Tips to Help You Get Ready for Freshman Orientation

Tips to Help You Get Ready For Freshman Orientation

Are you getting ready to head off to college in the fall and are feeling a little nervous about meeting new people and getting acquainted with your school? Freshman orientation can be a very daunting experience but if you are prepared and ready for what might come your way, you’ll have a great time!

Make/follow a schedule.

If your school has provided you with a schedule of the orientation, write it down or print it out! If you have a good idea of what your day(s) at orientation will look like, you will feel a lot more comfortable and confident walking in. You can even type the schedule into your phone for a quick reference throughout the day.

Gather everything you will need in advance.

Some freshman orientations are a midsummer day excursion, some may have overnight components, and some happen right before school starts! Make sure you are prepared with everything you need. Make a list of all of the important stuff. If it’s a day trip, make sure you have snacks and water to keep you energized throughout the day. For an overnight trip, pack the essentials like your toiletries and a change of clothes. Pack an outfit that makes you feel confident! If you’re heading straight into the semester after orientation, talk with your family about what you need to bring and make sure you have a list that you can check off as you pack!

Make friends with your roommate(s).

If you’re moving in during orientation, make sure you connect with the people you are living with. Grab some lunch together or take a bit of time to get to know each other while you have more freedom in your schedule. Your roommate or roommates are going to be living with you all year, get off on the right foot! If you have the same orientation schedule, see if they want to walk with you to the next event. Your roommate(s) are typically your first friends at college; make it count and make it fun!

Learn your way around.

If you have the opportunity to walk around campus or attend a campus tour, do it! The best thing you can do for yourself is to get acquainted with your surroundings. The more comfortable you feel walking from building to building, the less stress you will have when you start classes. Plus, this is another great opportunity to make friends!

Attend as many events as possible.

Attending every event that is offered to you is another great way to connect with your school and the people around you. These events are put on so that you can get a better understanding of what your school offers and how you can take advantage of opportunities during your four years. And, you might find a club or class that sparks your interest.

Be confident and be yourself.

Freshman orientations can be an overwhelming and daunting introduction to college and the people in your class. If you can reinforce positive self talk and tell yourself that you are excited and ready to have fun, you will do just that. College is a super exciting time to find yourself and your people. Go into orientation with your authentic self, and you will have a great time.