University of Montana Western Orientation 2026: Welcome, Bulldogs!
- The Andrus Hotel
- Jul 20
- 5 min read
Every August, Dillon changes in the best possible way.
Cars arrive packed with dorm-room essentials. Families fill downtown restaurants and shops. New students begin finding their way around campus, meeting the people who will become part of their college experience and settling into a community they will soon call home.
From Thursday, August 13, through Sunday, August 16, 2026, the University of Montana Western will welcome incoming first-year and transfer students for New Student Orientation.
It is an exciting weekend for students, families and the entire Dillon community, and The Andrus Hotel cannot wait to welcome everyone to town.
Four Days of New Beginnings
This year’s orientation theme is “Bulldogs Unleashed: Lock In. Find Your Pack. Unleash Your Potential.”
The four-day schedule is designed to help students get settled, connect with classmates, meet faculty and staff, learn about campus resources and prepare for classes beginning Monday, August 17.
Orientation begins Thursday with new student check-in and residence hall move-in. The day also includes Convocation, the Legacy Plaza Ceremony, a Parent Q&A Social and a Welcome BBQ for students and their families.
Events continue throughout the weekend with informational sessions, social activities, a town scavenger hunt, a football scrimmage and opportunities for students to become more familiar with campus and the Dillon community.
Families can review event times, locations and additional details on the official University of Montana Western Orientation schedule.
Orientation Is a Milestone for Families, Too
Orientation may be designed for students, but we know it is a meaningful weekend for their families as well.
There are boxes to unload, errands to run, questions to ask and plenty of emotions mixed into the excitement. Between the scheduled events and preparations for the first day of classes, it helps to have a comfortable place where you can slow down, regroup and enjoy a little time together.
Make The Andrus Hotel Your Home Base
Located just minutes from the Montana Western campus, The Andrus Hotel offers visiting families far more than a standard hotel room.
Each of our 12 one-of-a-kind suites includes a fully equipped kitchen and an inviting living area, giving you room to settle in and feel at home during a busy weekend. Enjoy coffee before move-in, keep drinks and snacks on hand, or relax together between orientation activities.
Our downtown location also keeps you close to Dillon’s restaurants, coffee shops and local businesses. At the end of the day, return to your suite, head to our rooftop terrace and take a moment to enjoy the Montana evening.
Whether this is your first visit to Dillon or the beginning of many trips throughout your student’s college years, The Andrus Hotel offers a welcoming place to make those visits part of the experience.
Reserve Your Suite as Soon as Possible
Montana Western Orientation brings a significant influx of students and families to Dillon, and accommodations throughout town fill quickly.
The Andrus Hotel always fills during orientation weekend. With only 12 suites available, waiting until the last minute may mean missing the opportunity to stay with us.
If your family plans to attend University of Montana Western Orientation from August 13–16, we strongly encourage you to reserve your suite now.
We cannot wait to welcome a new class of Bulldogs, and the families who helped them reach this exciting moment.
Welcome to Dillon. Welcome to University of Montana Western.
Go Dawgs!
FAQs About Staying at The Andrus Hotel for Montana Western Orientation 2026
Is The Andrus Hotel a good place for families attending University of Montana Western Orientation?
Yes. The Andrus Hotel is located just minutes from the University of Montana Western campus and offers spacious accommodations for visiting parents and families. Each suite includes a full kitchen and comfortable living area, providing more room to relax than a standard hotel room.
How early should families reserve a hotel for University of Montana Western Orientation?
Families should reserve their accommodations as early as possible. Montana Western Orientation brings many visitors to the area, and The Andrus Hotel consistently fills for orientation weekend. Because the hotel has only 12 suites, availability can disappear quickly.
What types of accommodations does The Andrus Hotel offer?
The Andrus Hotel has 12 individually designed accommodations, including a Studio Suite, one-bedroom suites and two-bedroom suites. This allows families to choose the space that works best for their travel party.
Do suites at The Andrus Hotel have kitchens?
Yes. Every suite at The Andrus Hotel includes a fully equipped kitchen with modern appliances, dinnerware and glassware. Families can prepare meals, keep snacks and drinks on hand, or simply enjoy coffee together before heading to campus.
How close is The Andrus Hotel to the University of Montana Western?
The Andrus Hotel is located just minutes from the University of Montana Western campus. Its downtown location also places guests within easy reach of local restaurants, coffee shops and shopping.
Is The Andrus Hotel pet-friendly?
The Andrus Hotel has four designated pet-friendly—or “Pharaoh Approved”—suites. These include one Studio Suite, two one-bedroom suites and one two-bedroom suite. Families traveling with a pet should reserve early because the number of pet-friendly suites is limited.
What can families do at The Andrus Hotel between orientation events?
Families can relax in their suite, enjoy the convenience of a full kitchen for a quick bite to eat or spend time on the hotel’s rooftop terrace for a reset. The downtown location also makes it easy to explore nearby restaurants, coffee shops and local businesses.
When is University of Montana Western Orientation in 2026?
University of Montana Western New Student Orientation will take place Thursday, August 13, through Sunday, August 16, 2026. Classes for the fall semester begin Monday, August 17.
Is University of Montana Western Orientation required for incoming students?
Yes. University of Montana Western states that orientation is required for all incoming students, including student-athletes who arrive on campus early.
Are there University of Montana Western Orientation activities for parents and families?
Yes. While many orientation sessions are designed specifically for students, the schedule includes activities for families, including a Parent Q&A Social and a Welcome BBQ. Families should review the official 2026 Montana Western Orientation schedule for current times, locations and event details.
At The Andrus Hotel, the experience is less about rushing through a destination and more about settling into it. Located in historic downtown Dillon, the hotel blends historic character, thoughtfully designed suites, rooftop views over the Beaverhead Valley, and close proximity to some of the most scenic landscapes in the American West.
Whether the day leads to mountain drives, fly fishing rivers, nearby hot springs, or quiet mornings downtown, The Andrus Hotel offers a boutique stay shaped by history, atmosphere, and a slower pace that invites travelers to stay awhile.
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