FAQ: Travel Prep

Travel Prep, EXPLO Packing List + More
Answers to all things travel prep here. Get info on everything from EXPLO packing lists to EXPLO check-in, EXPLO departure, and EXPLO airport shuttle.
When should students plan to arrive at and depart from campus?
EXPLO check-in and EXPLO departure differ slightly for Residential and Day students.
Residential students:
- Session 1: June 28 – July 11 • Session 2: July 12 – 25
- Arrive the first Sunday of your session; on-site registration runs 1 – 4 p.m. EDT (EXPLO airport shuttles meet BOS flights landing 10 a.m.–3 p.m.).
- EXPLO departure is the final Saturday; pick-up is 9 a.m.–12 p.m. EDT (flights should leave 9 a.m.–3 p.m.).
Day students
- Follow the same calendar and register on Sunday, but start Monday (June 29 / July 13).
- Daily check-in 8:30 a.m., pick-up 5:30 p.m.; optional late pick-up with evening events until 9:00 p.m.
Where do I report to on the first day for EXPLO check-in?
The Welcome + Registration area outlined in your welcome materials.
Residential students: Follow the orange EXPLO signs at Wellesley College’s main (Central St.) entrance. Staff in orange EXPLO T-shirts guide families to the Welcome + Registration area, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. You’ll get your ID card, dorm key, and meet your Resident Advisors before walking to your hall. Students arriving on the EXPLO airport shuttle are brought to the same area.
Day Students: report to the same location Sunday afternoon 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm. This enables students to walk the campus and orient themselves before the first day. On the first Monday, students check in at the same location 8:30 a.m. – 8:45. Staff will walk you to Morning Huddle. Pick-up: the same area is the curb-side pick-up spot at 5:30 p.m.; families who’ve arranged evening events can collect students at 8:45 p.m. after the campus-wide activity.
Do Day students have to report to check-in day on Sunday for the start of the program?
We recommend that Day students register on Sunday. This helps both parents and students to be more comfortable with the processes and location of daily check-in. On Sunday, there is a parent meeting and student campus tour. If absolutely necessary, Day students can wait for EXPLO check-in on Monday at 8:30 a.m.
My child/student will be traveling alone. Is there an EXPLO airport shuttle service to and from the program?
Yes, there is a staffed EXPLO airport shuttle from Boston Logan (BOS) on the official arrival/departure days. If your airline requires your child to fly as an Unaccompanied Minor (UM), EXPLO will register a staff member as the pick-up/hand-off adult, meet your child at the gate, escort them to campus, and reverse the process on departure.
Fees: $100 each way for the standard airport shuttle + an additional $150 UM surcharge per leg for unaccompanied minors. You must:
- Pay the airline’s UM fee in advance and list the EXPLO contact on the UM form.
- Submit EXPLO’s Arrival & Departure forms with the flight details by the stated deadline.
Because UM procedures add time at the airport, EXPLO recommends using the service only when mandated by your airline’s age rules.
Does EXPLO offer travel protection?
EXPLO tuition insurance is covered as part of your tuition fee. We do not offer a separate travel coverage.
Will I get pre-arrival information before I depart for campus?
Yes. You have access to a secure Family Portal once you apply. The Essentials Guide/Welcome Page will be shared in December or January. Forms and payment are due by April. As part of the Essentials Guide, you’ll find:
- a printable EXPLO packing list and travel checklist
- step-by-step arrival-day schedule, campus map, and parking directions
- final deadlines for health forms and tuition
- optional webinar dates for parents and students
- contact numbers for Student Life and the 24/7 health center.
A reminder email with any last-minute updates lands the week before you leave.
Are there on-campus accommodations if a student would like to arrive before the program begins or leave after the program ends?
No—EXPLO can only house students during the published session dates. Registration opens 1 – 4 p.m. on the first program day, and families are asked not to arrive early because staff are still prepping dorms and classrooms. On the last day, all students must depart by 12 p.m.
The one exception is for students enrolled in both sessions: EXPLO offers supervised housing, meals, and activities between sessions for a $250 intersession fee (families must reserve a spot in advance).
What do I need to pack?
Residential:
- Underwear
- Socks
- Short sleeve shirts
- Long sleeve shirts
- Jeans/Pants
- Shorts
- Sweater/Sweatshirt
- Jacket/Raincoat
- Dress clothes (for banquet)
- Pajamas
- Bathrobe
- Swimsuit (for weekend trip options)
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Sneakers or comfortable closed-toe shoes
- Shower sandals
- Toiletries
- Insect repellent
- Sunblock
- Reusable water bottle
- Alarm clock (no phones)
- Wrist watch (no smart watches)
- Camera (no phones)
- Stamps, envelopes + stationery
- Debit/credit/prepaid card
- Laundry bag
- Laundry detergent
- Box fan or oscillating fan for dorm room
- Hangers
- Extra-long Twin sheets
- Pillow
- Pillowcase
- Blanket
- Bath towel
- Beach towel
- Sleeping bag + camping mat
- Musical instruments
Day
We recommend that day students bring a backpack to carry their personal items. Please label all bags with your child’s full name and Advisor Group. Recommended items include:
- Sun protection gear (sunglasses and sunhat, or baseball-style cap)
- Reusable water bottle
- Backpack/Bookbag for day use
What Not to Bring
Phones, music, and electronic reading devices
Do I need to bring extra money with me?
Students are strongly discouraged from bringing large amounts of cash, though most families do choose to include some spending money in the EXPLO packing list. Please refer to the Trips + Sundries Account section of the Essentials Guide for more details.
Are EXPLO students required to have any special equipment or devices for their courses?
EXPLO classes are project-based, but some workshops require students to bring laptops or tablets for research, simulations, or specific activities. Devices are stored securely and used during class under instructor guidelines, with no messaging or gaming. They’re prohibited outside class and in residences. If your workshop doesn’t require a device, leave yours at home. Required workshops are noted on class schedules so you can plan your EXPLO packing list.