Vermont Arrival Information

All of us at BLSE look forward to your arrival and the start of our 2025 session! The following information will help you prepare for the summer. 

PLEASE NOTE: Middlebury requires that all Vermont students provide proof of immunity to measles before the session starts. Please visit the measles information website for answers to frequently asked questions about Middlebury’s measles requirements and instructions for uploading your documentation of immunity.

Pre-Arrival Must Do’s  

June 1 Deadline 

June 15 Deadline

  • Obtain and upload valid proof of immunity to measles following the instructions within the measles information site. You do NOT need to resubmit your documentation if you were verified previously and received an email confirmation from Middlebury’s Immunization Verification Team.

Before You Arrive

  • Make sure you have health insurance (required) to cover emergent and non-emergent healthcare. Please see the BLSE Student Handbook (“Medical and Insurance Information”) and the Vermont campus page on our website.
  • Activate your Middlebury email account. Instructions are available in the Bread Loaf Technology Guide or via the Middlebury Helpdesk (802-443-2200 or helpdesk@middlebury.edu). During the session, we will use your middlebury.edu address for all BLSE communications.
  • Do as much of the required course reading as possible. Our courses are fast-paced, and familiarity with the material will help you stay on track across the session. The course descriptions list required texts in the order that they will be studied. 

Academic Calendar

Campus meal service begins June 28, with lunch 11:30 am-1:30 pm and dinner 5-7 pm

June 28 Arrival for students new to BLSE or Vermont
9 am - 5 pm Register with BLSE staff in the Inn Dining Room and then proceed to Inn Front Desk to receive your room assignment. Students arriving after 5 pm should check in at the Front Desk.
2-5 pm Orientation for new students
2 pm Meet and greet with mentors and staff, followed by campus tours
4 pm Academic overview with BLSE dean and director
June 29 Arrival for returning students
9 am - 5 pm Register with BLSE staff in the Inn Dining Room and then proceed to Inn Front Desk to receive your room assignment. Students arriving after 5 pm should check in at the Front Desk.
9 am - 12 noon Davison Library drop-in support
5-7:30 pm Opening Reception & Welcome, followed by all-school picnic
June 30  
7 am - 5 pm Apple Cellar ITS support
8:30 am - 4 pm Davison Library drop-in support
11:30 am - 1:30 pm Program Fair
June 30 – August 5 Classes in session (including July 4)
  Drop/Add period runs from June 30-July 2 at 5 pm
  Students may depart when all course and job requirements are fulfilled
August 9 Commencement (for seniors and ticket-holders)
11 am Ceremony, followed by picnic lunch
5 pm Check-out and departure for all students

Please see BreadWeb for a detailed events calendar for the Vermont session.

Travel 

Because of the campus’s rural location, we recommend that you come by car, if you can. Please see our Vermont travel directions for details.

What to Pack

  • A summer’s supply of all necessary medications and prescriptions. Please see Vermont health and wellness resources for more information.
  • Your Middlebury ID card. (New students will get these when they arrive.)
  • Linens: towels, washcloths, and extra-long twin sheets (these will be provided for international students only). BLSE provides blankets, bedspreads, and pillows.
  • Informal clothing: We recommend layers. Vermont weather is notoriously fickle – ranging from cool (40 to 50 degrees) and warm (75 to 90+ degrees), wet to dry weather.
  • Insect repellent.
  • A flashlight, with extra batteries, in case of occasional power outages. 

Summer Mail: Address & Forwarding 

Mail may be forwarded to Bread Loaf between June 28 and July 31. (Only first-class mail will be forwarded to you after July 31.) 

For regular mail:   
(YOUR NAME)                     
Middlebury Bread Loaf School of English                        
PO Box 216                                                   
Ripton, VT  05766                                           

For FedEx, UPS:
(YOUR NAME)
Middlebury Bread Loaf School of English
4229 Route 125
Ripton, VT 05766