It can seem like a big step to start college, especially as orientation day draws near. College students often wonder: What happens at orientation, and how can I be ready? Consider orientation to be an introductory crash course. You will meet mentors and classmates, have a campus tour, and obtain all the important information you require.

You will learn about academics, housing, clubs, campus services, and more at orientation, which is typically intended to help you settle in on campus. Additionally, it is an opportunity to start forming friendships and completing paperwork (such as presenting identification or vaccination records). Although orientation programs differ from institution to institution, they usually take place one day to a week before the start of courses.

Why Should I Attend?

Good question, and the answer is often Yes: most institutions do demand that new students attend orientation. Many institutions require orientation to be completed before registering or receiving financial help. Skipping orientation can result in registration holds or missed deadlines. Attendance pays off: according to studies, students who attend orientation report higher academic achievement and a more favorable college experience. You will meet new people (many from all over the nation), learn where to get assistance if you are feeling overwhelmed, and even become thrilled about campus life.

What Happens at Orientation?

Okay, orientation day is here. What is on the agenda? It varies every campus, but you should expect a combination of tours, talks, and social activities. Here are some frequent elements you will encounter:

• One of the first things you will do is take a walking tour of campus with someone (usually an upper-class student guide). Even if you have been to campus before, this new tour shows you things from the student perspective, such as the shortest routes between buildings. As BestColleges explains, tours help you “get oriented” and even decide where to take classes, so you do not have to zig-zag across campus.
• Parents frequently have their own sessions to learn about campus resources and parent channels, while students attend academic or student-life seminars. During these sessions, faculty and staff will provide important information, such as how to register for classes, how to set up your student email, financial aid and billing, and campus safety procedures. It is important to take these sessions seriously, as many schools cover major topics (such as FERPA privacy rules or deadlines) that you may not be familiar with.
• If you live on campus, orientation may include a dorm tour and access to your room. By orientation, most colleges have assigned you a roommate (sometimes via an online survey). Often, you will have the opportunity to meet your roommate in person and begin preparing together. It is an excellent icebreaker, especially because many students have never met their roommate in person! Seize this opportunity to exchange contact information or discuss room decor.
• Orientation highlights campus life options. The displays show various clubs and sports, and Greek life organizations. The activities at orientation typically include icebreaker games and team-building events, which range from scavenger hunts to fun challenges. The activities serve dual purposes of entertainment and help students connect with new people in casual environments. The entire group shares the same experience , so you should feel comfortable approaching others. Keep an open mind to conversation because these unfamiliar faces might become your future classmates or roommates. Orientation serves as the perfect opportunity to form friendships,  according to an adviser, since new students actively seek connections with others.
• Studying and planning. You will meet your academic adviser and even register for classes that day at many orientations. Advisors will assist you with scheduling and class selection. To make sure you are on track, you will talk about your major (or hobbies). Here is a great tip: consider your course schedule in advance. Are you a night owl or a morning person? You can prevent overloading a semester by striking a balance between challenging and easy classes. To find out where your classrooms will be, take a tour of those buildings as well.
• Getting campus services. Orientation often includes stops to establish campus services. You could get your ID photographed for your student card, set up food plans, and learn how to use the library, gym, and health center. If there is a technology orientation, you will learn how to connect to campus WiFi and use online portals.

Tips for a Successful Orientation

The orientation day is busy, but these tips will help you get the most out of it:

• Ask questions. No question is too small. Want to know how parking passes work, or when the gym opens? Just ask a staff member or returning student – they expect questions. As Shorelight advises, if something can help your college experience, don’t hesitate to inquire.
• Take notes (or photos of slides). You’ll hear a lot of important info. Bring a notebook or use your phone to jot down deadlines and contacts. Writing things down makes it easier to remember later
• Get to know campus. Use orientation as your walking practice. If you have a tentative class schedule, walk the route between each classroom and time it (so you won’t be late on day one). Check out key buildings: find the student center, the library, the student health center – knowing locations now will cut stress later.
• Be friendly and open-minded. You’ll meet all kinds of people at orientation – from diverse backgrounds and majors. Smile, introduce yourself, and join any group activities. Keeping an open mind will help you make friends quickly. Remember, everyone is new here. Many other freshmen are looking for friends too, so just be yourself and say hi.
• Dress comfortably. It’s usually hot (or you’ll be going in and out of air-conditioned buildings), and there’s a lot of walking. Wear comfortable shoes and clothes. You want to feel focused, not uncomfortable. (Pro tip from college veteran tips: don’t break in new shoes on orientation day!).
• Stay hydrated and fueled. Carry that refillable water bottle. You’ll appreciate not having to hunt for a drink in between sessions. Pack or buy a light snack (granola bar, fruit) in case you get hungry before lunch.
• Bring your charged phone and charger. There may be some downtime between sessions. You may need to log into campus wifi or applications. If your battery is running low by noon, a portable charger might rescue the day.
• Maintain your ability to adapt. Orientation times are subject to change (poor weather? an extended session?). Be patient, and go with the flow. Every bit of experience counts toward learning the ropes.