10 Tips to Make the Most of Freshman Orientation
School may be out for summer but for incoming college freshman, orientation is in session. Most likely, orientation is your first real event as a member of the freshman class. Although it’s really exciting, it can also be overwhelming and intimidating. Have no fear! These ten tips will help you lighten your stress and make the most of freshman orientation.
Be open to meeting new people
Chances are it’s been awhile since you’ve had to reach out and try to make new friends. During orientation, you may have flashbacks to summer camp or the first day of middle school. Being in that situation again can feel awkward and a bit scary. Try to remember that everyone else is new to this whole college thing and looking to make friends as well.
Challenge yourself to step outside your comfort zone and say “hi” to those around you. Try to be open-minded, friendly, and welcoming. If you’re nervous, start with one of these conversation starters:
Where are you from?
I love your [hair, t-shirt, earrings, stickers on their travel mug].
Have you been to this campus spot before?
Do you have a major picked out?
What dorm will you be living in?
You could also crack a joke about what you’re experiencing together, such as the number of icebreaker activities, perky orientation leaders, or overbearing parents.
Keep in mind that most students arriving at orientation have just left everyone they know behind. This sudden disconnection starts a mad race to replace their high school friends. As a result, many freshmen quickly form close groups and avoid meeting others. Try to resist the urge to stick with the same group so you can branch out and meet as many people as possible.
A note to all the introverts: I'm quite introverted myself, so I understand how stressful and exhausting meeting so many new people can be. Do the best you can to interact with new people but don’t feel pressured to talk to everyone. Also, make sure you give yourself time to be alone and decompress even if that means sitting in a bathroom stall for a while.
Prioritize comfort
Orientations are always jam-packed with back-to-back events, tours, and informational sessions. They start early in the morning and sometimes last well into the evening, which is why it’s important to dress comfortably.
Since this is likely the first time you’re interacting with your fellow freshmen, you may be tempted to show off a bit and wear something trendy. But keep in mind that the weather may be hot, humid, or rainy since orientations occur over the summer. You don’t want to get blisters or feel uncomfortable as you’re traipsing across campus. So be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes, dress in layers, and bring an umbrella if there’s even a hint of rain. Since you will likely get your college photo ID taken during orientation, you don’t want to be too sweaty or rain-drenched! Also, don’t forget a phone charger or back-up power bank.
Be prepared
With so much information covered in such a short period of time, freshman orientation can make your head spin. To make it more manageable, do your homework ahead of time. Find out specifically what the college has planned and decide which sessions you’d like to attend (keeping in mind that some events will be required).
At many college orientations, one of the tasks you will complete is scheduling your first-semester courses. Don’t walk into the first meeting with your academic adviser unprepared! Not only will you not have a lot of time (your adviser likely has to see a lot of freshmen that day), you also want to make a good first impression because your adviser will be one of the most helpful resources on campus.
To prepare, review your college's course catalog and departmental web pages in order to find out which courses are needed for general education requirements and to research electives that seem appealing. Make a list of the courses you would like to take and ones you have questions about. It’s also a good idea to have a list of back-up courses in case some of the ones you want to take are already full or you cannot enroll in them as a freshman.
Ask questions
Orientation is the best time to get your questions answered because representatives from campus departments and offices will be present. This will save you from having to track people down all across campus once the semester begins and everyone is busy. Orientation leaders, current students, and college personnel know the ins and outs of campus life and are there to guide you, so take advantage of their wealth of knowledge.
When you have the opportunity to talk with current students, ask questions about the realities of student life (perhaps the questions you didn’t want to ask on the campus tour you took with your family…). Get their contact information in case you have questions once you return home. Most orientation leaders, RAs, and other student volunteers love to connect with new students, and they can be a great resource during your first weeks at school.
Explore campus clubs and organizations
One of the biggest challenges college freshmen face is loneliness and feeling like they don’t fit in. Joining clubs is an excellent way to meet new people and start to find your place. Most college orientations will include an extracurriculars fair, allowing you to explore the large array of clubs, groups, and organizations you can participate in. Challenge yourself to try something new, perhaps something you couldn’t have done in high school. Sign up to receive emails from any organization you’re remotely interested in or look them up on social media. Learning about them ahead of time will help you make a decision about which clubs to join once you arrive on campus.
But keep in mind that the easiest way to burn out is to sign up for too many activities and groups — which is very tempting at college where there's so much to do. But resist the urge. Start off with one or two then once you have a routine in place, you can consider adding more to your schedule. Saving a few open slots on your calendar can do wonders for your mental health.
Participate in social activities and welcome events
One of the primary goals of orientation is to make your experience as fun as possible and get you into the college spirit. That means orientation leaders plan a lot of activities, tours, and mixers. You will likely be feeling a bit overwhelmed and exhausted, but still take advantage of the opportunities to meet people, enjoy free food, and learn more about your school.
Included in the plethora of events will likely be a few “get to know you” games. Yes, they are awkward. Yes, they are a bit lame. But put your pride aside and jump in. Ultimately, it’s not the silly games that bring students together, but the mutual dislike of the games that serve as the real icebreaker. It’s all part of the freshman experience!
Let your family help you
Most college orientations include separate programs for parents, so it’s likely your family will attend orientation with you. It’s not uncommon for emotions to run high while searching for an available parking space, trying to find your way around campus, and discussing sensitive topics like finances and binge drinking. You may get frustrated with your parents and want to distance yourself from them. But try to remind yourself that this is a stressful time for them, too. Let your mom ask the Dean too many questions. Let your dad make awkward conversation with your orientation leader. Letting go can be really challenging for your parents, so allow them be part of your experience.
Make time for self-care
Orientations provide an overload of information, which becomes overwhelming and draining. Pace yourself throughout the day and take regular breaks from the commotion. If you feel your energy drop or you become super stressed, take a few minutes to decompress. Don’t be afraid to step outside of a session for some fresh air. Listen to your favorite song. Text someone you care about. Find a quiet corner to sit by yourself. It is far better to take the time you need than to push yourself to the edge of unraveling. And if you’re feeling particularly stressed or sad, talk to someone you trust. Do not feel silly for needing help.
Remember: Everyone is in the same boat
Freshman orientation can be both exhilarating and terrifying. You may be nervous about meeting new people, finding your way around campus, handling the upcoming academic workload, and paying for expenses. Don't worry; you’re not the only freshman concerned about these things. Thousands of students are experiencing this with you, and millions have done it before you. There is no time limit on adjusting to college, so don't feel badly if it takes longer than you think it should. It might seem difficult to believe now, but in a few short months you’ll be walking around campus like you own the place!
Let go of expectations
Even when you follow these steps, there may be things you can’t control. It may rain, you may get lost, you may fight with your parents, or the freshman seminar you wanted to take may already be full. It’s okay. Take a breath. You’ll get through this. Don't put a bunch of pressure on orientation to be perfect or an indication of what your freshman year will be like. Having unrealistic expectations will only lead to you feeling crappy and like you're doing something wrong if your expectations aren't met. Try to be flexible and go with the flow. You’re starting the next big chapter of your life. It’s okay to be nervous, but don’t forget about all of the amazing things in store for you.
