Attend orientation

Overview

Orientation is your formal introduction to college life. Attend all required sessions, engage with classmates, and complete registration if you haven't already.

Schedule Review

Your orientation schedule typically includes:

Academic Sessions

• Advisor meetings
• Course registration
• Department introductions
• Academic policies

Administrative Sessions

• Financial aid overview
• Housing policies
• Campus resources
• Health services

Social Programs

• Resident hall meetings
• Club fairs
• Icebreakers
• Campus tours

Training Sessions

• Alcohol and drugs
• Sexual misconduct
• Mental health
• Diversity and inclusion

What to Bring

• Photo ID (for check-in)
• Financial aid documents (if needed)
• Medical information
• Notebook and pen
• Schedule planner
• Water bottle
• Snacks
• Comfortable clothing
• Walking shoes

First Day

Arrival

• Check in at main location
• Receive welcome materials
• Meet orientation leaders
• Schedule overview

First Session

• College introduction
• Overview of orientation
• Expectations
• Support systems

Afternoon Sessions

• Smaller group meetings
• Introductions to classmates
• Activity planning
• Quick tour

Days 2-3

Advising Appointments

• Academic advisor meeting
• Course planning
• Major exploration
• Questions and answers

Residence Hall

• Resident assistant (RA) intro
• Floor meeting
• Building tour
• Rules and policies

Campus Resources

• Library tour
• Gym and recreation
• Dining options
• Health services

Academic Support

• Tutoring services
• Writing center
• Math learning center
• Career services

Social Engagement

Icebreakers

• Casual conversation
• Meet potential friends
• Try different groups
• Share your interests

Clubs and Activities

• Attend fair
• Sign up for interests
• Build community
• Long-term engagement

Meals Together

• Dining hall experience
• Join different groups
• Try different foods
• Build connections

Common Orientation Activities

Speaker Panels

• Current students
• Alumni panels
• Faculty discussions
• Life at college

Workshops

• Study skills
• Time management
• Financial literacy
• Mental health

Team Building

• Campus scavenger hunts
• Escape rooms
• Group challenges
• Competitive fun

Community Service

• Volunteer opportunities
• Campus beautification
• Local organizations
• Meaningful engagement

Parent Sessions

Parent-Only Programs

• Empty nest resources
• Communication with student
• Parent support groups
• College life for parents

Joint Sessions

• Important information
• Financial aid specifics
• Residential policies
• Question-and-answer

Information Overload

Take Notes

• Key names and contacts
• Important dates
• Resources and locations
• Questions to follow up

Save Materials

• Welcome packet
• Resource guides
• Contact cards
• Important documents

Ask Questions

• No question is stupid
• Orientation leaders help
• Older students helpful
• Note what you don't understand

Energy Management

Pace Yourself

• Sleep 7-9 hours nightly
• Balanced meals
• Stay hydrated
• Take breaks

Social Energy

• Introvert-extrovert balance
• Quality over quantity
• Rest between events
• Take alone time

Mental Health

• Normal feelings of overwhelm
• Talk to counselor if needed
• Connect with support system at home

Technology Setup

College Accounts

• University email
• Learning management system
• Library access
• Campus Wi-Fi

Apps to Download

• Campus app
• Campus maps
• Residential apps
• Safety app

Security

• Multi-factor authentication
• Password manager
• Secure device practices

Fitness and Wellness

Gym Access

• Membership details
• Group fitness classes
• Personal training (if interested)
• Sports teams

Health Services

• Urgent care
• Mental health counseling
• Pharmacy
• Wellness programs

Dining Experiences

Dining Halls

• Multiple locations
• Different food options
• Specialty dining
• International cuisines

Campus Food

• Coffee shops
• Snack bars
• Food trucks
• Restaurants on campus

Dietary Needs

• Gluten-free options
• Vegan/vegetarian choices
• Religious dietary needs
• Allergies

First Weekend

Free Time

• Explore campus independently
• Connect with new friends
• Try activities
• Settle into dorm

Events

• Welcome week programs
• Evening activities
• Movie nights
• Campus concerts

Study Preparation

• Review course schedule
• Meet classmates in each class
• Plan study schedule
• Textbook decisions

Orientation Leaders

Who They Are

• Older students (juniors, seniors)
• Trained and paid
• Available for questions
• Knowledgeable about campus

How to Use

• Ask questions freely
• Follow their advice
• Network with them
• Follow up later

Common Orientation Questions

Academic

• "How many credits is a full load?"
• "What's the grading system?"
• "How do I change my major?"
• "What's academic probation?"

Practical

• "Where's the library?"
• "How do I do laundry?"
• "Where do I print?"
• "How does the meal plan work?"

Social

• "How do I find my people?"
• "What clubs are good?"
• "How do I meet romantic partners?"
• "How do I handle homesickness?"

After Orientation

Daily Routine

• Sleep schedule
• Meal times
• Study hours
• Exercise time

Campus Navigation

• Learning building locations
• Efficient paths
• Backup plans for lateness

Academic Prep

• Complete registration
• Buy textbooks
• Review course syllabi
• Meet instructors

Social Follow-Through

• Text people met
• Plan meet-ups
• Join club meetings
• Build community