Frequently Asked Questions
If you have any additional questions not answered here or on this website, please contact us.
Do all new students have to attend Summer Orientation?
Yes (with the exception of RN to BSN Nursing students). It is expected that you will attend the appropriate summer session for your school of enrollment.
Orientation is where you will learn about the University, ask questions, meet with an academic advisor, sign up for classes, and get to know people.
You will have the chance to speak with representatives from various offices, including housing and dining. Additionally, you will take care of many logistical details, like familiarizing yourself with Grounds and getting your student ID.
When and how will I be able to sign up for a Summer Orientation session?
You will be able to register for Summer Orientation 72 hours after you have paid your $250 deposit and once you have taken the Responsible Computing Quiz and activated your UVa Email.
You will complete the registration process in the Register section of this website.
After you have activated your UVa Email, you will also be able to take care of all your pre-enrollment requirements like applying for housing and choosing a dining plan.
How do I know which session to register for?
You should plan to attend one of the sessions for the school in which you are enrolled.
You can find out which sessions your eligible for by selecting your School, Year, and program (if applicable) in the Dates section of the site.
Do not make travel arrangements until you receive your session selection confirmation at the end of the online registration process.
What does it cost?
The student fee for Summer Orientation is $190 for first years and $150 for transfers (included in the tuition and fees bill you will receive in July), and all students must pay this fee regardless of whether or not they attend orientation.
Do my parents/guests have to come with me to Summer Orientation?
It is entirely optional for your parents or guests to attend Summer Orientation.
During the summer of 2008, over 78% of all students brought at least one guest with them to orientation.
While at orientation, parents and guests participate in a parallel program that addresses questions about various University resources (Student Financial Services, Health and Wellness, Student Life, etc.). We request that you limit your guests to two people because of space constraints.
All of the programs are targeted towards parents/guests, so we are unable to provide daycare services for younger siblings.
Do parents/guests have to pay?
Yes. The guest fee for orientation is $60 per person to cover parking, transportation, lunches both days, an evening reception on Day One, a light breakfast on Day Two, and program materials.
Where will I stay during Summer Orientation? What about my guest(s)?
First-year students will be provided with overnight accommodations in Hereford Residential College on Day One of their orientation session.
Transfer students needing overnight accommodations at the end of their session (H or J) may take advantage of optional one-night housing in Hereford for an additional $39, which can be paid at Check-In.
Parents and guests are responsible for their own overnight accommodations. Some area hotels do offer discounts and/or hold rooms for orientation.
Where do my guests and I park?
Parking is available adjacent to the Student Activities Building (SAB), where Summer Orientation Check-In will take place. View Map.
Upon checking in, students will receive a parking permit which will allow guests to park in the SAB lot for the two-day period.
What do I do if I require special accommodations for a medical, physical, or disability-related need? Will the University be able to provide for parents/guests who need special assistance?
We will do everything we can to make your Summer Orientation visit a wonderful experience.
For information regarding special needs accommodations for you or your guests, please visit the Learning Needs and Evaluation Center (LNEC) website or call them at 434.243.5180 or 434.243.5189 (V/TTY).
You will also have an opportunity to note any special needs for you and/or your guests during the orientation registration process.
What is a UID (University ID) and how do I retrieve it?
Your University ID is the nine-digit number (NOT your Social Security Number) assigned to you by the University that will be your ID number throughout your time at the University.
You can retrieve your UID online. You will need your UVa Student System ID Number from the email acknowledging receipt of your application.
My aid and/or scholarship hasn't shown up yet, what should I do?
Student Financial Services is still processing scholarships and aid. This process will not be completed until bills post on July 16, so do not be alarmed if your aid has not shown up yet.
However, if after July 16 your aid still hasn't posted, please contact Student Financial Services.
When do I take my foreign language placement exams?
If you are a student needing to take the French or Spanish placement exam, please take the exam online BEFORE coming to Orientation.
First-year students interested in taking the German, Latin, or Russian placement exam will be able to take them during Summer Orientation.
Transfer students will be able to take those exams in the Fall.
All students needing to take other language placement exams will have the opportunity to take them during Fall Orientation.
How does course registration work at orientation?
Students will meet in a small group with a faculty member and Orientation Leaders to design a schedule on Day One of Orientation.
On Day Two, students will have a pre-assigned course registration time during which a graduate student will input their schedule into the Student Information System (SIS).
Transfers—with the exception of Architecture students—will have their schedules entered into SIS on the same day.
What is Project SERVE?
Project SERVE is a one-day program that gives new students an opportunity to participate in important service activities throughout the community and to learn about the many service avenues available to them. It is sponsored by Orientation and New Student Programs and various community service organizations.
Project SERVE 2009 is scheduled for Saturday, August 29 beginning at 9:00 am. You will have an opportunity to sign up for Project SERVE when you register for Orientation. Or you can register for Project SERVE on the Orientation and New Student Programs (ONSP) website.
Note: If you have already registered for Orientation, you can still sign up for Project SERVE on the ONSP website.
What is UVaExpress and how do I register for it?
UVaExpress is a free, coordinated bus transportation and hospitality program for international students from Dulles International Airport in Washington, DC and Charlottesville Airport to the University of Virginia on Tuesday August, 18 and Wednesday, August 19, 2009.
Make sure to register on the UVaExpress website.
The program is coordinated by the University of Virginia's Office of Engagement and financially supported by an UVa graduate in Singapore as well as the UVa Parents Committee.
