7 Tips For Preparing For College Orientation

Fresh U
Updated
New year, new you. New school, new rules.

It’s the beginning of the next four years of your life! From dorm rooms, dining hall experiences and making friends, orientation gives a glimpse into what college life will be like. Here are seven tips to prepare you to dive right into the beginning of your college life.

1. Make friends.

You’re going to be meeting people left and right. From your roommates to your orientation group, people will be everywhere, so be friendly and open to making friends. Don’t wait until the first day of fall quarter to start making friends. Start now!

2. Bring a refillable water bottle.

Your orientation experience is going to speed through as you jump from one activity to another. So instead of bringing a whole bunch of water bottles with you, bring one refillable bottle that you can use throughout orientation.

3. Bring comfortable walking shoes.

You’ll likely be walking everywhere as you take a campus tour or move from presentation to presentation. Don’t forget to bring comfortable walking shoes so your feet can survive the lengthy campus tour as you explore all acres of the school!

4. Eat a good breakfast.

Orientation can be one big, busy whirlwind and it can leave you extremely tired. Instead of sleeping in, get up and find some breakfast instead. You’re going to need the energy and fuel to propel through orientation. Plus, you can eat in the dining halls and try out the campus dining hall food!

5. Be open-minded.

College is full of diversity and unfamiliar people and experiences. Try to be more open-minded as you meet people from all different cultures and experiences. Not only will your open-mindedness help you make friends, it will make you more cultured and knowledgeable as a person.

6. Ask questions.

The people, the employees and the new student advisors are all there to help you navigate through your college experience. Don’t be afraid to reach out to them and ask questions. Whether it’s where to go or what class to choose, they are there to help you and answer your questions. Ask, ask, ask!

7. Have fun!

Cliché as it sounds, orientation really is a chance for you to have fun. Although you are expected to gain more knowledge and information about your college, don’t take this experience too seriously. Try to have fun and make friends. After all, this experience is the first glimpse into your college life.

Take advantage of orientation, which will help familiarize you with your new school! Use orientation as an opportunity to learn as much as you can and to get excited about the next couple years!

This article was originally written for Fresh U by Kalysa To. It has been given minor edits before re-posting.

Let us slide into your DMs. Sign up for the Teen Vogue daily email.

Want more from Teen Vogue? Check this out:

See the video.