New Students

Welcome New Wildcats!

We understand you will have many questions about coming to Davidson. We're here to help! Here are important resources to ensure a smooth transition.

We look forward to seeing you on campus!

Orientation Programs

Designed to provide a unique, challenging, and fun transition to life at Davidson, students can select from an assortment of pre-orientation programs that run June–August. These allow students to immerse themselves in the Davidson community prior to the start of the academic year.

The official New Student and Parent & Family Orientations for the 2019-20 school year will begin on Thursday, Aug. 22 at 8:30 a.m.

Housing, Dining & ID Card Services

Patterson court during Frolics, students pose together after grabbing a funnel cake

Housing & Roommates

May 18: Housing Preference Form Due
The Residence Life Office (RLO) takes extraordinary care in pairing first-year roommates. You will receive an email the first week in May with a link to a housing preference form. Roommate and room assignments will be emailed to you by July 2.

Wildcat statue head in front of orange fall leaves on trees

Student ID Card

June 1: Submit Photo for your CatCard
Each student is issued a CatCard, a photo-ID card that provides access to buildings on campus, meals, and access to many Davidson College services. Photos should meet the required specifications and be submitted electronically or by physical mail.

Dining Services & Meal Plan

August 1: Deadline for Changing the Meal Plan
Dining Services focuses on nutrition, variety, freshness, and sustainability. First-year students are automatically enrolled in a 16 Meal Plan, but can opt to enroll in the 21 Meal Plan. Changes to enrollment are available May–August 1.

Academics & Initial Course Registration

Davidson students have until the end of their sophomore year to declare a major. Before a major is declared, students should explore the subjects and courses that interest them, while also fulfilling graduation requirements.

Throughout the month of June, Summer Advisers are available to help new first-year students through the phases of course registration and provide course selection advice. Course preferences should be submitted via WebTree by July 1.

First-year students will meet their holistic academic adviser during Orientation, at which time course schedule adjustments can be made.

If applicable, students should familiarize themselves with the foreign language requirement, the introductory chemistry diagnostic exam, and if their AP, IB or joint-enrollment courses may qualify for pre-college credit. Applicable placement tests must be completed by June 20.

Student Accounts & Billing

Davidson Email

Activate your Davidson Email
In May, look out for an email from Technology & Innovation explaining how to activate your Davidson email and other important accounts. After June 1, all important information will be sent to your Davidson email address.

Students on Front Lawn w Computer Warm Day

Student Portal

Ensure Contact Information is Current
Banner Self-Service is the password-protected student portal. As a first step, sign in and complete the New Student Information Form to ensure your contact details are up to date. Your bill for tuition and fees will be posted in July for the fall semester; payment is due July 25, 2019.

Student and Parents during Family Picnic

Parent Portal

Set Up Family Proxy Access to Account Information
Students may grant parent and other bill payers proxy access to tuition information. Parents who are not already set up with proxy access, can learn how to access the Parent Portal to view tuition invoices and more.

Health & Counseling

Davidson's Center for Student Health and Well-Being is dedicated to the physical, emotional and mental well being of every student.

The medical history and physical exam form must be completed and submitted by all incoming Davidson students by June 30.

Each student must have medical insurance, either through a private insurance company plan or the insurance package offered through the college's Academic Health Plan. The deadline to opt out of College Health Insurance Plan is July 25.

Life on Campus

Common Reading Book

Over The Summer
One of the best ways to begin your journey at Davidson is to read a common book, and discuss it during Orientation. The common reading book will be mailed to all new students during the summer. The selected book for new students is My Brother Moochie Regaining Dignity in the Face of Crime, Poverty, and Racism in the American South by Issac J. Bailey '95.

International Students

Aug. 18–21 International Students Pre-Orientation
The International Student Programs Office provides support and advisory services for the college's international community, including a pre-orientation program designed to meet the unique needs of incoming international students. If you are a U.S./dual citizen living outside of the U.S., or a non-U.S. citizen, you are invited to participate.

Moving In/What to Bring

Aug. 22: Move In
First-year students officially move in on Thursday, Aug. 22 beginning at 8:30 a.m. after checking-in for Orientation. New students may drop off belongings-only in their rooms the evening of Wed., Aug. 21, between 6 - 9 p.m., but may not stay in the hall that night. Refer to "What to Bring" as you plan your packing list.

Student Athletes

Students who intend to participate on a Davidson Varsity Athletic Team need to register with the NCAA Eligibility Center. This NCAA-driven process must be completed before a student-athlete reports to campus.

New student athletes must complete sports medical forms, independent of the college's Health Center medical forms. June 1 is the deadline for football and basketball athletes to submit medical forms; July 1 is the deadline for all other athletes.

In mid-July each known Davidson student-athlete will receive an email containing links and instructions for completing all necessary NCAA and Davidson compliance forms.

Campus Resources

Student Employment

June–August Set Up a Profile and Apply to Jobs
Students are strongly encouraged to consider employment during their time at Davidson. Begin by setting up a profile in Handshake prior to June 15. Starting July 15, students can apply for jobs through Handshake (Work Study students may be given priority). Bring the required paperwork and documentation to Orientation.

Vehicle Registration

July-August: Register Your Vehicle
Students, faculty and staff must register their vehicle with the Davidson College Police Department within 48 hours of arriving on campus. Parking permits will be sent thru campus mail. A Davidson login is required for the vehicle registration online form.

Bicycle Registration

July-August: Register Your Bicycle
Students, faculty and staff are required to register their bikes. A Davidson login is required for the bike registration online form. Registration is free, and registration stickers will be sent to you in campus mail.