- All incoming students must submit a completed health history form and official immunization records to Bowdoin Health Services before arriving on campus.
- Required vaccines include MMR, Tdap, Hepatitis B, varicella (chickenpox), and meningococcal ACWY. For more details on requirements, visit the Bowdoin immunization requirements page.
- All forms will be submitted through the Student Health Portal. Your student should receive login instructions in their welcome email!
- Students who do not submit required health records by the stated deadline may be prevented from registering for housing or moving into their room.
Welcome, Parents and Family!
Your student has worked hard for this moment—and so have you. We’re thrilled to welcome the Class of 2030 to the Bowdoin family.
This page is your central resource for move-in details, key dates, logistics, and parent opportunities. Bookmark it and check back throughout the year for updates.
Have a question? Start here! You may find your answer below. If not, we’re always happy to help.
The First-Year Experience page provides detailed deadlines not included here, and is a helpful resource for both you and your student to revisit throughout the summer.
- Orientation schedules cannot be changed! Your student will receive their orientation schedule by email. All sessions are required. Please plan your departure around the schedule to ensure getting in on time.
- Health insurance decisions have a set deadline. Students enrolled in the Bowdoin student health insurance plan are automatically charged unless they submit a waiver before the deadline. Unfortunately, this cannot be reversed after the deadline passes.
- First-year students may not bring cars to campus. All academic buildings, dining halls, libraries, and athletic facilities are within a short walk. Many students bring bikes or scooters, but for most day-to-day movement, walking is the easiest option. For longer distances, students have many transportation options, as outlined below.
Connect with Other Bowdoin Families This Summer!
Parents and families are invited to attend Bowdoin’s Summer Send-Off events happening across the country. These informal gatherings are a great opportunity to meet other families, ask questions, and help your student prepare for the transition to campus!
Student Preparation
Before your student sets foot on campus, there are several required steps they must complete. Many of these items have deadlines that cannot be extended. More information on specific deadlines can be found on the First Year Experience page. Please review the most important deadlines below and encourage your student to complete them early.
Arrival, Orientation, and the Start of Classes
After a summer of preparation, students arrive on campus and begin their transition into college life through Orientation and the first week of classes. Below is a general overview of what to expect during this time.
Travel & Visiting Brunswick
Brunswick, Maine is a beautiful destination, and we encourage families to enjoy it. Whether you're arriving for move-in from across the country or planning a future visit, here's what you need to know. You can also explore Bowdoin’s visitor information page for details on getting to campus, local accommodations, and what to do while you're here.
What to Bring to Campus
Packing for college can feel overwhelming, but everyday essentials are easy to find: Target, Walmart, and Walgreens are all just minutes from campus. If you’re unsure about non-essentials, you can always pick up items after move-in or take advantage of Bowdoin’s Freecycle event during orientation, where first-years can access gently used dorm supplies at no cost. Explore all first-year residence options to get a sense of what to expect.
Academic Year & Breaks
Bowdoin operates on a two-semester academic calendar (fall and spring). Below is an overview of the key rhythms of the academic year to help you plan travel, visits, and family schedules. For exact dates, please refer to the official Bowdoin Academic Calendar.
Getting Involved as a Bowdoin Parent
Your student's Bowdoin experience will be richer for having engaged, informed parents behind them. Bowdoin has a vibrant parent community, and there are meaningful ways to participate—whether you live five minutes from campus or five time zones away.
