7 Insider Tips for College Orientation

College orientation is the official transition from high school to college, so it’s important to pack as much in as you can and have fun! Orientation interns at the College of Charleston offer seven insider tips to make the most of new student orientation.

1. Don’t sit in your room at night!

Find a group of friends and explore the city. Everyone is just as nervous and eager to make friends as you are.

Pro Tip: Join the orientation interns for a snack run around Charleston. They say Orientation After Dark (end of the first day) is the best-kept secret.

Check out FAQs on the orientation website.

2. Stick to your own schedule.

Future communication majors lining up to learn more!

Every student has a personalized orientation schedule – that means your schedule is different from your best friend’s. Make sure you follow yours (you’ll get your schedule when you check in).

Orientation interns say they’ve seen students entirely miss their advising appointment and not be able to sign up for classes because they were following their friend’s schedule!

Watch a video of the orientation interns offering advice on how to meet people.

3. Do not miss this session:

If you miss the academic major meeting on the first day, you could be in for a five or six year college career. OK, maybe that’s a little dramatic. But by attending the meeting for your future major, you’ll get vital information that will ensure you’re on the right track.

Even if you’re not sure what to major in, checking out a meeting or two could go a long way toward helping you decide.

4. Be on time for advising and class registration.

Who’s pumped about 8 a.m. classes all semester?! Not you? Then be sure show up on time for your advising or registration appointments. Your time cannot be changed, so keep it in mind.

5. Leave your boyfriend/girlfriend at home.

If he or she isn’t actually registered for orientation then your SO becomes the awkward chaperone that no one in the group appreciates. Better for everyone if he or she sits this one out.

6. Do a little cyber-stalking.

Your orientation interns have online profiles – check them out before you come to orientation. Then you can make sure to say hey if someone is from your hometown or leads cyber hacking – er, cybersecurity club you’re interested in.

Meet your College of Charleston orientation leaders.

Orientation interns are usually well connected on campus and may be able to recommend good classes or give you insider tips when it comes to extracurriculars, Greek rush, etc.

7. Things to know before you go.

Bring your driver’s license – you’ll need it to get your student I.D. card.

Pro Tip: there isn’t a designated time to have your picture taken for the I.D. card, so don’t forget to go by Cougar Card Services when you have a minute! And another pro-tip, in the middle of a hurricane is not an ideal time to be immortalized in the Cougar Card system. If applicable…

Know how to access your MyCharleston account – you will need that to register for classes.

Know how to access your college email account – lots of important info is sent there like financial aid, emails from advisors, etc.