Welcome to Students and Parents
Everything new students and parents need to get connected, join welcome events, and start the semester with community.
General Information
Parents of Students in the Class of 2030
Congratulations! Your student is about to embark on an incredible journey, and we want to make sure you're connected every step of the way.
Stay connected with Class of 2030 parents by requesting to join our WhatsApp group. It's exclusively for parents, no students.
Finally, follow our Instagram and Facebook to stay up to date with everything we have going on.
Students in the Class of 2030, this is what you should do before you move in
Welcome to WashU, Class of 2030! Before you arrive on campus, take two minutes to get connected.
Text the Cha-bot and introduce yourself: Meet our friendly Cha-bot — your go-to for all things Chabad! It’s how we share updates, events, and where you’ll RSVP all semester long.
Welcome Events
- Move-In Shabbat For New Students, Parents & Families
- Bear Beginnings Shabbat DinnerCelebrate move-in weekend with a full Shabbat experience of meals, services, and connection. Students will meet new friends and mentors; parents can connect with other WashU families and the team.
- Friday night dinner at Chabad is the largest weekly gathering for Jewish students at WashU — a vibrant, inclusive space where students of all backgrounds feel at home.
- Parents and families: RSVP here for Shabbat dinner.
- New students: text MOVEINSHABBAT to 314-886-6111 .
- Move-In Shabbat For New Students, Parents & Families
- Shabbat Day Open HouseShabbat lunch on Saturday is a relaxed, open-house-style meal with plenty of food and friendly faces. After lunch, we will remain open with drinks and snacks for visitors.
- Parents and families: RSVP here for Shabbat lunch.
- New students: text LUNCH to 314-886-6111 .
- Welcome Week Schedule for Students: Bear Beginnings
- Popsicle Pop-UpBeat the heat and end a long day with a sweet treat with a free popsicle and some good company.
- Welcome Week Schedule for Students: Bear Beginnings
- Subs, Schmooze & Axe ThrowingKick off the week with food, lawn games, and 100+ future friends. Free dinner and giveaways included.
- Text SUBS to 314-886-6111 .
- Falafel Fest & Meet the Israel FellowMeet our Israel Fellow and connect with students who share a love for the Holy Land. All are welcome.
- Welcome Week Schedule for Students: Bear Beginnings
- Challah BakeJoin @mushkafromchabad for a hands-on challah bake. Braid, top, and bake your own loaf to bring back to your dorm.
- The Official Pre-Classes Shabbat DinnerStart the semester with a warm, home-cooked Shabbat and a full house of new and familiar faces. RSVP through the Cha-bot; spots fill quickly.
- Shabbat Day Lunch and DaveningCome as you are for a laid-back Shabbat lunch with good food and good people. Followed by Shabbat Lounge Open House. All are welcome.
- Welcome Week Schedule for Students: Bear Beginnings
- Post-Convocation HavdalahBefore the new week kicks in, gather with us on the East End for Havdalah, a brief, meaningful ceremony to close out Shabbat together.
- Welcome Week Schedule for Students: Bear Beginnings
- JewBQA first-day-of-classes tradition. Join Chabad and Hillel for Kosher food, great company, and a warm welcome to the school year.
Other Resources
- Small MeetingsDo you find large-scale events overwhelming? We love meeting parents and new students. Time slots for smaller meetings are coming soon.
- Friday Move-In SlotThere should be an option in the housing portal to schedule a move-in slot on Friday to avoid needing to move on Shabbos.
- Mechanical Shabbat KeyNeed a mechanical Shabbat key? This should also be an option in the housing portal. If you don't see it, please message Rabbi Hershey.
- MezuzahTo purchase a Mezuzah, please complete the form.
- Holiday Absence PolicyConcerned about missing classes during Jewish holidays?
Coming Up
- Parent and Family WeekendOctober 30, 2026 – November 1, 2026. More information forthcoming.
- (This page last updated on 7/28/2026)