If you're wondering what to expect at college orientation, you're not alone. Nearly every incoming college student has questions before their first day on campus. At Mount Saint Mary College, orientation is designed to help you meet classmates, learn about campus resources, and feel more confident before you officially start your college career.
Here's six things you can expect from the Mount's new student orientation:
Get ready for LOTS of icebreakers. *Cue the inward groan.* Start thinking of your two truths and a lie now. Yes, they can be cheesy, but icebreakers are a staple of any orientation. They really do help you get to know other people better, and that’s kind of the whole point! So try to play along no matter how silly you think the activity is going to make you look. You never know — it might just lead you to your new best friends.
You’re going to receive a lot of information. Just about every department on campus will be talking to you over the next 8 hours or so. As much as it may feel like information overload, these presentations contain a lot of important information that will help you as a Mount student. If you can’t remember everything these presenters say, try to at least remember their names and faces for when you return. That way, you can go to them in the fall if you need help with anything. (Pro tip: Don’t throw away your Orientation folder. There’s a bunch of important information there. You'll thank yourself in August for keeping them.)
You’ll have an instant mentor. Your Orientation experience will be guided by an upperclassman student called an Orientation Leader. Think of them as a cool older sibling ready to show you around campus and tell you the inside scoop of college life. Plus, they’ll be there as a resource for you all throughout your first year of college. Need help finding your classes? Not sure how many clubs are too many? Wondering about deadlines and requirements for first year students? Your Orientation Leader has been there before and can help you navigate this new experience.
Document this. You’ll be looking back on this day four years from now reminiscing about the start of amazing friendships. Make sure you take pictures (and while you’re at it, tag Mount Saint Mary College)!
You’ll have a better sense of what your first year of college will be like. At Orientation, you’ll review your class schedule with the help of your professors and academic advisors. Plus, you’ll receive information on being a Mount student 101: how the Knight BookPass works, where to go to find your class locations, and essential Mount lingo. Just wait, by the first week, you’ll be throwing around acronyms like FYE, SASE, the DC, and more with ease.
It’s going to be an epic start to your #Next4. It’s natural to wonder if you’ve made the right decision about where to go to college. Attending Orientation will remind you why you fell in love with the Mount in the first place. You won’t be able to wait to come back and get your college experience started.
Looking forward to college orientation? Make sure you know all of the specifics about the big day by visiting msmc.edu/orientation!