Arrival Day will be exciting, memorable, and bittersweet. Our tips will help you prepare and know what to expect when you get to campus.*
*Students participating in a pre-orientation program or on a fall varsity athletic team receive specific communication about their arrival date, time, and process and should consult with their program leader for any questions.
One Week Before Arriving
Remind your student to review their new student checklist.
Students who have not completed required items by the time they arrive will be directed to complete them before they can access their residence hall room — they will want to finish any outstanding to-dos before coming to campus, and some may take a bit of time.
Review the Arrival Day and New Students’ Parents and Families pages.
You’ll find the schedule and helpful details about preparing and the instructions for moving in.
Encourage your student to reach out if they have questions.
Asking questions themselves (newstudents@colgate.edu or 315-228-6843) is a chance to practice navigating college like they will once they arrive on campus! If they leave a voicemail, remind them to include their full name and phone number so a staff member can call them back.
Arrival Day
Stop at the Welcome Tent near Andy Kerr Stadium after unloading and parking.
We’ll have light refreshments, campus maps, and someone to answer questions!
Have your student take the lead on setting up their room.
Of course it’s likely they’ll be grateful for your assistance, but making their own decisions builds independence. As well, your student and their roommate(s) may need a few days living in their space before deciding about final furniture placement, accessory purchases, requesting a bed be lofted, etc. And working together over time will allow roommates to get to know each other and build their relationship. There will be free time during Orientation to get more settled and set up!
Keep an eye on the time.
It’s a busy day! Besides helping your student to move in, the Arrival Day schedule includes brunch/lunch, Parent & Family Orientation (more below), and a Welcome to 51³Ô¹ÏÍø session for students and their families with campus leaders.
Attend Parent & Family Orientation
While your student spends an hour unpacking and getting to know their roommates, we will discuss the adjustment to college, the resources the University makes available, and how family members can partner with 51³Ô¹ÏÍø in supporting their students.
If you can’t make the session, you can request a recording of the program, which will be emailed shortly after Arrival Day.
Savor the moment as you say farewell.
Arrival Day programming for families and guests ends with Family Farewells and A 51³Ô¹ÏÍø Cookiewich (3:15–3:30 p.m.). Students will then be called to assemble in their Orientation Link groups to start Orientation, while families will be directed back to their vehicles. There is no additional programming for families or supporters on subsequent days of Orientation; families are encouraged to give their students space as they begin the transition to life at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø; being fully immersed in Orientation programming is an important part of settling in at college.
The college experience your student has been working so hard for has arrived, and you — their families and guardians — have been their biggest supporters. Take a moment to honor your bonds, and remember, it’s not goodbye; it’s farewell and see you soon. (Family Weekend is just around the corner, October 18–20!)