shopping and planning for the big move early, so it is less stressful for your family later in the summer
Expect a range of emotions throughout the summer…from everyone!

“Make sure your student takes the reins of their college experience from the beginning. The more you do for them, the less prepared they are. Monitor their progress, ask questions, become a partner, but make sure they take care of business.”

Last Time Syndrome

There will be moments this summer when you realize it’s a last for your family before your student moves to RIT—make the most of these moments, even though they may also cause some sadness and frustration. If you get an eye roll when expressing your emotions, remember your student is also experiencing many “lasts” and may be expressing these emotions differently.

“Don't bombard them with how sad you'll be when they go. Don't make a big deal about them leaving. They don't need to know that you'll be missing them. They are about to embark on an adventure!”

Four people wearing RIT apparel stand together outdoors on campus, with bright yellow fall foliage in the background.

Let's Talk About It

"Do you have any questions about your academic checklist?"

This summer is the perfect time to get used to guiding and supporting your student, but letting them do the work.

"What are some things you really want to do before moving to RIT?"

Have a discussion about your student's pre-college bucket list!

Chelsea Petree, Ph.D.
Director, Parent and Family Programs
Rochester Institute of Technology
parents@rit.edu