Register for orientation

Overview

Orientation registration is required at most colleges before your student can register for fall classes. Deadlines vary; usually early summer.

Why Orientation Matters

• Required for course registration
• Introduction to academic advising
• Meeting classmates
• Campus logistics (parking, dining, facilities)
• Financial aid confirmation
• Technology setup

Registration Process

1. Log in to student portal
2. Select orientation date
3. Pay orientation fee ($50-$300)
4. Confirm session details

Orientation Types

Freshman Orientation

• 1-3 days typically
• Some schools do 1-week orientation
• Summer session (June-August)
• Includes parents on at least one day

Honors Orientation

• Additional day or session
• Honors-specific advising
• Honors course registration

International Student Orientation

• Additional session for international students
• Visa/immigration advising
• Cultural transition support

Fall Welcome Week

• In addition to summer orientation
• Happens before classes start
• Social events, club fairs

What to Bring

• Photo ID
• Financial aid documentation
• Immunization records
• Insurance information
• Course schedules (if already selected)
• Laptop/phone
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Water bottle

Common Activities

• Campus tour (in-depth)
• Academic advising appointment
• Course registration
• Dining hall visits
• Residence hall tours
• Student panel Q&A
• Social icebreakers
• Club fair

Registration Decisions

At orientation you'll typically register for:

• General education courses (English, math, etc.)
• Intro courses in potential major
• Possibly a first-year seminar
• Possibly a foreign language

Prepare by:

• Reviewing your school's degree requirements
• Understanding your major's intro sequence
• Checking AP/IB credits accepted
• Listing professors you've heard good things about

Parent Participation

Many orientations include:

• Parent-only sessions (financial aid, student life)
• Joint student-parent activities
• Separate dining experiences

Some schools now limit parent participation to one day.

Lodging

• On-campus housing during orientation (sometimes free, sometimes small fee)
• Hotels near campus (book early)
• Family members can visit

Fee and Financial Aid

• Orientation fee usually bundled into first bill
• Some financial aid packages cover it
• Cannot usually be waived

Alternative for Local Students

• Some schools allow commuter students to skip overnight housing at orientation
• Travel day-by-day to each session

Preparation

Before orientation:

• Complete any pre-assignments
• Take placement exams
• Complete math readiness assessment
• Submit health forms
• Upload immunization records

International Students

• Arrive earlier for international orientation
• Allow for jet lag
• Bring appropriate documentation
• Contact international services in advance

Community College Transfers

• Transfer orientation is usually shorter
• Focus on credit evaluation, advising
• Same-day or short session

After Orientation

• Continue communication with advisor
• Complete any remaining registration
• Prepare for fall move-in
• Stay connected with classmates met at orientation