The College Checklist You Need To Survive Orientation
College orientation can give you a lot of anxiety, but it can be a fun time. The key to having a good time is to be prepared. It is a time where you are learning everything you need to know about the college you will be attending. You are planning to embark on a new chapter of your life.
You are taking the first step into a new phase in your life. During your orientation, they are going to give you a brief tour around the college and share all the relevant details that may need, like a bus schedule, where the libraries are, where your classes are, etc. They may even show you a simpler way to get to all your classes. This would also be the perfect opportunity to meet people. To keep everything fun and less stressful for you, we have collected a list of things that are essential for your college orientation. This college checklist is very manageable, and it will make your life so much easier, especially if you pack all these things for your orientation ahead of time. So do yourself a favor and keep reading to make sure that you bring all these essentials with you to your college orientation.
1. Walking Shoes
You will be doing tons and tons of walking. During most orientations, they will have you walking around the campus to give you a short tour. It is cool to dress nice but dress comfortably too. Since you will be doing a lot of walking, you should wear walking shoes to make it easier for you. You can wear those cute wedges another time. Now is not the time to dress to impress. Dress for comfort and accessibility. These walking shoes will also be excellent for you when you have a day full of classes that you need to get to promptly.
2. Water Bottle
Hydration is crucial. Since you will be doing a lot of walking during orientation, you must stay hydrated. You won’t be able to grasp and take in all the information if you are not properly hydrated. If you are going to school in a warm climate, it is especially important that you have a water bottle ready. It doesn’t have to be a fancy one either, just something to carry your water in.
3. Cellphone
Having your cellphone on you can be a great addition to your experience. Some orientation programs will have an app that you can download to make the process a little bit easier. These apps can have tools like a campus map, all the libraries that are currently open, etc. They may even be useful to you while you are attending the college. A cellphone is great for you to have while you taking classes there as well. Not having a cellphone on you while you are walking around on campus is not good for safety purposes.
4. Power Bank
A phone is only good if it actually works, which requires it to be charged. A power bank can make sure that your phone’s battery never gets too low, so you are never without a phone. If anything happens, you will have your cellphone on you to call someone or get help.
5. Spending money for lunch
There are usually a lot of restaurants and places to eat around campus. Some universities will allow you to eat in their dining hall for free for that day, but it is always good to be prepared. So if your college doesn’t offer that, you will already have some money set aside to buy you some lunch.
6. Snacks
Orientation can sometimes take all day, so feel free to pack some trail mix or granola bar as a snack. This is especially helpful if you do not have funds to purchase lunch as the previous essential stated.
7. Any necessary forms
There are several forms and things you have to fill out before attending, so make sure that you have all that stuff set. Whatever you don’t have set up already, plan, and pack all the things you need ahead of time.
8. Notebook
Orientation can cause information overload for some. They usually will provide you with all the paperwork and brochures necessary, but it is great to be prepared. You can use a notebook to jot down details that you find necessary to know, for example, your student ID #, directions to go to and from each class, etc.
9. Sunglasses
Since it is traditional to start college in the fall semester, it is safe to say that you are doing your orientation during the warm summer months. The sun will be out, so it is best to protect your eyes from the harsh rays of the sun. Sunglasses also gives an opportunity to dress up your outfit since you will be dressing for comfort. The right pair of sunglasses could really elevate your simple outfit and help you appear more put together.
10. Money to souveniers
Visiting your future college is very exciting. It is the start of your new life. It represents your first experience with adulthood and being on your own. Why not purchase a few souvenirs to remember it? Buy a few cute things that you can wear to and from class or lounge around in, like a sweatshirt, hoodie, or a t-shirt. This can be really fun and easy to style. You can even wear them on holiday when you go back to your hometown to represent your school.
11. Photo I.D./Wallet
To confirm your identity, it would be a good idea to bring your ID with you. Sometimes you will need a license for them to give you a student ID. This is a safety measure for them to confirm whoever you said you are.
12. Pencil pouch w/ pens & pencils
During your orientation, you may have to fill out a few forms. By now you have probably guessed, there is no such thing as being too prepared. Stash a couple of pens and pencils in your bookbag or purse before you head out.
