Transition Programs

Are you eager to arrive to campus? We don’t blame you! The University of Richmond offers a number of transition programs that occur just prior to New Spider Orientation. Instead of moving in on Wednesday, August 23, 2023 students who participate in a transition program move in on Sunday, August 20, 2023.

Don’t worry parents, families and supporters, we even offer a special parent and family orientation for students who participate in transition programs on Sunday, August 20, 2023 and Monday, August 21, 2023.

There are no additional costs for students to participate in any transition program, and students move into their regular fall housing assignment.

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  • Appalachian Trail Adventure

    Students participating in the Appalachian Trail Adventure spend a two-day (one-night) off-campus experience that will build leadership and communication skills, test mental strength, and encourage team work. Students will hike a through the Shenandoah National trails while enjoying its many vistas and abundant wildlife. While hiking and camping, participants will openly discuss the variety of challenges first-year students face to help prepare for the academic and social aspects of the University of Richmond.

  • Thrive Orientation

    Thrive Orientation is a transition program for multicultural first-year students to help them build a community and familiarize themselves with the University of Richmond through a multicultural lens before New Spider Orientation (NSO). Students that participate in Thrive Orientation do not just leave with information, they leave with connections, friends, resources, and a network of support. Thrive Orientation is part of the Thrive Multicultural Experience, an enrichment initiative designed to cultivate, advocate, celebrate, and empower multicultural students throughout the different phases of their college experience.

  • The Richmond Endeavor

    The Richmond Endeavor is a living-learning experience for first-year students. Live together, take classes together and be part of an intellectual community your first-year! The Richmond Endeavor is designed for students to create meaningful bonds and friendships with their fellow classmates, develop a relationship with a faculty member during their first year at Richmond, and connect their interests both inside and outside of the classroom.

    Part of participating in Endeavor is arriving early to campus with the other transition programs.