How to Survive College Freshman Orientation Weekend

Freshman orientation weekend in college can be a bit difficult for some. You’re at a new school, where there’s likely more students than what you’re used to. For some, this may be your first time living away from home. Whatever your situation may be, this wikiHow will show you how to survive college freshman orientation.

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Preparing for Orientation

  1. While in the vast majority of cases, it’s a weekend, some colleges may choose to spread their orientation out over an entire week, or even simply just a day. Occasionally, this may be during the middle of summer, or during the previous school year as well.
    • Check on your school’s website to figure out the exact length and dates of your orientation.
  2. If you’ll be staying overnight at the college or a nearby hotel, or moving into your dorm altogether, then you’ll likely have to bring a lot more than if you’re simply coming to the college for the day. Generally, however, it’s best to bring a set of warmer or cooler clothes (depending on the weather, and if you’re staying overnight), toiletries (if you’re staying overnight), any paperwork, as well as a notebook if you’d like to take note of important things, in addition to your dorm supplies if you’re moving in altogether.
    • Consult any orientation materials that your school may have sent to you in order to get an idea of what you should bring. [1]
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  3. Once again, what you’ll need will vary by school; however, generally, this should be found on an “Enrollment Checklist” of some sort, which, once again, should be available on your school’s website.
    • If you’re unable to find the checklist, then you can also try emailing your admissions counselor and asking them if they know of any important paperwork that you may be missing in order to finalize your enrollment.
  4. Whether you’re coming from out of state or in the state, it’s important to plan for how you’ll get to campus. If you’re traveling by car, plan this out with whoever you’re traveling with. If you’re traveling by plane or train, be sure to book the tickets well in advance.
  5. This way, you’ll know what time each of you will be arriving, and you can coordinate who is packing what, so that you don’t pack unnecessary duplicates of something, and you’ll know if there’s something else that you’ll need to buy.
    • This can either be done in person or via social media.
    • Avoid making any judgments about your roommate prior to meeting them in person. Even though you may not have a good first impression, that may change when you meet them in person.
  6. Some schools may have you start out in a building, whereas others, especially if it’s nice out, may have you begin the orientation outside. The information regarding where your orientation begins can usually be found on an orientation schedule, which your school may send you in the mail, or you may be able to find it on the school’s website.
    • If you can, make a note of where this building or area is on a map of the campus (which again, you may either receive in the mail or be able to find on the school’s website). This way, you’ll be able to find it a bit easier.
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Making the Most of Orientation

  1. You’ll find that this is offered at some point during the vast majority of college orientations. This can be a great way to help get yourself more acquainted with the campus, as well as some of the services it offers.
    • Throughout the tour, don’t be afraid to ask your tour guide any questions you may have. This can help you to gain a better understanding of the college and the classes and activities it offers.
  2. 2
    Attend as many events as you possibly can. While you don’t necessarily have to attend every single event (many times, this isn’t feasible since events can occasionally run at the same time), try and attend any event that looks even remotely interesting to you. Some of these events can even be a lot of fun, and a great way to potentially make new friends. [2]
    • Try and even attend events that are optional, since these are often “fun” events which can provide you with great opportunities to meet new people, perhaps with similar interests as you. [3]
    • If there are two events that look remotely interesting to you, and they’re at the same time, try and attend an event that aligns more with your potential major, so you can learn more about what your time studying may look like at the college.
  3. Try your best to make friends . This can be incredibly difficult, especially since you’re at a new school. However, orientation can be a great time for you to form a few new friendships, since the other students are also new to school, and in most cases, college in general.
    • One of the ways you can work to accomplish this is by staying in the dorm rather than staying at home if that choice is offered. While many schools may require you to stay in a dorm (or not allow you to stay in the dorm), some schools will give you that choice. [4]
  4. This can be incredibly difficult, but if you’re constantly texting friends and family at home, then not only will you potentially get homesick, but you won’t be able to fully immerse yourself in the events or make new friends. [5]
    • If you’ve just completely moved into college, then it’s fine if you’d like to call your friends and/or family at night before going to bed; just try your best to avoid being on your phone through the day during the activities.
  5. Many orientations provide incoming freshman with the opportunity to see the clubs and groups your campus offers. Take advantage of this, and try and see if there are any clubs or groups relating to your major or other interests, and consider getting involved in these.
    • If there isn’t a club or group that interests you, but you have an idea of one, then see what the procedure for starting one is. Many colleges are open to the idea of students (even new ones) starting new clubs or groups.
  6. 6
    Take in your surroundings. Sometimes, college can be overwhelming. Even just taking a walk around campus can help you get used to the campus, and take in your new, relatively unfamiliar surroundings.
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      Tips

      • Be sure to bring at least one pair of comfortable shoes with you. Since it’s very likely that there’ll be a campus tour offered, especially if your campus is large, your feet may get tired if you aren’t wearing a comfortable pair of shoes for the tour. [6]
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      • Some orientations will offer financial aid-related or other sessions for parents. If your college orientation offers something like this, consider inviting your parents. These sessions can provide them with valuable information. [7]
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      • Remember that just like how college orientations may vary in length, they can also vary in the activities that they offer. Even though this article mentions some possibilities, some colleges may offer more or less than this. Once again, consulting with your school website or your admissions counselor should help you to get an idea of exactly what your school will offer for orientation.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://thescholarshipsystem.com/blog-for-students-families/a-student-guide-everything-you-need-to-know-about-freshman-orientation/
      2. ↑ https://spoonuniversity.com/how-to/what-to-eat-and-do-to-survive-your-freshman-orientation
      3. ↑ https://www.cappex.com/articles/college-life/make-the-most-of-freshman-orientation
      4. ↑ https://www.teenlife.com/blogs/what-expect-college-orientation
      5. ↑ https://www.theodysseyonline.com/7-tips-for-surviving-new-student-orientation
      6. ↑ https://oneclass.com/blog/featured/21366-5-ways-to-survive-freshman-orientation.en.html
      7. ↑ https://getschooled.com/article/4597-new-student-orientation-badge-what-to-expect-at-new-student-orientation/

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