Aside from being your resource for everything orientation, we understand you may have other questions that you are unsure where to direct. This page addresses many frequently asked questions. If you have any other questions not covered here regarding your college experience, please don't hesitate to contact us!

Orientation
1. When is orientation?
2. When do I register for orientation?
3. Is orientation mandatory?
4. How much does orientation cost?
5. Are there orientation events specifically for parents/transfer students/commuters/etc?
6. Can (person's name) be in my orientation group?
7. How does move-in work?

On Campus
8. How do I find my classes?
9. When do I find out who my roommate is?
10. When/where do I buy parking passes How much do they cost?
11. When/where do I buy books?
12. How do meal plans work? Are they mandatory?
13. When will I be able to join organizations?
14. How do I get a job on campus?
15. How does security work What is the Webster University policy concerning ____?
16. How do I contact (department/faculty/etc)?

Off Campus
17. Where can visitors stay What are area hotels?
18. Where can I buy (anything) Where's the nearest grocery store, mall, etc.?

Orientation
1. When is orientation?
Orientation weekend is the weekend before school starts in the fall. Thursday is move-in day for residents; commuters will begin orientation activities on Friday.

2. When/how do I register for orientation?
Registration for orientation will be done via mail or phone. We mail registration forms out by the first week of July. Once you receive yours please return it as soon as possible to secure your spot and allow us to make accurate reservations for meals, the excursion, etc.

Download RSVP form (pdf)

3. Is orientation mandatory?
Yes! Every new student should attend orientation. This weekend is intended for new undergraduate/transfer students & their families.

4. How much does orientation cost?
All of orientation is completely free to students except for the excursion, which will cost a fee to be decided. Parents and other family members are invited to meals throughout the weekend but there are additional costs involved.

5. Are there orientation events specifically for parents/transfer students/commuters/etc.?
Yes! We offer several sessions for parents throughout the weekend. Transfer and commuter students are included in all activities; in addition, we offer a special transfer & commuter social for these students.

6. Can (person's name) be in my orientation group?
Unfortunately, we cannot accomodate special requests regarding orientation groups. Orientation weekend is a great opportunity to meet new friends at Webster, and there will be plenty of free time to mingle outside of your groups.

7. How does move-in work?
Our mighty Orientation Leaders and several volunteers will be on hand to unload and haul all of your belongings to your new space! In order to conduct move-in most efficiently, we have devised a system and students will be scheduled in blocks to arrive in by last name. Make sure you have your room or apartment number ready when you arrive. You should receive the details via mail, and you can also visit the Housing Web site for more information.

On Campus
8. How do I find my classes?
Even though Webster is a relatively small campus, it can be daunting to find your way around in the beginning. Lucky for you, orientation weekend will relieve this stress, as your Orientation Leaders will give you an in-depth campus tour and allow you to locate your classes before they start. Every student will also be provided with a Webster calendar/directory/map, an excellent resource that will serve you year-round.

9. When do I find out who my roommate is?
Residential life will mail out packets including roommate assignments in mid-July. These will inform you where you will be living, who your roommate is, and how to contact them.

If you have additional concerns regarding housing, take a look at the Housing and Residential Life Web site. If you can't find your answer there, contact Residential Life at (314) 246-4663 or e-mail housing@webster.edu. For questions specific to the Webster Village Apartments, call (314) 968-5920.

10. When/where do I buy parking passes? How much do they cost?
Information on all things parking related are answered at the Parking Policy Web site. You can direct any additional questions to the Department of Public Safety at (314) 968-7430.

11. When/where do I buy books?
The Webster University Bookstore is located on campus at 554 Garden Ave. in the Garden Park Plaza. You can buy your books at any time, including during orientation weekend. To find out what books you need for your classes, you can go to eFollet's Webster Page. Please note that listings here for fall classes may not be posted until later in the summer.

A word of advice: If you opt to buy your books online or from another source, check and make sure you are getting the correct version your professor has indicated!

For more information about the Webster University Bookstore including hours go to the WU Bookstore Web site or call (314) 968-5936. If you need information about our Money for Books program, visit the Student Affairs office in the University Center.

12. How do meal plans work? Are they mandatory?
Meal plans are mandatory for first year students living on campus, however anyone at Webster can purchase a meal plan; there are several options to choose from. For all things dining, visit Campus Dining Services.
For additional questions, contact Dining Services at (314) 986-6902.

13. When will I be able to join organizations?
Great question! A perfect opportunity to find out about organizations at Webster and how to join them is by attending the Involvement Fair held Sept. 3. Once you arrive on campus during orientation weekend, you will find out more details regarding the Involvement Fair and Welcome Week activities.

For information about some of the organizational departments as well as resources and services, visit Student Life. For a listing of Webster University organizations go here.

14. How do I get a job on campus?
For information specific to student employment, visit the Student Employment Web site. Career Services is a fantastic resource to learn about planning careers, internships, etc. For more information call (314) 968-6982 or (800) 981-9805 or e-mail careercn@webster.edu.

15. How does security work? What is the Webster University policy concerning ____?
For information about the Department of Public Safety including statistics, services, procedures, and much more, take a look at their Web site. If you have other questions call (314) 968-7430.

All Webster University policies are addressed in the Student Life Handbook.

16. How do I contact (department/faculty/etc)?
You can find contact information for a specific person or department in the Webster University Directory. To contact a resident on campus you will have to call the switchboard at (314) 986-6900 and they will direct your call to the requested party.

Off Campus
17. Where can visitors stay? What are area hotels?
There are many hotels within a few miles of Webster University. For listings, check out the Parents page. The rates quoted are guaranteed for Orientation weekend only; call for quotes if you are booking during another time.

18. Where can I buy (anything) Where's the nearest grocery store, mall, etc.?
If you are living on campus, there may be some things you don't realize you need until you get settled. You may find it helpful to know where the closest places are to find your necessities. Here is a listing of the nearest stores and their addresses. The distance indicated is from Webster University.