New Spider Orientation

Mark Your Calendars!

Spring 2026 Orientation

New Student Move-In: January 9, 2026
New Spider Orientation: January 10, 2026
First Day of Classes: January 12, 2026

Find the Spring Orientation Schedule HERE!

Fall 2026 Orientation

New Student Move-In: August 19, 2026
New Spider Orientation: August 19-22, 2026
First Day of Classes: August 24, 2026
Parent & Family Orientation: August 19 & 20, 2026

We Can’t Wait to Welcome You!

We are excited to welcome new Spiders, their parents, families and supporters to campus through our New Spider Orientation program. Required of all new first-year and transfer students, New Spider Orientation provides you with an opportunity to get to know campus, meet new friends, and learn about important resources and opportunities available to you!

We even offer three pre-orientation programs that students can participate in that allows them to move-in even earlier!

Have a question before you arrive? Email us at newspiders@richmond.edu

What to Expect

Family & Supporter Orientation

Orientation Advisors

Pre-Orientation Programs

Move-In & Arrival Information

Information for International Students

Available Now!

Building Your Web!

Beyond orientation at the beginning of the semester, there are a number of ways we help new Spiders adjust to campus life. You’ll experience campus celebrations, like Proclamation and Investiture, have opportunities to get involved in through SpiderFest (our student organization festival), and attend programming designed for new students! In addition, all new students also enroll in WELL 100 that provides valuable resources and an extra layer of support during your first semester.

Weeks of Welcome

SpiderFest

Explore Student Organizations

WELL 100

Family Weekend

Information for Parents & Families

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Toxic Communities: Investigating Environmental Justice in the US is an SSIR course designed to explore how our environments, and contaminants within them, can impact our health. Exploring from a scientific lens, students test air pollution concerns in Richmond, complete experiments in a lab setting on campus, and travel to Puerto Rico to learn about how environmental issues impact those who call Puerto Rico home. Topics in class extend beyond...

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Level up your leadership! Applications for the Fall 2026 Orientation team are live on our website now! For more information visit the link in our bio or check today's Spiderbytes.

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We can never put into words how grateful we are to be part of your experience at the University of Richmond. Whether you just join us for New Spider Orientation or discover Endeavor and Sophomore Scholars in Residence, we are so glad to be part of your journey. Have a wonderful and restful Thanksgiving Break! We'll be back on campus with you on Monday.

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If you’re a current first-year Spider and hoped to explore dance or fashion throughout your time at UR, The Dance of Fashion/Fashion of Dance could be a great option for you! This SSIR course focuses on the intersections of movement and design through exploring fashion and modern/ballet dance forms. As part of this experience, students will travel to Paris, France over Thanksgiving Break next year. Applications are open now and close January...

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Last Wednesday, our Dance of Fashion/Fashion of Dance Sophomore Scholars in Residence students were fortunate to spend time with Lois Weaver and Peggy Shaw of @thesplitbritches. Formed in 1980, Split Britches Theatre Company, a lesbian-feminist troupe, has become internationally recognized for their performances using spoken word and movement. Their work continues beyond the stage as Split Britches is committed to supporting women, women of...

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Extra! Extra! 🗞️ Looking for an opportunity to bring critical news content to our local community? Want to further develop those skills on assignment in London? Community Journalism At Home and Abroad may be the SSIR course for you! Students in this class explore the Metro Richmond community, reporting on stories and issues that matter across all communities of our city, not just those immediately surrounding campus. The international...

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With Sophomore Scholars in Residence, students make lasting memories while also engaging in academic conversations and tours. Sometimes this looks like guided walks, museum visits, university campus tours, or its learning about local cuisine through a cooking class. Each itinerary is different, but you’re bound to find something you enjoy! Considering SSIR? You can start your application now and return to it before the January deadline.

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The secret’s out! SSIR courses, faculty members, and travel experiences are all on our website. Applications are live, and it’s a great time to start exploring opportunities for next year. SSIR is a year-long living-learning program. Students live together in South Court, learn together in the classroom, and take these experiences to other parts of the US and the world through program-sponsored travel. This program helps apply classroom...

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Thanks for stopping by Trips & Treats! We loved talking about SSIR and sharing some sweet treats with you. Have a safe Halloween, Spiders! ❤️ Sadness, Disgust, Riley, Anxiety, and Joy

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Something’s brewing…🕯️ The full SSIR details drop TOMORROW! Come to Trips & Treats to get the first taste 🍬✈️ We’ll be outside of Boatwright near the library sign from 11-2. Say hi, grab some sweets, and learn about the SSIR course for next year. Join us for some fun photo ops too!

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Last night, some of our Civic Journalism students joined Professor Mullen for a night of bowling in Richmond! Endeavor offers off-campus opportunities for students to connect their learning beyond the classroom, and to provide fun social programming with their faculty members. This may have been the perfect way to wrap up October and to work through some of those pre-registration jitters!

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Have fun plans for Halloween? Join us outside the library (near the library sign) to grab some sweet treats and learn about our SSIR courses for 2026/2027! Trips & Treats will be taking place from 11 AM - 2 PM this Friday. Did you know that SSIR courses typically fulfill Areas of Inquiry/Integrated Focus Areas, And/or major and minor requirements. Why not work to complete graduation or degree requirements while also living with your peers and...

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New Spider Orientation