Orientation in college is an introduction to college life in general and to that particular college.
It allows students interested in attending that college to get a better look at what to expect in terms of the layout of the campus, facilities, and classrooms. More importantly, it allows students to get a first-hand feel of the campus and interact with potential professors and classmates.
These first-hand experiences of a campus can help you make a more informed decision about whether or not it is the right one for you.
The Itinerary Is Different from One Campus to Another.
Every campus is different in how they plan college orientation. Some colleges break you into random groups, talk to the entire attendance, and others organize you by majors. Some may plan a day filled with activities, and others may plan morning or afternoon sessions. Different colleges may plan academic activities and seminars.
Before you attend your college orientation, make sure to read all of the material that they send you before your orientation. The paperwork includes a detailed itinerary of everything planned for the day and what you need to bring along with you.
Campus Tour
During the tour, you’ll get an idea of where all the academic and extracurricular facilities are located around campus. A tour guide will take their group around the education buildings, individual classrooms, and other facilities, and this will help new students get familiar with the layout and surroundings. You will also find out where the student health center is located and where the safety phones are installed around campus.
ID Photographs
You will be asked to go to a specific location to get your college ID photograph during the orientation. This is your all-purpose college account card, and you’ll need to carry it around on you at all times and usually displayed, not stashed away in your wallet or pocket.
As a college student, you’ll need an ID for almost everything, from registering for classes and getting into your residence to borrowing a book from the library, paying your college bills, and getting a meal at the dining hall. You may even get discounts at several stores if you have a student ID.
Financial Aid
Financial aid is one of the biggest concerns for most future college students and their parents. Colleges understand this and will schedule a time to cover this topic on orientation day.
Meet Your Professors
For many students, meeting their future professors is the highlight of the orientation day. These mentors will help shape your prospects. Most of the time in college will be spent attending lectures. If you’ve chosen your major, take this opportunity to introduce yourself to your professors.
You’ll Create Your Class Schedule
Orientation is almost always the time the college uses to help first-year students choose their first-semester schedule. They will explain the mandatory courses in your first year and help you start a plan regarding your GE requirements and intended major.
An academic advisor will be present on orientation day to help students pick major and general education classes. If you’re unsure which types to take, don’t hesitate to ask an advisor. They’ll help you get your classes lined up. When the semester starts, you’re ready to go.
Parents May or May Not Be Able to Attend Orientation
Until a few years ago, orientation was a ‘students-only’ event. Today, more and more colleges are welcoming parents to the orientation day. It is always a good idea for parents to attend if a college offers parents orientation. Although every college organizes the day differently for parents, one thing is common to all – these sessions can be immensely invaluable, especially if this is their first experience with college.
On orientation day, parents and students have a few common sessions, but they are often separated. For instance, the campus tours may be for both students and their parents together, but the presentations will be separate.
Parent presentations enlighten parents about the school’s policies and safety measures. This is important for all parents. They also familiarize parents with the various departments and their responsibilities. They provide important contact numbers. Importantly, they lay out the tuition payment schedule and where and how to pay the bills.
Overnight on Campus.
Some schools welcome and even encourage first-year students to spend a night in a dorm room. If your college allows it, take this opportunity!