How To Get The Best Out Of Your Uni’s New Student Orientation
Being a new student at university is always stressful. New school, new friends, new classes, you have to adjust to a whole new life. Here are tips to get the best out of your uni’s new student orientation.
1. Be prepared
Be a step ahead and learn more about your course’s program. Study the academic programs and student services available on campus so you know what information is most important to you in advance. Many programs will ask you to choose a major, placement testing, and scheduling classes. Take advantage of the orientation day to ask for help. Also, don’t forget to arrive early on the day of the event, in case something happens.
2. Step out of your comfort zone
I know that being new is frightening, but you will get nowhere if you don’t dare approach and talk to people. Go talk and interact with people. Try to know more about the school and what it proposes.
3. Talk to other students
The uni’s new student orientation is a great opportunity to go and talk to other new students. Chances are there are also looking for friends, making it easier to socialise with them. You will meet a lot of students from all over the world, so make sure to stay in touch with them!
4. Learn more about the university’s societies
The new student orientation presents all the activities and clubs proposed at the university. It is great to encourage interaction with upcoming and current students. You will meet people with the same centre of interest. Universities generally propose a bunch of societies and clubs mean to suit everyone’s taste. Student orientation week is the perfect time to collect information about what’s on offer, and sign yourself up.
5. Be prepared to handle boring stuff
This is a known fact. And it does not only apply to university orientation but all kind of school orientation. Take this opportunity during orientation to handle the paperwork and other tasks. Take care of everything now so it won’t bother you later on.
6. Take notes
Take note of everything that has been said during the session. You might not want to forget some information said during the new student orientation. It can be useful in the future.
7. Get to know your school
Familiarize yourself with your university’s facilities. Taking that precaution might seem bothersome, but it will prevent you from being late or lost in the facilities of your university on the first day of school. How embarrassing! Take time now to familiarize yourself with the layout of the campus. Most orientation programs will provide packets that include a campus map. Use it and learn it.
8. Ask questions
You won’t have another opportunity like this one. Use the new student orientation day to ask as questions as you can. The faculty and staff participating at the event are there because they want to help you. Take advantage of that because most of these people will not have as much time in the first few days of school to help you.
9. Don’t forget to have fun!
Take care of business, but don’t stress yourself out. This is an exciting time in your life, and orientation is a chance for you to start your new university experience on a good foot and make it as good as it can be.
