Once your student has chosen a school, there’s a lot to do to prepare for college life, including attending college orientation. Though the terms are often confused, college orientation is not part of admitted student’s day, which is a special program designed to help students make their college decision.

In this guide, we’ll focus on what college orientation is, who should go, and what to expect when you get there.

What is College Orientation?

College orientation is a time set aside for incoming freshmen to get acquainted with their college, learn about life at the school, and complete important administrative tasks before school begins. It’s usually held on campus, is designed for new students, and may also include parents.

Tasks that are often part of orientation include:

• Registering for classes
• Filling out financial aid forms
• Learning about payment options and student loans
• Touring classrooms, dorms, and facilities
• Meeting other new students, often through icebreaker activities
• Getting a student ID
• Learning about on campus resources and amenities

College orientation can be a quick day on campus, or an entire week filled with games, lectures, and even live concerts. Some schools call it anything but “orientation” – such as “Jumpstart Week” or “Cougar Days.”

Is College Orientation Mandatory?

Not every school requires students to attend orientation, though it is highly encouraged. Some colleges pack all orientation activities into the few days before school begins in the fall, while other schools make attendance mandatory and use the time to cover rules and policies.

For those who choose not to participate, they may end up kicking the can down the road. That’s because schools often require them to attend essential training sessions before they can go to their first class, and in some cases, before they can register for classes.

So, while orientation may “technically” be optional, it can put students at a disadvantage if they don’t attend, especially when it comes to getting useful information.

Do Parents Go to College Orientation?

Parents may not have to attend college orientation, but being involved has its benefits since it’s a chance for parents to see what their students will experience once enrolled.

Paying for College 101 community member Lisa P. said she found value in the parent sessions at both of her students’ orientations. “The most important session I attended was the Financial Aid session at UC Davis. I got info that saved us money.”

“We went to orientation,” said Kara W, “the parents’ part was very informative, covering financial aid, health services, campus safety, dorm life, meal plans, billing policies, rules, and expectations.”

Marsha K. noted that parents have options: “At my son’s college last year, parents were welcome at orientation, but there were many students there without parents,” she said. “Most events were directed to the students, and the parents who did attend were only with their students a limited portion of the time….If you are in a Facebook group for the parents at the school, you can always ask on there about anything new that the parents who did attend learned.”

A virtual orientation session may be available, but be aware, while it usually covers the same information, there are some disadvantages.

Donna R. said at her student’s virtual session that those who opted for it, “received whatever classes were left because it was after all of the in-person sessions.”

Is College Orientation Free?

Depending on where you live, getting to a school’s orientation may come with travel costs. Colleges often also charge a fee to both parents and students for attending the event, which can range from just $50 to hundreds or more.

So, what does this fee cover? Usually, for multi-day orientations, the fee can cover meals, swag, and a dorm stay for the student. Accommodations for parents, usually at a nearby hotel, will cost extra.

What To Bring to College Orientation

You should come ready to learn at your college or freshman orientation! There will be a lot of information covered at orientation for both parents and students, so bring a notebook, pen, or electronic note-taking device, as well as water to stay hydrated. Games are common since fun activities may be part of getting to know the staff and fellow classmates.

Check communications ahead of time so that you’re prepared. Students typically receive emails or letters telling them what to expect the day of. These may include a schedule, directions to buildings, where to park, and any associated costs or fees. They may also give you recommendations on where to stay during orientation if you’re traveling from far away or if you’ll be there for multiple days.

Carefully read over the details and bring a copy with you. Leaving this info behind can cause problems on the day of the event, especially if there are special instructions just for your student’s department or team.

What To Wear to College Orientation

A common question we hear is, “What should I wear to college orientation?” Our answer – dress for the occasion!

While most orientations are casual, students may get their ID pictures taken that day. Consider hair, makeup, and clothing when you go. Dress for the weather (as it may be hot) and bring a pair of comfortable shoes. Be sure to check the schedule and itinerary and pack appropriately.

Questions to Ask at College Orientation

This may be your last chance to research what it will be like at school before your student officially moves on campus, so don’t hold back. Ask staff, students, and the financial aid reps all the things you need to know so you are fully prepared for the fall. Get the contact information for relevant offices so that when you think of questions later, you can easily get help.

“On our orientation day, we talked to a rep from the health clinic to see what services are provided on campus,” said Lisa B. “Our son also talked with rec center reps, as he was interested in using the center and possibly working there. We also toured the dorm one more time and took photos.”

A few examples of questions to ask during freshman orientation could include:

• For Parents to Ask:
• What types of insurance are accepted at the university or student health center?
• What kind of campus safety resources are available?
• What is covered in my child’s meal plan? What isn’t covered? Are there multiple options?
• What is your parental notification policy for campus emergencies?
• Will I get a schedule for when housing, tuition, fees, and other bills are due?
• If my student has a disability, how will the school accommodate their needs?
• For Students to Ask:
• What are my housing options for freshman year? For every other year?
• When and where should I buy textbooks?
• What do I do if my roommate and I aren’t getting along? Can I switch roommates?
• Who is my academic advisor? How do I create my schedule?
• How do I declare or switch my major? How do I add or drop classes?
• Where can I sign up or get involved with a club, sport, fraternity or sorority, or another organization?

Why College Orientation Matters

College orientation covers a lot of information, has the potential to put jitters at ease, and gives parents a better idea of the place their teen will soon call “home.” Skipping it, even if optional, isn’t ideal and can put your student at a disadvantage.

“I think it’s great for them,” said Jennifer G. “They meet a lot of other freshmen…several of my friends’ kids formed long-lasting friendships this way. It’s an added expense for out-of-state students, but I would highly recommend it if you can swing it.”

For those who can’t make the trip, it may be possible to catch up with all these activities in the few days before the fall semester starts. Check with the school to see if they offer options, including a second, shorter orientation before move-in.

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