New Student Arrival

Students helping with move in

Washington and Lee University Campus Life First-Year Experience Arrivals and Orientation Arrival Information New Student Arrival
Campus Life

All First-Year students will move in on Monday, August 24, 2026. Upper-division student leaders will be on hand to help you unload your vehicle and move belongings to your room.

Getting to Campus: Directions and Parking

Lexington will be busy, so to avoid traffic jams downtown, please follow these directions carefully:

  • Enter Lexington from the north (1-81 exit 191, I-64 exit 55) on US 11 South.
  • Drive past VMI and the road will become Jefferson Street.
  • Turn right onto Washington Street. Public Safety officers will direct you where to go to unload your car at Graham-Lees Hall on the right or Gaines Hall on the left.

Note: Even if you are staying at a local hotel, please still follow these directions. 

Student Volunteers will help you unload your car and get your belongings to your room. To ensure a smooth process for every incoming student, a driver must stay in the car while it is being unloaded. As soon as the car is emptied, Public Safety officers will guide the driver to the nearby parking garage where the car can be left during the day.

University ID Card, Room Key, Parking Pass, and Packages

Your University ID Card and room key will be waiting for you in your room, so there is no need to check in. Parking Passes ordered in advance and packages sent in advance will also be waiting in your room.

If you have any questions or need help with anything, the Residence Life staff will be available at tables outside of your building.

If you are planning to keep a vehicle on campus during the school year, please make sure you register the vehicle before bringing it to campus. Parking passes are limited, so it is important to register ahead of time.

Leading Edge and Parent Orientation

Your Leading Edge trip leaders will share information about a 3 pm check-in meeting.

There is also an optional parent orientation taking place at the same time from 2:15-4:30 pm in the Lenfest Center.

View the entire Orientation Week Schedule which includes move-in day events.

Still have questions? Get answers to our most popular arrival questions.

Check the local weather report.