Experience Campus As a Family
Family Weekend is a great time to visit campus, to enjoy some of the great activities available on campus and to explore the day-to-day of your student’s life.
We hope you are able to enjoy good quality time with your student, and we look forward to providing you with some education, fun and the opportunity to connect with other families, staff and faculty.
Family Weekend FAQs
What You Can Expect
Programming will begin at 12:00pm on Friday and will wrap-up by 1:00pm on Sunday.
Consider what works best for your family as you plan your attendance. Some families choose to come for the entire weekend, while others may pop in for a quick visit. Whether you attend all or one of our events offered, we are excited to have you join us on campus.
Keep in mind that the U of M is a large campus, and visitors will do a lot of walking. Comfortable shoes and appropriate layers for outside activities are essential.
Athletic Events
Special Rate Family Tickets
Take advantage of discounted ticket offers for select Gopher Athletics events during Family Weekend.
Here is some information many have found helpful in previous years:
- If your student has season tickets:
- They can sit in the student section while your family sits in your purchased seats.
- If you’d rather sit together, your student can transfer their ticket to a friend and you can buy them a seat with your group (students cannot bring guests into the student section).
- Football tickets are purchased separately from Family Weekend registration.
Ticket Questions? Connect with the Gopher Ticket Sales & Service Office at [email protected] or call 1-800-U-GOPHER.
Questions about Family Weekend? Please contact Gopher Family Engagement at [email protected].
Travel Plans and Hotel Reservations
We will arrange for blocks of hotel rooms for attendees at both the Courtyard Marriott and Graduate Hotel. Information about the hotel blocks will be sent to users in Gopher Family Connection in July of 2027.
Everyone is Welcome
Family Weekend is not only for families of first-year students and it’s definitely not just for parents. All families, extended families, grade school siblings and supporters are welcome to join us!
Keep in mind that the U of M is a large campus, and visitors will do a lot of walking. Comfortable shoes and appropriate layers for outside activities are essential.
Check-in With Your Student
Students are typically eager for a visit from home by this time in the semester. They may be tired, overwhelmed, or stressed and in need of some family time. By late September, students are generally settled in and have a regular routine. Ask them to take you to their favorite study spot or explore a nearby restaurant they've been wanting to try.
Make sure to discuss your student’s schedule for the weekend in advance. Classes are still in session on Friday and your student may have study group or student group activities already on their calendar.