Family Orientation

berklee family at move-in

In addition to student orientation events, Berklee offers a family orientation program specifically for parents and families of incoming students. You'll have opportunities to experience Berklee through the perspective of a student, discover available resources, and learn how you can support your student through this transition. We look forward to welcoming our newest Berklee families to our community!

Family orientation takes place three times a year: in January for spring semester entering families, in May for summer semester entering families, and in August for fall semester entering families. We know not all families are able to join us in person in Boston, so our educational content is delivered online via webinars, virtual drop-in question-and-answer sessions, our Family Guide, and family email newsletters leading up to each entering semester. For those joining us in Boston: when your student arrives for orientation, we will offer opportunities to connect with other new family members and explore campus and the Boston area; however, there will be limited informational sessions as content will be delivered in advance. If you have any questions, please email families@berklee.edu.

Fall 2025 New Families

To be added to our Fall 2025 (August) New Family Newsletter, sign up here.

Families planning to join us in person for our fall new family welcome celebration should plan to be at Berklee starting on the morning of Saturday, August 23, and wrapping up by early evening on Sunday, August 24.

If you plan to join us in person, please visit our Family Welcome Celebration Registration Form. More schedule information will be posted here and shared with registrants soon.

View the Schedule (PDF)

 

family at move in

Pre-Arrival Events and Resources

The New Student and Family Programs team puts together a series of webinars, virtual question-and-answer sessions, and virtual student socials to make sure entering students feel ready and excited to join us. Find out more about these programs below.  

Webinars

You and your family are invited to join us for webinars where you’ll learn about how to prepare for your first semester and connect with resources and support. 

Please note: All webinars are in Eastern Time and will be recorded. Webinar recordings will be posted and available on our Recorded Webinars page within three business days of the webinar date. Webinars are open to all new students and family members joining Berklee College of Music and Boston Conservatory at Berklee for the fall 2025 semester, beginning in August.

Fall 2025 Welcome Webinar

Monday, June 2, 8:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.
Watch the recording here(Opens in a new window)

This webinar provides an overview of what our new students and their families can anticipate over the next few months before their arrival on campus. This also includes learning more about what the Center for Campus Life and New Student and Family Programs have to offer to students and their families. 

Berklee College of Music: Next Steps Webinar

Friday, June 6, 10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Watch the recording here(Opens in a new window)

This webinar provides insights for students and their families who will be starting at Berklee College of Music for the Fall 2025 semester. The session includes information regarding entering student placement exams and assessments due prior to a student's arrival at Berklee. 

Next Steps: Enrolling at Boston Conservatory at Berklee

The same session will be held twice (attend one session):

Join admissions representatives virtually to discuss enrollment next steps for new students. This webinar will cover the items in the "Next Steps" tab of the admissions portal, where to locate financial aid information, health and immunizations information, details about the private teacher preference form (for select majors), the I-20/F-1 visa application, and more. 

International Student Services Webinar

Tuesday, June 24, 1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Watch recording here(Opens in a new window)

This webinar features our partners in International Student Services discussing important aspects of the visa process for incoming international students. The conversation highlights a range of important information, including arrival dates, what to expect from customs, and application information.  

Health and Wellness Webinar

Thursday, July 17, 2:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
Watch recording here(Opens in a new window)

Learn how Health and Wellness supports new Berklee students through medical and mental health services, wellness programs, and resources for a smooth transition to college life. This webinar will also cover important steps for clearing health restrictions before the semester begins. Join us to meet the team and get your questions answered. 

One Stop Student Services Webinar

Thursday, July 24, 10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Watch recording here(Opens in a new window)

Join us for an overview of One Stop Student Services, your go-to resource for financial aid, billing, registration, and student records at Berklee. Learn how our team supports students throughout their journey, from understanding financial aid and course registration to staying on top of important deadlines. Don’t miss this opportunity to get your questions answered and set yourself up for success at Berklee. 

Student Success Advising Webinar

Wednesday, July 30, 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Watch recording here(Opens in a new window)

Learn how Student Success Advising helps new Berklee students transition to college life with personalized support. This webinar will cover resources for academic planning, course selection, and connecting with campus services to ensure a smooth start. Join us to meet the team and get your questions answered. 

Housing and Move-In Webinar

Thursday, August 7, 1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Watch recording here(Opens in a new window)

Join the Berklee College of Music Housing and Residential Education team for an informative webinar designed for entering students and their families. We’ll cover key details about the move-in process, what to bring (and what to leave at home), life in the residence halls, and how to prepare for a smooth transition to campus. Our team will also be available to answer your questions live. 

Virtual Drop-In Q&A Sessions

We will host a series of virtual question-and-answer sessions to make sure you feel fully confident and connected to us at Berklee. Drop in any time during the two-hour sessions and we will be ready to support you. Some of these sessions are hosted only by our New Student and Family Programs team, while others will have campus partners available to meet one-on-one in Zoom breakout rooms. These partners include Health and Wellness, Housing and Residential Education, International Student Services, Accessibility Resources for Students, One Stop Student Services, and Student Success Advising. All session times are listed in Eastern Time.

Hotel Accommodations

We have a number of nearby hotels we partner with during move-in and orientation. These hotels offer a discounted rate for Berklee College of Music and Boston Conservatory at Berklee students and families. Discounts range from 10 to 15 percent off. Visit our Hotels and Accommodations page for more information.

Virtual Tours

To learn more about Berklee's physical campus, including our state-of-the-art facilities, classrooms, and performance spaces, we encourage you to take a virtual tour.

Connect

Interested in connecting with other Berklee parents and families? Join the Berklee Parents and Families Facebook group to stay engaged and receive updates. 

View additional resources and events offered to Berklee families throughout the year.