Orientation Overload? 8 Tips to Survive Freshman College Orientation

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Starting college can be both exciting and daunting, and orientation is an essential part of that transition. It’s a time to learn about the campus, meet new people, and get prepared for the start of the semester. It’s a great time to build that college spirit as well! Here are eight tips to help you survive freshman college orientation:

1. Be open-minded — Orientation is a great opportunity to meet new people and learn about different cultures and backgrounds. Be open to making new friends and connecting with others who may have different perspectives from your own. College is a place where so many people from different backgrounds come together so being open-minded can allow you to gain a lot of insight into things that you yourself might have never been exposed to.
2. Dress comfortably — Orientation often involves a lot of walking and standing, so it’s essential to wear comfortable shoes and clothes. You’ll also want to check the weather and dress appropriately for the conditions. If you are starting college in August, freshmen orientation is usually in the summer which means hotter weather = t-shirt and shorts. If you are starting or transferring colleges in January, orientation is likely to be in the winter which means colder weather = thicker clothes.
3. Stay hydrated — It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of orientation and forget to drink enough water. Make sure to bring a water bottle with you and refill it throughout the day. Regardless of the weather, it is always good to drink an adequate amount of water. Staying hydrated will give you much more energy to enjoy the activities scheduled during orientation.
4. Take notes — Orientation can be overwhelming, with lots of information to absorb. Take notes during presentations and keep track of important dates and deadlines. A lot of information about registering for classes, financial aid, and other campus resources like health services and libraries is usually given. For some, this might be completely new information and too much to remember all at once. Therefore, taking notes is a helpful way to coordinate and sort out all of the important details.
5. Ask questions — Don’t be afraid to ask questions during orientation. Whether it’s about academic requirements, campus resources, or social activities, orientation is the perfect time to get answers to all your questions. Many of the orientation leaders are extremely friendly and eager to help.
6. Get involved — Orientation is a great time to learn about the various clubs, organizations, and sports teams on campus. Take the opportunity to explore your interests and get involved in something that excites you. This may even be an opportunity to get to know some of your fellow peers since you may meet other students wanting to get involved and with the same interests as you.
7. Be yourself — It’s easy to feel pressure to fit in during orientation, but remember to be yourself. Authenticity is essential, and you’ll have a better experience if you’re true to yourself. Orientation is also a time to meet some fellow freshmen, and the people you meet here might even be your solid friends throughout all of college!
8. Rest and recharge — Orientation can be exhausting, so make sure to take breaks and rest when you need it. Pace yourself and don’t feel like you have to attend every event or activity. Orientation can last several days with a lot of activity so make sure not to overextend yourself!

In conclusion, freshman college orientation can be a bit overwhelming, but it’s also an essential part of the college experience. By following these tips, you can survive orientation and start your college career on the right foot. Orientation is the perfect time to get excited about starting college!