FInd answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about arrival on campus, helping your student get ready, and family orientation sessions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Other helpful resources:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Orientation Schedule for Class of 2030 Students<\/a> My student-athlete is arriving early for preseason. Who should we contact for information?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Your fall student-athlete should have their early arrival<\/a> dates as part of their communication from coaches, and can reach out to their coaches if they have additional questions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n My student is participating in International Circle. Where do I find our arrival information?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The International Circle Pre-Orientation program (ICO) runs from August 22-26. Please plan for an arrival on Saturday, August 22 between noon and 7 p.m. International parents and family members are invited to attend a dedicated program on Monday, August 24. Information will be sent directly to students, and you can read more here<\/a> or reach out to globaleducation@bates.edu<\/a> with questions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n My student has joined the Kessler Scholars Program for first-generation college students. When should we arrive?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Kessler Scholars are encouraged to participate in the on-campus Pre-Orientation Program<\/a> from August 24-26. Families and support networks are invited to participate in afternoon programming on Monday, August 24. Programming on Tuesday, August 25 will only be open to Kessler Scholars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Move-in instructions as well as the complete Pre-Orientation schedule were sent directly to your Kessler Scholar. If you or your student have any additional questions, please contact kesslerscholars@bates.edu<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n What is the schedule for first-year parents\/guardians on Arrival Day?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The arrival window for students is 8 a.m. to noon. Students are not assigned a specific arrival time, so no need to rush in the morning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There will be a picnic lunch for students and loved ones from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in front of Commons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Family members are invited to meet the Parent Team and other college staff at our drop-in event in the Fireplace Lounge of Commons from noon to 1:30 p.m. This is an opportunity to ask last-minute questions, pick up some swag and meet other families, and chat with us about ways parents volunteer with Bates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At 2 p.m., President Garry Jenkins will make welcome remarks for students and family members on the Historic Quad. Then, families can grab a snack for the road at the Family Farewell Reception before departing campus by 3 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can check out the full Orientation schedule<\/a> and campus map<\/a> in advance, and we will also have campus maps on hand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Is there a different schedule for transfer students?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Transfer students will move in at the same time as all other incoming\/first-year students, and students and family members are invited to attend and participate in Arrival Day programming. Transfer students will attend some general sessions, and some sessions specifically for students who have transferred to Bates. Be sure to check the full Transfer Orientation Schedule<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What about AESOP trips?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n AESOP trips take place after first-year Arrival Day, so first-year students with regular arrival plans do not need to arrive on campus prior to August 27.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n What should my student pack?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The team at Residence Life has a helpful list here<\/a>, and you can find floor plans for residences here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Our team asked current parents for their insider info on what to pack (and what to leave at home). Here are some of their top answers : <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI know lots of folks worry about winter coats and boots, but it\u2019s actually nice to have a fan for the first few weeks.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cOur student never had issues getting in to see Health Services, but since this was the first time our student was away for a long period of time, we put together a ‘hug from home’ medical kit with items like Tylenol, allergy or cold medication, saline spray, a thermometer, and anything else they might need while waiting for their appointment.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cA mattress topper really helped. Depending on your student’s preference, they can also put in a request to have their bed raised.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cSurge protectors, extra-long phone chargers, and LED lights are all really great to have on hand.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cMost winter boots will work fine for your student, since the college keeps paths clear. We\u2019ve found that the secret isn\u2019t which boots to buy but to get some wool socks. Those have been the real key to keeping feet warm and dry.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe were glad we invested in a water-resistant backpack. With rainy, snowy, or slushy weather, it helped to protect my student’s laptop when they were headed to and from class or the library.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cOur student loved having a boot tray so she and her roommate could keep wet or muddy shoes, sneakers, or boots right by the door.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cMy student packed way too much – I ended up taking a bunch of her clothes home after Parents Weekend – so my advice is to lay everything out that your student thinks they want to take and then pack half of it. The first six weeks, they don’t need anything super warm, so have them start with a smaller amount and figure out what they’ll really wear for sweaters, coats, etc. You can always ship or bring it to them at Parents Weekend.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIf you need to book plane tickets for your student for school breaks, have them check their exam schedule as soon as their class schedule is set. I recently found out that those get posted to Garnet Gateway, and it really helps with planning.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n We are traveling quite a distance. Is it possible to ship items instead of bringing them with us on a plane or train?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n These guidelines from Post and Print<\/a> will help you plan for shipping of any items. Your student will need their Bates ID to pick up any packages.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n After drop-off, what\u2019s next for families? <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n In order to help families familiarize themselves with the resources available on-campus to support their students as they navigate life at Bates, we will hold a series of incoming family orientation webinars<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These webinars will be held after the start of classes, and will feature panelists from across campus who will provide an overview of the many resources in place to support your students in their first year and beyond.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Academics at Bates \u2013 Thursday, Sept. 10 at 8 p.m. Eastern<\/em> You will receive invitations to these webinars via email. These sessions will be recorded and shared with all Class of 2030 parents\/guardians via email within 72 hours of each session.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you have not been receiving our updates or event invitations, please make sure we have your contact information<\/a> so you don\u2019t miss out on these resources.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n Does Bates have a family weekend?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Back to Bates: Alumni and Family Weekend<\/a> will take place October 2-4, 2026. Registration is open through September 18. After that date, we look forward to welcoming walk-in guests at the Welcome Center in Chase Hall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What is the schedule for holidays and recesses? <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Be sure to bookmark the residential calendar<\/a> for information on fall recess, Thanksgiving recess, and final exams. The first recess is October 15-19, and residences will remain open over the break. Additional academic dates can be found on the academic calendar<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Looking ahead to the next four years? Check out Bates’ 6 Year Calendar<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I’m interested in getting involved. Are there volunteer opportunities for parents?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The Bates Parent Team works with family members in a number of volunteer opportunities. Whether you can give a few minutes here and there or commit more regularly throughout the year, there are meaningful ways for you to stay involved with Bates. Ways to engage and make a real impact include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you’re ready to jump in or just want to learn more, fill out our volunteer interest form<\/a>. We look forward to connecting with you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Orientation Schedule for Transfer Students<\/a>
Getting to Bates \u2014 FAQ<\/a>\u00a0
Bates Campus Map<\/a>
Residential Calendar<\/a>
<\/p>\n\n\n\nEarly arrival on campus \u2014 for fall student-athletes, international students, and Kessler Scholars <\/h3>
Arrival on campus \u2014 August 27<\/h3>
Getting ready<\/h3>
Family orientation<\/h3>
<\/em>Life Outside the Bates Classroom \u2013 Tuesday, Sept. 15 at 8 p.m. Eastern<\/em>
<\/em>Supporting Your Bates Student\u2019s Well-Being \u2013 Thursday, Sept. 17 at 8 p.m. Eastern<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nAfter drop-off<\/h3>
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