New Spring Student Orientation
January 17-21 for New Spring 2025 Students
Students accepted for Fall 2025 will move into their residence hall assignments immediately preceding New Student Orientation. New Student Orientation is slated to tentatively begin the Friday prior to the first day of fall classes (Wednesday, August 27, 2025). On May 1, 2025, additional information will be released.
Welcome New Members of the Tribe!
Orientation occurs before the each semester to introduce new students to many aspects of W&M including student life, academic policies, and the honor code. The goal of each orientation program is to make our students feel right at home from the moment they set foot on campus, so we do everything we can to keep Orientation both informative and fun.
The Tribe Guide
Each semester, a Tribe Guide is developed to guide new students through their initial W&M transition. The overarching checklist provides you with a succinct way to ensure all of your new student requirements are met in a timely and efficient manner.
New Student Orientation Program
Attending New Student Orientation is an enrollment requirement for all new students.
Residential New Student Move-In & Orientation Check-In
Off-Campus/Commuter-Approved New Student Orientation Check-in
Check-out the Spring 2024 New Student Orientation schedule (pdf) so you can get a sense of what to expect in terms of content and activities! During Orientation, you will get to know your roommate, hallmates and many other new W&M students. These are relationships that you will carry with you throughout your years at W&M.
Family Orientation Program
The transition to W&M collegiate life is often a major milestone for family members as well as the student. Further, we recognize that family members will have different questions and concerns. Family Spring Orientation is designed to answer those questions and will be held in-person the afternoon of Friday, January 17.
Student Handbook
Take a look at the Student Handbook — the student guide to life at William & Mary. During the Orientation program, you will participate in sessions designed to increase your understanding of the Honor System, the Code of Conduct, and the Residence Life policy of Self-Determination—all of which are outlined in the Handbook. The Handbook is also available through myW&M by selecting Student Links.
Placement Testing
Language placement and proficiency testing is offered in Arabic, Chinese, Italian, Japanese, Russian and Latin. Find more information about placement exams in Modern Languages (Arabic, Chinese, Italian, Japanese, Russian) or Classical Studies (Latin). Dance placement is available through the Theatre, Speech, and Dance department.
