Yes. Each student may bring up to two guests. However, on-campus lodging is not available for guests. We’ve provided a list of nearby hotels for your convenience.
Your First Step Toward an Undeniably Life-changing College Experience
Welcome, Hornets! Your University of Lynchburg adventure starts with our New Student Orientation. This two-day, overnight experience will help you integrate into our buzzing community. It’s your first step into a world of countless possibilities, connections, and memories that will last a lifetime.
Orientation session dates are June 9-10, 2025 (session full); June 12-13, 2025; June 16-17, 2025; and June 19-20, 2025 (session full).
Orientation is more than an introduction; it’s your gateway to lifelong friendships, connections that shape your future, and stories you’ll tell for years. Your Lynchburg adventure is about to unfold, filled with moments that will define, challenge, and ultimately change you.
Parent/Guest Schedule
Student Day 1
| Time | Session | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 8 – 9 a.m. | Check-in – Students – Key Pick-up and Drop off personal items in your room | Hall Campus Terrace/Tate Hall |
| 9 – 9:15 a.m. | Welcome to Orientation | Hall Center Ballroom, 3rd floor |
| 9:15 – 9:30 a.m. | Meet Your Orientation Leaders | Hall Center Ballroom, 3rd floor |
| 9:30 – 11 a.m. | Important Resources at Lynchburg: – ABOVE program (9:30 a.m.) – Bonner Leader Program (9:45 a.m.) – Spotting Red Flags in Your Inbox (10 a.m.) – Mailroom Resources (10:15 a.m.) – Residential Experience/Commuter Life (10:30 a.m.) | Hall Center Ballroom, 3rd floor |
| 11 a.m. – Noon | Orientation Small Group Meeting and Activity | The Dell (Rain location: Hopwood Auditorium) |
| 12 – 12:45 p.m. | Lunch with Orientation Group | Dining Hall, Drysdale, 3rd floor |
| 1 – 2 p.m. | Taking Care of Business with the Solutions Center and Financial Aid | Hall Center Ballroom, 3rd floor |
| 2 – 5 p.m. | Dell Beach and Activities – Music, Games, and pools – Kona Ice – Relax in the Library – Yoga – Family/Group Photos | – The Dell – Friendship Circle – Knight-Capron Library – The Dell – The Dell ‘Love’ Sign (Rain location: TBD) |
| 4 – 5 p.m. | Athletics Meeting: Athletes Only | Hall Center Ballroom, 3rd floor |
| 5 – 5:30 p.m. | Refresh before dinner | The Dell/Tate Hall |
| 5:30 – 7 p.m. | Dinner | Dining Hall, Drysdale, 3rd floor |
| 7 – 10 p.m. | Lynchburg Late Night: Games, Movie, and Dessert with your new classmates! | The Dell (rain location: Ballroom) |
| 10 p.m. | Return to Tate Hall for the evening | Tate Hall |
Student Day 2
| Time | Session | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 8 – 9 a.m. | Breakfast with Orientation Group | Dining Hall, Drysdale, 3rd floor |
| 9 – 9:30 a.m. | Orientation Small Group meeting | The Dell (Rain location: Hopwood) |
| 9 a.m. – Noon | Advising and Registration (by assigned groups) | Hundley Hall, 1st floor |
| 9 – 10:30 a.m. | Time to Explore! – Westover Room: TV/Movie, Mailroom – Solutions Center: Financial Aid & Student Accounts – Campus Safety & Security: Get help uploading your student ID so it’s ready in August! – Career Resources: Staff meet and greet – HornetCare: Health and Counseling, Meditation Room | Drysdale and Hundley Hall, various locations – Drysdale 2nd floor – Drysdale Genworth Room, 2nd floor – Drysdale 221, 2nd floor – Hundley Hall, Terrace Level |
| 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. | University Resource Fair | Drysdale, 3rd Floor |
| Noon – 1 p.m. | Lunch | Dining Hall, Drysdale, 3rd floor |
| 1 – 4 p.m. | Advising and Registration continues (by assigned group) | Hundley Hall, 1st floor |
| Before departure | Return the Tate Hall room key and temporary access badges | Tate Hall, 3rd-floor lobby and Hundley Hall, 1st floor lobby |
Bring your cheer squad: Each student can bring up to two guests to orientation. While we can’t provide on-campus housing for your guests, the City of Lynchburg’s tourism website has a list of lodging options. Students are also given the option to stay off-campus with their parent or guardian.
Meals on us: We’re excited to provide meals for you and your guests. On day one, enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and a hearty breakfast on day two to fuel your adventure.
Getting around: Campus Map and Travel
Resources for parents/guardians: Your student is launching an incredible journey that will lead to more than just a degree. Learn more about how to get involved as a new Lynchburg family member.
Stay a while: Experience what it’s like to live on campus in a traditional residence hall. You’ll share a double room with a roommate and a communal bathroom in the hallway. It’s a great way to get a taste of campus life!
What to pack: Don’t forget your bedding or sleeping bag, casual clothes, comfortable shoes for exploring, toiletries, and a reusable water bottle.
May: Get Started
- Activate Your University Accounts: Use the Passport webpage to set up your Lynchburg network account and email. Please check your Application Status Page for your invitation. Wait 24 hours after activation to access the Housing Portal.
- Submit Financial Aid Documents: To secure your aid package, visit myhive.lynchburg.edu. Ensure that your FAFSA and any required financial documents are submitted.
- Review the Hornet Handbook: Familiarize yourself with University policies, student conduct codes, and campus resources.
June: Orientation & Academic Planning
- Complete the First-Year Housing Application. This application helps match you with a compatible roommate based on your lifestyle and preferences.
- Request Housing Accommodations (if applicable): If you need special housing accommodations (like medical needs), please submit your request by now. Please review the guidelines and submit all necessary documentation before the deadline to meet your needs.
- Complete the “First Flight” virtual orientation module before attending your in-person SOAR date.
- Attend Student Orientation and Registration (SOAR). Orientation includes course registration, meeting with your advisor, campus tours, and community-building activities.
- Submit Health and Immunization Records Please submit your health and immunization records through the online Student Health Portal. You must have a copy of your immunization records and insurance card to complete the required health forms. Remember that you can only complete the forms 24 hours after your initial login to the health portal.
July: Finalize Housing & Prepare for Move-In
- Choose your room: You’ll get an email with your selection time. Log in to the Housing Portal and pick a room in Montgomery or Tate Hall. Students admitted after the end of June will be automatically assigned a roommate.
- Select Move-In Date and Time: Starting mid-July, you can sign up for a move-in date and time via the Housing Portal.
- Pay your tuition bill: Bills are available in MyHive on July 1 and are due on Aug. 1 for the fall semester. Failure to pay your bill may block you from enrollment, class attendance, grade access, transcript receipt, graduation, or diploma issuance.
- Review What to Bring: Check the University’s recommended packing list to ensure you have all the necessary items for campus living.
- Upload your photo for your Lynchburg ID card.
- If you plan on bringing a car to campus, purchase a parking permit and learn more about parking on campus. First-year students can park behind Montgomery and Tate Halls, as well as the Nest.
- High school transcripts: Send us your official high school transcripts. The transcript must include all classes and grades completed.
- Download the LiveSafe app for campus safety. It allows you to send your location in emergencies, report concerns anonymously, and use SafeWalk for virtual monitoring. Get real-time alerts and emergency info anytime.
- Find “LiveSafe” in the Apple or Google app store, and select the University of Lynchburg.
August: Move-In & Begin Your Lynchburg Journey
- Take your CliftonStrengths Assessment
- Move-In Days: Ensure you arrive within two hours of your selected two-hour time block. Your first stop will be our Centralized Check-In process. Our centralized process creates a welcoming and efficient environment that ensures a smooth transition for all students.
- Participate in Hornet Days: Engage in activities to help you acclimate to campus life and connect with fellow students.
- Before the First Day of Class:
- Double-check your fall class schedule on MyHive to see if there are any class location changes.
- Walk your schedule! We suggest all students take time before classes and go from building to building.
- Meet with your Academic Advisor to make sure your schedule is all set.
- Attend Classes:
- Classes commence shortly after move-in and Hornet Days.
- Classes commence shortly after move-in and Hornet Days.
Stay informed of your class schedule and locations via the University portal.
During these SOAR dates, you will be introduced to the community, the Westover staff, and more importantly, your Westover classmates. This informal meeting will ease your transition to the program.
Dates:
- June 9-10
- June 12-13
- June 16-17
Are you ready to start your
adventure
?
New Student Orientation is just the beginning at the University of Lynchburg, where every student embarks on a journey of self-discovery, learning, and growth. We can’t wait for you to become a vital part of our vibrant community.
Register today and take the first step toward your future at the University of Lynchburg. Questions or need more info? Contact us at [email protected]. Your Lynchburg journey begins now, and we’re thrilled to be a part of it!
Frequently Asked Questions — Answered
Can I bring guests?
How do I change the in-person SOAR date I registered for?
If you need to change your SOAR date, please email us at [email protected] and we will be happy to make adjustments as they are available.
How do I ensure I can register for SOAR and receive details about the event?
To be eligible to register for SOAR, students must first pay the enrollment deposit. Students who have made their deposits will receive information via their Lynchburg email account regarding SOAR.
How do I get my student ID?
Before attending your in-person New Student Orientation date, please submit a photo for your ID card. Visit arrival.lynchburg.edu/photo and go through the process step by step.
If I have more questions, who should I contact?
For further questions, please email us at [email protected]. Our team is here to help you with any questions you might have.
If I have questions about disability accommodations, who should I contact?
Accessibility and Disability Resources (ADR) works with students who wish to request disability accommodations in the areas of academics, housing, emotional support animals, and dietary needs. This process will start with new students beginning at the end of May. It is critical for students seeking accommodations to plan for this process no less than two weeks before move-in dates.
If you are interested in receiving information or have questions, please email [email protected].
Is Orientation mandatory?
Yes. Attendance is required for all incoming undergraduate students. It’s a crucial first step to starting your journey at Lynchburg.
Is there an orientation fee waiver?
Please contact [email protected] to request a fee waiver or deferral.
Is there programming for registered guests?
Yes. There will be concurrent and joint programming for all registered attendees.
What happens if I don’t complete SOAR?
If you don’t complete the necessary enrollment steps by published deadlines, you may be dropped from your schedule of courses and removed from housing assignments.
What if I forgot my Lynchburg student login information?
You can change your password at passport.lynchburg.edu, or contact our ITR Help Desk at 434.544.8350 or [email protected].
What if none of the SOAR dates work for me?
Reach out to [email protected] and talk with us about your circumstances. We’ll work with you on alternatives.
What is Student Orientation and Resources?
Student Orientation and Resources, or SOAR, is an essential program designed to welcome new students to the University of Lynchburg. It’s an opportunity to learn about campus life and academic resources and to connect with fellow students, faculty, and staff.
SOAR can help you connect with other Hornets, the University, and the surrounding community.
What meals will be provided?
We will provide breakfast, lunch, and dinner on the first day and breakfast on the second day for students and their guests.
What should I pack for the overnight stay?
Please bring bedding or a sleeping bag, casual clothing, comfortable shoes, toiletries, a towel and washcloth, and a reusable water bottle. You’ll be staying in a traditional residence hall double room with shared hallway bathrooms.
Where can I find information on the University of Lynchburg and the surrounding area?
For more information about the University and the surrounding community, please visit our official website. We also recommend exploring the City of Lynchburg’s tourism website to get acquainted with the area.
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