Most colleges and universities offer students an orientation experience before they begin their first year. While it is sometimes optional, orientation is a great way to get to know your campus, peers, and faculty.

What to Expect

Typically students will learn how to navigate the many resources and services in place to assist them with their academic careers, meet with an advisor, learn about their class requirements, and register for their classes. Campus tours are typically included so you can be better acquainted with the university. For most universities, orientation is held anywhere between one to two days. If two days, it is usually required for students to stay overnight. Check on your university's website for registration details, or contact the school to see how you can receive more information.

Tip before you register: you’ll be using email a lot more in college; especially for professional exchanges with professors. It’s important you have a professional email address. Commonly people will use their name and a popular email engine like Gmail. Sometimes the schools already assign you an email (like MRobinson@USC.edu) which you can use as well.

Example of a professional email address: MelindaR@gmail.com

Example of an unprofessional email address: MelindaRLuvs2Swim@gmail.com

Your Packing List

Once you figure out how long your orientation will be, you can begin packing accordingly! Here’s a suggested list to get you started:

• Form of ID

• Toiletries

• Pajamas

• Change of clothes for the appropriate number of days that this orientation will last

• Phone charger

• Comfortable shoes

• Umbrella/raincoat (depending on the weather

• Sunglasses

• Money for bookstore, etc.

• Any questions you have

• Any documents being requested from you by the university, such as updated transcripts.

Note: If your orientation leads right into the start of classes, you will want to pack for the entire semester.

Getting to Know Other Students

This is something that you may feel nervous about, and that’s normal! It’s important to go into orientation with an open mind. Your school may break off orientation into small groups for you to get to know one another. These breakout groups will often play some icebreaker games. They may seem silly, but play along. Listen and pay attention to what your peers share about themselves to determine who might have similar interests with you and who you might be interested in getting to know better. Participate wholeheartedly so that others can get to know you as well.

Remember, you’re not in this alone. Everyone attending orientation is there because they are new to the college, so don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation with someone you don’t know. The more people you meet, the more likely you are to find someone you really connect with and the more comfortable your campus will feel.

Tip: Ask your mentor what their orientation experience was like and if they have any helpful tips or advice for you.

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