Undergraduate Orientation Tips: What to Bring, What to Expect, and How to Make the Most of It

By: Rachel Ellis, Korbel Communications Staff

I'll never forget my college orientation. I coordinated going the same day as my future roommate, who I met on Facebook, and who ironically knew someone else I had reached out to about housing. I was looking forward to having two people I semi-knew going into orientation. The morning of, my parents and I were leaving the campus hotel when we ran into another family at the elevator, and before we hit the lobby, I realized I was sharing the elevator with one of the girls I'd met online! We embraced like we'd been reunited after years apart, and we've been friends ever since.

Starting college brings a mix of emotions: it’s exciting, scary, unfamiliar, and overwhelming. It's the start of a new era, and the staff and faculty at the Josef Korbel School of Global and Public Affairs are committed to making your new student orientation as seamless as possible, starting the moment you arrive on campus. Below, we've broken down what to bring to orientation, what to expect, and advice from current students to help you feel prepared.

What to Bring to Orientation

A little prep goes a long way. Here's a simple orientation packing list to keep on hand:

• A notebook or journal
• Photo ID and any required enrollment or immunization documents
• Your class schedule or registration confirmation
• Comfortable shoes
• Water bottle and snacks
• A light jacket or layers
• An open mind and a positive attitude

What to Expect at Orientation

New student orientation typically includes a mix of the following:

• Welcome sessions with school leadership and faculty introductions
• Academic advising to review your schedule, degree requirements, and course registration
• Campus tours to help you locate classrooms, study spaces, dining, and student services
• Icebreakers and social events designed to help you meet other first-year and incoming students
• Information sessions on student resources like career services, health and wellness, financial aid, and student organizations
• One-on-one time with peer mentors or student ambassadors who can answer the questions you don't want to ask in a big group

Advice From Students Who've Been There

We asked current students for their honest orientation tips for incoming students. Here's what they said:

• "I got into the habit of bringing a journal around with me everywhere, so have something where you can note the things you want to remember — both logistical information and memories that you'll make along the way." -Avery Dotson
• "A general rule, and something you can put into practice at orientation, is to be willing to ask questions and get out of your comfort zone. People notice the effort, and it goes a lot further than you'd think." -Rilie Atkinson
• "For me, orientation was all about understanding the college experience. It helps you build the foundation for the different relationships you'll form with other first-year students, peer mentors, and professors. It's a microcosm of the greater college experience, so seize every opportunity to meet new people." -Eli Barbour
• "Orientation has so many events, and something I wish I'd done more of is go even if I didn’t have anyone to come with me. If you're on the fence, go alone; you'll meet people there!” -Anna Quehl

Orientation Week Tips to Keep in Mind

• Be yourself. There's no better feeling than bringing your own perspective and personality into a new, diverse group of people. Staying true to yourself helps you build authentic connections from day one.
• Be curious. Outside of scheduled activities, take time to explore campus independently. Find your classroom buildings, the library, and your future favorite study spots.
• Be present. Actively participating in orientation activities, taking notes, asking questions, and introducing yourself are the fastest ways to get the most out of the experience.

Orientation is about getting acclimated and getting a head start on the journey ahead. No matter how you're feeling about this new chapter, orientation is designed to ease your mind and bring you one step closer to settling into your new life at the Josef Korbel School of Global and Public Affairs. As a college student, I was always told you get out what you put in, so bring your open mind, your packing list, and your positive attitude. We look forward to welcoming all our first-year students to Korbel!