Admissions

We will be hosting various pre-arrival orientation webinars throughout summer 2026. Check back here for more information as webinars are scheduled.

Welcome to the University of Rochester! Learn about orientation, onboarding, and how to get started as a new graduate student

Wednesday, June 3, 2026
10-11 a.m. (Eastern)
Virtual Webinar on Zoom

Join the Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Affairs (GEPA) staff team, to welcome you and help you get started on your path to graduate school at the University of Rochester! We'll be providing important information on what to prepare for and expect over the next few months prior to arrival, including required and optional programs, events, and onboarding tips. There will be an overview of graduate orientation and ways to begin connecting to your new campus community. Feel free to bring your questions! Register online to receive Zoom login information.

Health and Wellness Resources for Graduate Students

Wednesday, June 24, 2026
10-11 a.m. (Eastern)
Virtual webinar on Zoom

Learn about mental and physical health resources available to you as a URochester graduate student in this informative webinar. Representatives from University Health Services will be discussing health insurance options and selections, the health history form, vaccination requirements and what to submit and prepare before you arrive. They will also discuss what services will be available to you through University Health Services for your physical health. The University Counseling Center and Health Promotion will also tell you about mental health, counseling/therapy, and wellness offerings to help support you throughout your graduate education. Feel free to bring your questions! Register online to receive Zoom login information.

Tools for Academic Success as a Graduate Student

Thursday, July 17, 2026
10-11 a.m. (Eastern)
Virtual webinar on Zoom

The GEPA office will be discussing registration and academic advice for new graduate students. You will also hear from staff in the Learning Center, the Writing, Speaking, and Argument Program, the River Campus Libraries, to introduce their offices and the support they provide for graduate students at UR to ensure their academic success. Students will leave this webinar with a set of resources to turn to as they transition to graduate school. Register online to receive Zoom login information.

Graduate and Family Housing Services

Various Dates and times
Virtual webinar on Zoom

Navigating housing as an incoming graduate student? Join Graduate and Family Services for one or more webinars in their Graduate Housing series. Sessions cover an overview of on- and off-campus housing resources and the application process, policies and guidelines for living in Graduate Housing (featuring current Grad Community Assistants), and your rights and responsibilities as a tenant in Rochester and New York. Learn more about graduate housing or view the full schedule of dates and times and register online to receive Zoom login information.

Login to Blackboard around June 2026 to complete mandatory modules including Academic Honesty training. Take some time to review the rest of the other important information on ways to get connected with campus resources and the greater Rochester community.

When you login to Blackboard around June 2026 look for “SAS/Hajim Graduate Student Orientation Fall 2026” on the left side under the “organizations” section.

In order to access Blackboard you first need to activate your NetID and access your University of Rochester email address. Please view the Incoming Student Checklist to view additional tasks you need to complete in preparation for joining the University of Rochester community.

We invite you to attend the following in-person interactive events below once you arrive to campus as part of Graduate Student Spring Welcome. Keep in mind that your academic department may also have orientation-related programming planned in addition to what’s listed below. It is expected that all new graduate students attend these events.

Graduate Student River Campus Tours

Thursday, August 6, 3-4 p.m. - Register here
Monday, August 10, 1-2 p.m. - Register here
Friday, August 14, 2-3 p.m. - Register here
Wednesday, August 19, 1-2 p.m. - Register here
Friday, August 21, 10-11 a.m. - Register here
Tuesday, August 25, 11 a.m.-12 p.m. - Register here
Thursday, August 27, 3-4 p.m. - Register here

Join current graduate students and the GEPA staff for an informal tour of the University campus. Get to know building locations of important campus resources, the best study spaces, dining locations, how to navigate the tunnels, and more! To join the tour, please meet at the front entrance of the GEPA Office in Lattimore 206 promptly at the start time. Printed River campus maps will be available for pickup at the tours or download a map.

Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) Training

Wednesday, August 26, 2026
9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (In-person by invite only, various locations, River Campus)
GTA Orientation

Learn about the role and responsibilities of a graduate teaching assistant. If your department requires you to attend this training, you will receive more information via email.

Graduate Resource Fair

Thursday, August 27, 2026
4-5:15 p.m. (Rettner Hall, River Campus)

Meet with representatives from a variety of crucial on and off-campus resources to ask questions, learn about their services and ways to get connected. This includes offices like University Health Services, the Graduate Writing Project, Career Services, International Services Office, Housing, Library, Parking, Dining and many more! While you’re there, meet other graduate students, and pick up a FREE University of Rochester T-SHIRT (while supplies last)! Check in first at the ground floor of Rettner Hall. 

Dean's Welcome Graduate Student Social and ID Pickup

Saturday, August 29, 2026
4-5:30 p.m. (Feldman Ballroom, Douglass Commons, River Campus)

Join the SAS/Hajim Graduate Dean and Assistant Dean for a welcome greeting and learn some important info and tips from current graduate students to help you get started on your journey here at UR! After the greeting, there will be an informal social hour to meet other graduate students with FREE appetizers, drinks, and some UR swag giveaways/raffles. While you’re there, pickup your student ID card if you uploaded your photo by the deadline.

The International Services Office (ISO) will host a virtual orientation as a supplement to their online pre-arrival orientation. This programming is designed to provide essential information on maintaining your valid F-1 or J-1 nonimmigrant status while in the United States, as well as other important details about life at the University and in Rochester.

Dependents: F-2 and J-2 dependents are welcome to attend the scheduled ISO Orientation meeting. Spouses are advised to review the dependent information we have online and reach out to ISO for any clarification or advising: questions@iso.rochester.edu.

Please visit the International Student Orientation Program page for additional details as they become available.