Greetings from campus, Bates families –

Arrival Day is right around the corner! We’ve put together this helpful FAQ for parents and families as you help your students prepare for move-in and the start of Orientation.

Please remind your student to:

• Check their Bates email daily for final pre-arrival instructions.
• Complete all Lyceum Summer Resources and required online workshops before Arrival Day.
• Check their fall 2025 course schedules in Garnet Gateway. Students can make changes during the Add/Drop period beginning on Tuesday, September 2 at 7 a.m.
• Review their specific Orientation schedule:
  • First-Year Orientation Schedule
  • Transfer Student Orientation Schedule
  • Kessler Scholars Orientation
  • International Circle Orientation

Arrival Day Logistics:

New students move in on Thursday, August 28, between 8 a.m. and 12 p.m. Students should first stop at Commons to check in and pick up their residence key and campus ID. After drop-off, families will drive to their student’s residence with belongings, where staff and student volunteers will help unload and bring items to rooms. Parking will be available nearby after unloading.

Family Orientation Webinars:

Register now for our webinar series, covering academics, life outside the classroom, and student well-being at Bates. Webinars are held after the beginning of the academic year so that as students start classes and activities, families have timely information on supporting them and the many resources available to students during their time at Bates. View the full webinar schedule →

A Note on Textbooks from the College Store:

Textbooks are available to buy online at our partner site via bates.ecampus.com. All textbooks purchased through this site can be shipped directly to Bates for on-campus pick-up. Books purchased from eCampus can be picked up by students at Post & Print like any other incoming mail or packages, and digital purchases are immediately available for use. Students received additional information on the new process via their Bates email. Visit the College Store resources page →

For details on all student communications, visit the Summer Communications page or check the summer dates and deadlines calendar.

We can’t wait to see our newest Bobcats on campus soon!

Best from Bates,
The Bates Parent Team

We were thrilled to welcome fall student-athletes and their families to campus earlier this week, and we look forward to seeing the rest of our students and families arrive soon! (Photo Credit: Phyllis Graber Jensen/Bates College)