Overview

A student and their family pose for the camera in front of the trunk of their vehicle

Welcome to the University of Rochester family!

Whether your student is brand new to higher education or is transferring from another institution, transitioning to the University of Rochester is a big adjustment—not only for your student, but for your entire family.

We are here to provide support, answer questions, and give you the resources you need to help your student as they begin their URochester journey.

Help your student prepare

This summer, your student will complete Rochester Ready, their online orientation program designed to introduce them to University academics and student life.

While we encourage you to empower your student to complete this program independently, there are a few tasks that you should take of together.

Ask your student to add your email address(es) to UR Student

If your student didn't update your contact information when completing their onboarding tasks in UR Student, they'll need to log back in to verify that all the information is correct. The University uses the contact information provided in your student's UR Student account to send you important communications ahead of their arrival to campus and throughout their time at URochester.

Help your student set up third-party access for UR Student

Authorized friends or family members will receive email notifications to view their student's account before charges are due. Help your student authorize a third party to view their and access the online payment option in UR Student using this tutorial or video.

Help your student complete the Parents Program Information Form

All incoming students are required to complete the Parents Program Information Form in their MyROC account. This form submission enables the Office of Alumni Relations and Constituent Engagement and the Parents Program to send you information on upcoming family events, including this summer's Welcome Celebrations.

Connect

Facebook group

Connect with fellow URochester parents and family members in this private Facebook group. Please note: You will need to provide your students' full name and date of birth so we can verify your identity before admitting you to the group.

A student and their parent hug with a vehicle in the foreground

Webinar

How to support your college student

Thursday, August 6, 7 p.m. (EDT)

Dean of Students and Associate Vice President for Student Life Anne-Marie Algier discusses how to best support your student during their first year at URochester. Learn about communication tips, how your support will positively impact the success of your student, and the importance of becoming familiar with available resources and staying connected with the University.

Register on Zoom

Rochester Ready webinars and videos

As part of their Rochester Ready online orientation program, your student is required to attend select webinars and watch certain videos before arriving to campus. While none of these webinars and videos are required for parents and families, we welcome you to attend and/or view if you are interested.

All live webinars will be recorded and uploaded for delayed viewing 2-3 business days after the event date. Please note: These webinars and videos contain automatic captions. If you need additional captioning due to a disability accommodation, please complete our Disability Accommodations Request Form.

Welcome week, arrival, and move-in

A parent poses with a thumbs up standing next to Rocky, while another parent takes a photo on their phone

Mark your calendar for Welcome Week

Save the date for Fall 2026 Welcome Week! New students arrive on campus and move in on either Monday, August 24 or Tuesday, August 25, and will attend events through Saturday, August 29.

Specific events for parents and families will take place from Monday, August 24 through Wednesday, August 26.

Aerial photo of River Campus and the Genesee River with downtown Rochester in the distance

Book your travel and accommodation

Your student will arrive and move in on either Monday, August 24 or Tuesday, August 25. Review transportation options and area accommodations to book your travel to Rochester.

Explore resources