3 Things to Do Before Your College Orientation

3 Things to Do Before Your College Orientation Congratulations! Youve been accepted to college. One rite of passage for incoming college students is completing college orientation. Typically, college orientation lasts two to three days, and is scheduled the week, several weeks, or a month before classes begin. College orientation is a critical part of your introduction to life as a college student. To make the most of your college orientation, make sure youre prepared. Things to do before your college orientation include researching your college, reaching out to classmates on social media, and dressing the part. At orientation, youll meet new friends, make your class schedule, and learn your way around the school. You can also learn things from your upperclassmen orientation leaders who will share tips and advice. 1. Research your school prior to college orientation Orientation will teach you a lot of what you need to know to navigate life at your college. However, it can pay off to do a little research beforehand so you know what to expectmostly in terms of scheduling your classes. You may be wondering how to create your first college schedule. At orientation, youll meet your academic advisor, who will assist you in making your class schedule. Going in without a clue of what classes to choose or what to study can be stressful. Take a look at your colleges degree and class offerings before going to orientation. Then: jot down notes take these notes with you show them to your academic advisor, who will help you craft a schedule that fits you best. It can also pay off to study your colleges map carefully. This will help you feel more comfortable when you arrive at orientation, and it may prevent you from getting lost. With that said, you should never feel bad for asking an upperclassman or professor for help finding something if you need it. [RELATED: 4 Things to Do the First Week of Classes] 2. Reach out on social media to other students attending college orientation Thanks to modern technology, its easy to connect with other peopleeven those you havent met in real life yet. Start by checking out your college room assignment, and find your new roommate (or roommates) on social media. Next, try to find others in your incoming class, and connect with them as well. Break the ice by introducing yourself and what youre interested in studying in college. Ask your classmates what attracted them to your college and what they intend on studying. Its amazing how easy it can be to bond when you have the same college in common. The more people you know going into orientation, the more comfortable you may feel (even if you dont know them well). Seek out the friends youve made online, and connect with them at orientation. Youll instantly have people to sit and chat with, and that can make you feel more comfortable. [RELATED: How to Make a Good Impression on Your College Professor] 3. Dress for success at college orientation First impressions matter. How you appear to your classmates, advisor, professors, and upperclassmen during orientation sets the stage for how they see you for the rest of the year. Wear clothes that show your confidence and personality. Looking confident is a great way to attract new friends, and thats a big part of orientation. Any topics you want to know more about? Let us know! The Varsity Tutors Blog editors love hearing your feedback and opinions. Feel free to email us at blog@varsitytutors.com.