Families - Duke Undergraduate Admissions

student movers walking on sidewalk on a sunny summer day

Prospective Families

Joining the Duke Family

Sending your child to college can be as daunting as it is exciting. That’s why we want to help make the transition as smooth as possible for both you and your child—because when your child joins the Duke community, so do you.

Duke does a phenomenal job of listening to their community and making sure it’s a safe place to be yourself.

Jane Jackson

Duke Parent, Clayton, North Carolina

The First Year: For Students

ARRIVING AND THRIVING AT DUKE

Within the nurturing East Campus community, surrounded by other first-year students and supported by countless academic resources, your child can embrace life at Duke and lay the foundation for four years of exploration and discovery.

two students walking across field and talking

First Year

A first-year experience designed around your child

LEARN MORE

East Campus

A place for all first-years to live and learn together

LEARN MORE

forearm with duke blue president price tattoo

Campus Traditions

A community defined by spirit

LEARN MORE

I felt comfortable sending my kid 3,000 miles from home because of the safety net that exists at Duke—the connected student body, the first-year experience of all being on one campus, and mentors who know you and greet you by name.

Jonathan Prince

Duke Parent, Los Angeles, California

The First Year: For Families

THERE, EVERY STEP OF THE WAY

As a Duke family member, you have so many milestones to look forward to as your child settles in and becomes a Dukie.

Move-In

A whirlwind day, during which your child will settle in, meet classmates, and be welcomed into the Duke community.

students sitting outside in a circle on a fall day

Fall Break

A long weekend to visit home, take a trip with friends, or relax on campus.

shot of the moon through orange leaves on a fall evening

Thanksgiving Break

For students on campus, there are myriad events hosted by campus partners.

Fall Semester Ends

Classes end and students dive into “reading period” to study, write, and prepare for exams, after which they head home for Winter Break.

students sitting on a field in the spring

Spring Semester Begins

Students return re-energized for a whole new panel of courses at the start of their spring semester.

I’m not an alumna, but I feel like I went there because I’m so much a part of the community. Duke now feels like my second home.

JENNIFER MITTLEMAN

DUKE PARENT, CRESSKILL, NEW JERSEY

Resources

Support when you need it

During your child’s four years at Duke, there inevitably will be moments when they will need some extra support or guidance. Duke will be there—for them and for you.