Orientation is your formal introduction to college. During this 2-3 day program, you'll register for fall courses, meet your academic advisor, take campus tours, and connect with your cohort. Registration slots fill quickly, especially prime time slots (early June). Register immediately after committing to secure good orientation dates.
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Access Orientation Portal
- Log into your college's student portal
- Find "New Student Orientation" or "First-Year Orientation"
- Review available dates and times (usually weekends in June)
- Check if orientation is mandatory (most are)
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Choose Your Orientation Date
- Earlier dates offer better course registration windows
- Pick a date that works with your family's summer schedule
- If you have a summer job, book it around orientation
- Many colleges assign families specific check-in times
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Understand What to Expect
- Advising Session: Meet your academic advisor (20-30 min). Discuss major, prerequisites, gen-ed requirements
- Course Registration: On-the-spot registration for fall classes using a degree audit system
- Campus Tour: 1-2 hours walking the grounds
- Social Events: Meals, ice-breakers, activities with your cohort
- Parking & Housing Info: Logistics briefings
- Brain-Dump Overload: You'll learn A LOT
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Prepare for Course Registration (Major Step)
- Research your college's catalog: degree requirements, major prerequisites
- Sketch out a sample 4-year plan
- Identify 5-6 courses you want to take (prioritize gen-eds and major prerequisites)
- Bring course codes and CRN numbers written down
- Ask your advisor about waitlist protocols and add/drop periods
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Register for Orientation
- Select your preferred date and time
- Pay any orientation fee (usually $0-$100, waived for low-income students)
- Confirm registration and save confirmation email
- Mark the date in Solyo Calendar with reminder for 1 week prior