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Attending orientation

Colleges hold orientations to help new students find their way around campus and meet people. While the orientation length and time frame may vary, it’s usually a few days before school starts in the fall. Often, freshman or new students are the only students on campus and orientation features mixers such as athletic events and dances. It may sound dorky—and you may be tempted to stay home and work a few more days or hang out with high school friends—but attending orientation is important.
You will:
• Meet other students, especially those you may be living with.
• Get used to your new living situation or the commute, and figure out parking and dining situations.
• Meet professors and staff, who can help you decide which classes to take.
• Find your way around the campus, a key to creating a workable schedule that allows you to make it from one class to another on time.
• Start learning about campus activities such as intramural sports and student government.
• Prepare for registration.
In addition to activities, you may be required to take placement tests for subjects such as English, math, and foreign languages during orientation. Find out in advance if you are required to take a placement exam and refresh your skills if you have the opportunity. Do your best—but remember it’s a placement exam not a graded test. The results are simply for helping you choose the best classes for optimal learning.

Attend orientation and you can save yourself the bewilderment of bumbling around campus, lost and lonely on your first day. You’ll make a few friends, find your way around, and have fun before the pressure starts.
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