Getting the Most Out of Your Freshman Orientation

This summer I've had the pleasure of serving my university as a student advisor for incoming freshman. Every week, a new batch of students comes to their future school to sign up for classes, make new friends, and learn about everything their college has to offer. Still, many first-years are unprepared for what orientation entails.

One of the most important functions of orientation is to register students for their fall classes. After seniority, the first-come, first-serve rule is applied to registering for classes. For this reason, incoming freshman should sign up for the earliest orientation session possible to have a better chance of finding open classes. As the summer wears on, more and more classes fill up, making registration a stressful and dissatisfying process.

With that said, first-year students should not freak out if they don't get the schedule of their dreams. As they further their studies, their chance of getting the classes they desire improves dramatically. Students should come to orientation with an open-mind and the understanding that they'll have to get through some mandatory (and probably boring) classes before delving into the material they really want to study.

From my observation, there seems to be two types of students who come to orientation. The first is well-read on the university and its services, knows what classes he wants to take, and is very anxious to get AP credits transferred. The second type of student is laid-back, may not know too much about the university, and needs more attention when it comes to signing up for classes.

No matter what type of student comes to orientation, though, it's important for him to pay attention to what the staff has to say. Many first-years come to orientation looking to party and simply don't listen to the most important pieces of information their advisors present. Orientation programs cover topics such as on-campus safety, housing, meal plans, and student life-all integral to a student's success and of great importance to parents.

Of course, orientation is also meant to be fun, but freshmen should not come to orientation expecting a frat party. If students violate the university's drugs and alcohol policy during orientation, they could be suspended or placed on probation before school even starts! There are many ways of having a good time and looking cool, but getting caught with weed or booze just makes anyone look irresponsible and stupid in the eyes of their peers.

Hopefully this column gives you some insight as to what you can expect from orientation. Now go enjoy it and get ready for an amazing four years.