Parents & Families
Hours
Monday—Friday
8:30 a.m.—5 p.m.
Welcome, P’29s (Class of 2029 families)!
We are so excited your student has chosen Wake Forest and look forward to getting to know your family! This website shares key deadlines for families and information on how best to help prepare your Deac for the college transition.
Countdown to Aug. 20 Move-In
Parent and Family Checklist
Required Items
- Verify your family record in Wake Network so we have your correct contact info (ASAP/by June 1)
- Make a plan for your student to have a laptop (order in time to have it when school begins)
- Ensure your student is up to date on all required vaccines (documentation due July 1)
- Talk to your student about them making you a Third-Party payer in Workday so you have access to bills and can pay tuition (by July 15)
- Pay tuition (due August 1)
- Make travel plans for your student to be on campus for their assigned move-in date
- Ensure your student has either enrolled in or completed a student waiver for our health insurance program by Sept 15. Note that students are automatically billed for the Student Health Insurance Plan but the charge can be waived if they submit a waiver form demonstrating comparable coverage (enrollment and waiver forms open July 2).
Important Note for New Families
Students' Wake Forest logins and passwords should not be shared with anyone, including their parents/family members.
Please help us keep our information systems safe and do not ask for or use your student's login and password.
Recommended
- Download the 2025 New Deac Welcome Week schedule: Go to your APP or Google Play store and search “WFU Orientation Programs” to access the New Deac Welcome Week 2025 guide and view the schedule for families
- Subscribe to the Daily Deac to receive news and tips in your inbox
- Make flexible hotel reservations (or Vrbo, Airbnb, etc.) for move-in (until your student determines if they will do Pre-Orientation)
- Book a hotel (or Vrbo, Airbnb, etc.) for Family Weekend (September 26-28)
- Purchase football tickets for the Family Weekend game (tickets go on sale May 1)
- View the recording and Q&A from the June 24 Virtual New Student Reception and attend a local reception if available
- Review the Advice for Parents and Families page
- Have important conversations with your student about things like alcohol and drugs, consent, finances, etc.
- If your student needs learning accommodations, make sure they submit a disability-related academic accommodation request with supporting documentation; taking this step during the summer will make for a smoother start to the semester
- Register for Family Weekend events (registration opens July 8 at 10 a.m.)
- Ensure your student buys or rents their textbooks (recommended to buy/rent via the University Bookstore)
- Protect your student's belongings with renter's insurance (through your own policy or via Grad Guard)
- Register for Zipcar or their own car (if applicable)
- Prepare a medicine kit
- Download the Wake Safe app and opt-in to campus safety alerts so you receive security notifications (by August 15)
- Purchase tuition insurance (by Aug. 24) (optional) - note, insurance link will be available in early July
Move-In Day and Orientation
Closer to August, we will provide a detailed Move-In Guide and the New Deac Welcome Week (aka Orientation) schedule. For now, please pay attention to the following key dates and information:
August 15 (Fri) - August 16 (Sat)
Move-In for Students doing Pre-Orientation
Students accepted to Pre-Orientation programs will receive their move-in instructions (including their assigned date and time frame) in mid-July after program enrollment from Residence Life and Housing.
- Note: if you will be flying to campus for move-in, we encourage you to wait on firm travel plans until your student decides whether they want to do a Pre-Orientation program (and if yes, receives their move-in date). If you make travel plans prior to notification of Pre-Orientation program acceptance, consider booking options that are flexible or easily changed if needed.
August 20 (W)
New and Transfer Student Move-In
This is for students who are not doing a Pre-Orientation program.
Check-in and Move-in assistance will be available from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Note: All students must be moved in by 1 p.m.
Students will see their suggested move-in windows in late July 2025 when they receive their housing assignments via the Housing Portal.
August 20 (W) - August 21 (Th)
Orientation Activities for Parents and Families
All families should plan to depart Thursday evening (Aug. 21) or Friday morning (Aug. 22).
- Note: Most of our student Orientation (i.e. New Deac Week) activities are on a separate track from parent and family orientation; student Orientation continues through Sunday, August 24.
August 25 (M)
First Day of Classes (FDOC)
Refer to the 2025-2026 Academic Services Calendar for all important academic dates and deadlines.
Communications
The Daily Deac
The Daily Deac is an opt-in blog that shares important news, advice about supporting your student, and helps you get a sense of campus life.
Campus Safety Alerts
Campus safety alerts are sent via the WakeSafe app. Please download WakeSafe and enable notifications if you wish to see campus alerts.
Emails
A-Z of WFU
A glossary of Wake Forest acronyms and college terms
Resources
New Student Receptions
Join us for a Virtual New Student Reception on June 24 from 7-8:30 p.m. (will be recorded) and/or and a local reception.
Who to Contact for...
This website shows the most-often needed resources; you can also email parents@wfu.edu for assistance.
Getting Help After Hours
Once your student arrives at Wake Forest, see the many resources available for assistance after business hours.
Stop, Drop, and Roll
This is our recommended framework for families to use to promote student independence and problem-solving.
Student Healthcare
Help your student prepare to navigate their healthcare before they come to school.
Hotels & Restaurants
View a list of local lodging and dining recommendations from current families.
Transportation & Travel
Learn about airports served by our shuttle services as you make your way to campus.