New Students
Welcome New Wildcats!
We understand you will have many questions as you prepare for Davidson. We're here to help. We've compiled important resources to ensure a smooth transition into your college experience.
A warm welcome from your new Wildcat family. We can't wait to see you on campus!
New Student Orientation for the 2025-26 school year is scheduled for August 21–24.
New Student Orientation is required for all new students.
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.
Davidson College is devoted to the life of the mind and the development of the whole person. One of the best ways to begin your journey here is to read a common book during the summer, discuss it during Orientation, and apply what you learn to your life at Davidson and beyond.
This year's Common Read Book is The Courage of Compassion by Robin Steinberg. Books will be mailed to all incoming students in mid-June.
In early June, spend some time exploring the liberal arts curriculum at Davidson College. Check out the various subjects available and specific courses being offered in the fall. If you are not starting a new language, language placement tests must be completed.
Once you have specific course preferences in mind, you will complete initial course registration, called WebTree. Summer advisers are available May 31 – July 1 to help new students with course selection advice.
New students will meet their holistic adviser during Orientation, after which course schedule adjustments can be made.
Davidson's Center for Student Health and Well-Being is dedicated to the physical, emotional and mental well being of every student.
Medical forms must be completed and submitted by all incoming Davidson students.
Each student must have medical insurance, either through a private insurance company plan or the through the college's health insurance plan. Students that already have health insurance can opt-out of the college's health insurance by completing a waiver.
Starting college can be overwhelming. With so many uncertainties and new faces, your first semester can be stressful, so current student Campbell Walker '25 takes the time to ease some of your anxieties by sharing what you can expect during your first month at Davidson from course selection to orientation, navigating social life the first few weeks, and everything in between.
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.
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.
Get to Know Post and Print
Located in Knobloch Campus Center, the Post and Print serves our students, faculty and staff with a variety of mailing and shipping services. Learn about which mailing address to use and share with friends and family, how to pick up packages, and more.