What is College Orientation?

Key Takeaways:

  • College orientation introduces incoming first year students to the school, with presentations, fun games, and class scheduling.
  • Orientation sessions usually last between a few hours and three days, depending on the college.
  • Register for orientation as soon as possible to secure the best dates.

As you finish the last weeks of high school and graduate, make sure you sign up for your college orientation. Usually mandatory, it gives you a chance to tour the school as an enrolled student, learn more about campus life, make new friends, and get ready for college classes that will start in just a few weeks. Below, we’ve covered everything you need to know about college orientation and answer some frequently asked questions.

Freshman at college orientation

What is College Orientation?

College orientation, also known as freshman orientation, is a way to welcome incoming first year students to a college or university and help set them up for success during their first semester. The exact experience varies depending on the school, but you’ll generally get to know other students, learn about campus policies, and choose your courses.

Most colleges and universities require incoming students to attend orientation, before the start of their first semester. If you’re attending in the fall, your orientation will be in the summer. Even if it’s not mandatory, there are plenty of benefits of attending yours!

What Happens at College Orientation?

College orientations usually last between a few hours to 3 days. For longer orientations, you’ll likely stay in a dorm room on campus. Throughout the experience, you’ll be with a smaller group, usually based on your intended major, so you can get to know people.

You’ll then attend various events on campus with your group. You can usually view your entire itinerary online or in the paperwork the college sent you, but here’s a list of common orientation activities:

  • Take campus tours. Throughout your orientation, you’ll walk through campus, visiting various buildings. You’ll learn more about facilities and services. Plus, a campus tour now makes it easier to navigate the school during your first weeks of classes.
  • Attend presentations. Orientations have to cover a lot of information in just a few hours or days. Students attend sessions and presentations on campus policies, financial aid, amenities, safety, and more.
  • Complete paperwork. You might have to sign a few things during this visit, including acknowledgement of the school’s sexual harassment policies after a presentation. You’ll also go get your college ID photo taken.
  • Take placement tests. Some colleges offer placement tests to skip introductory courses. Depending on your high school transcripts, you might have to take tests in a foreign language, math, or another subject.
  • Meet with professors or academic advisors. Some students have the opportunity to meet some professors in their intended major or their academic advisors during orientation.
  • Create your first class schedule. With your advisor, you’ll review GE requirements and build your first-semester schedule.
  • Participate in social events. Orientation has plenty of activities for school spirit, but first you’ll have to participate in some icebreaker activities. You may compete against other groups in a few events, and there’s usually some night events – like games on the quads or dance parties. It’s the perfect time to make new friends.
  • Select your dorm. Some colleges have you request a dorm and roommate online through their portal, but others have you select them during orientation.

How Can You Make the Most of Orientation?

Since orientation is likely your first big introduction to what it’s actually like to live and attend your future college, it’s important to take full advantage of it! Attend mandatory and optional events. You’ll have opportunities to learn more about extracurriculars and jobs, too, so be sure to leave your contact information with groups that interest you to stay up to date.

Read any paperwork the college sends you ahead of the orientation so you know what to expect!

RELATED >> Questions to Ask at Orientation: A Checklist for Students and Parents (FREE DOWNLOAD)

College Orientation FAQ

How Long Is Orientation?

College orientation tends to last between one to three days. Some schools complete orientation in a few hours, while others have students stay overnight on campus for one or two nights.

Is Orientation Mandatory?

In most cases, college orientation is mandatory. Even if your school makes orientation optional, you should still attend. It’s an excellent opportunity to learn about your next four years and make new friends.

What Do I Need to Take With Me To Orientation?

The items you need for orientation depends on the length of the event. You’ll generally need a notebook, pen, and any required paperwork for any orientation, regardless of length.

However, for overnight orientation, you’ll need a change of clothes, toiletries, and bedding for the dorm bed, at the very least. Your college may request additional items. Refer to your orientation paperwork for more information.

How Do I Prepare for College Orientation?

Students don’t have to do much to prepare for orientation, but exact requirements depend on the school. Some colleges may require you to bring signed forms or medical paperwork, for example.

If you have any questions about your school, try finding the answer online first. If you can’t find the answers, make a list of your questions to ask during the orientation.

Can My Parents Go With Me To Orientation?

Yes and no. Parents can’t go to student orientation with you, but they can attend their own orientation, known as parent or family orientation. It’s a separate orientation that usually occurs at the same time as yours. They’ll attend different events than you, tailored to parents.

Do I Have to Stay Overnight for College Orientation?

You may have to stay overnight for college orientation. It depends how long the orientation is. If it’s over multiple days, you’ll likely have to stay on campus.

Do All Colleges Offer Orientation?

Most colleges offer orientation, including community colleges. You may see it called by different names, such as Freshman Orientation.

Some schools also offer Welcome Week (or similar) either with or without a previous orientation. During Welcome Week, first year students move into their dorms a week prior to upperclassman and participate in events and activities. This extra week helps new students get acclimated to their campus and living on their own.

How Can I Sign Up For Orientation?

You can usually sign up for orientation through the student portal. Your school should send you instructions. If you have any questions, reach out to the admissions department.

Register for orientation as soon as possible. The best dates fill up quickly. An earlier date could also help you secure a better dorm room or class schedule.

Some orientations, especially overnight events, cost money, but you may be eligible for a fee waiver.

College orientation introduces students to the campus and college life. It’s the perfect way to better understand your school, get excited for your classes, and make potential lifelong friends. As soon as your school opens orientation registration, sign up for your preferred dates. If you sign up for an earlier session, you might even get some of the better courses.

You don’t have to wait until May 1 to make a decision if you know where you’d like to go to college. If you choose early, you could sign up for orientation early. Compare your options using College Match.

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