What Do You Do on a College Orientation?

Shortly after you’ve been accepted into the college of your choice, you will be invited to attend an orientation. Often a day-long information session, the orientation is a great opportunity to learn about your new school. It introduces you to the university, its campus, and the resources it offers. It should also teach you a bit about how to navigate college life. And it gives you the chance to meet your peers and to start making friends. Whether you take classes in person or online, here’s what to expect from college orientation and how you can prepare for the event:

Welcome Presentations and Ice Breakers

After you check in on campus, you gather with the rest of the new students to attend a brief welcome presentation. The speaker is usually a member of college leadership, but it could also be led by a few staff members. They’ll give you more information about the college and what to expect from your next few years at the college. At the end of the presentation, you may split into groups and meet with your orientation leader, a junior- or senior-year student who will guide you throughout the day. They may talk to you about their own experiences, ask you to introduce yourself to the group, and lead a few ice-breaker activities that help you connect with other new students.

Campus Tour

The campus tour gives you the lay of the land. It shows you where important facilities are—like the dining hall—and where you can find resources that will be helpful in the coming years. With your orientation leader as guide, you can check out the library, student union, sports facilities, chapel, and academic buildings. If you plan to live in on-campus housing, you can tour residential spaces, as well.

Academic Advising

At orientation, you may be introduced to your advisor or someone from the team. They can help you choose a major, walk you through a four-year course schedule, and help you enroll in classes. If your institution offers success coaches, which help you meet the challenges of life as a college student, you may be introduced to some of the coaches and learn how they can help you succeed.

Financial Aid Counseling

At orientation, you can meet with a financial aid counselor who can answer your questions and help clear up any issues you may have run into during the financial aid application process.

Information Sessions

Your school may offer several information sessions throughout the day:

• Housing—This provides details on what it’s like to live on campus. If you choose to commute to campus or take online classes, you can get information on how to be involved in campus life from a distance.
• Parents—Your parents or family members may also attend a special information session that offers advice on how they can support you through your college journey.
• General—If you have questions that weren’t answered in any other session, this is a great chance to meet with college staff and get your answers.

How to Prepare for an Orientation Session

Your college will send you information on upcoming orientation sessions, including how to register for one, hotels to stay in, and activities to do in the area. Read through them and send back any documents the school needs from you such as roommate questionnaires or immunization records. Make a list of questions that you and your family might have and keep that list handy on orientation day. You should also bring a notebook and pen to take notes during your info sessions. But most of all, be ready to meet new people, make new connections, and move into a new phase in life.

At Limestone University, we offer a robust college orientation to all our incoming students. Whether you major in liberal arts and sciences, business, education, or the health professions, you and your family can meet with staff, ask questions, and find out what’s left to do before classes begin. Click the button to learn more.

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