Freshmen Orientation 101

Bye bye high school! Hello ADULTHOOD! We have spent the past 12 years being controlled by the school system and now we are officially independent :) Scary right? Don't worry, almost every incoming college freshman (including me) is freaking out about what is coming but we got this! I am going to help you go through the first step: Freshmen Orientation. I just got back from my Freshman orientation TODAY and there were a lot of things that I wasn't prepared for along with information of what actually went on during it. Of course, this information that I'm about to write does not pertain to every university and college considering they might all have different itineraries. If you are going to Florida International University, this will be EXTREMELY helpful so don't exit out just yet!

1. PACK. I don't know about you, but I wait until the absolute last minute to pack. My orientation was a overnight program so I needed to pack 2 outfits and pajamas. Here's a list of things I suggest you pack:

• Toiletries (toothbrush, deodorant, shampoo, etc.)

• Underwear(s) - plan accordingly if you are expecting your period

• COMFY shoes - you will be doing A LOT of walking so I suggest sneakers or flats

• Pajamas - the dorms are cold so i suggest pants and a long sleeve

• Outfit #1 - you are doing a lot of walking and sitting and activities with your group so dress cute and comfortable! I wore white jeans, a black graphic t-shirt and orange strappy sandals :)

• Outfit #2 - I spent the second day in a computer lab but we also took group pictures this day so dress comfortable but don't push it! I wore a greenish long sleeve blouse, black leggings and snakeskin printed sandals.

• Sweater!! - almost every classroom is freezing!

• Pillow, twin sheets and a blanket - if you are staying over

• Makeup - you are most likely taking your picture for your school ID

• Umbrella - Miami weather is very unpredictable, it rained off and on during my orientation :(

• Purse/bag - your school will most likely give you a little bookbag with goodies so just plan accordingly. I had to carry around my book bag that I brought AND the one that my school gave me so it was super annoying. But definitely take something because you will be receiving plenty of pamphlets and brochures!

• Notepad/notebook - this is something I wish I had packed. The first day was filled with important information that I had to take up space on my phone to take pictures of all the different powerpoint slides.

• Charger, laptop, tablet, etc. - if you are staying over there's no tv so if you get bored easily take your laptop or tablet and watch a movie with your new roommates :)

• Snacks!! - very important! The day is filled with so many presentations and tours you barely have break time to get a snack or even use the bathroom. I packed some trail mix and hummus and pita chips. Oh! Don't forget about water too!

• Money - although your meals are included in the program, you might want to buy something extra. For my coffee lovers, we need to buy a nice cup of joe in the morning. Also, at the end of the program you are allowed to walk around, so if you want to buy any merchandise at the bookstore - take some money!

2. Get a good nights sleep!! I sure didn't and I regret it so much. Some of you have to be at your university at around 7:00am-8:00am and being on 5 hours of sleep is dreadful considering you are about to take in more information than you can handle. So whether you're sleeping at your house or at a friends', you should already be dreaming by 11:00pm. Before you go to sleep make sure you have all your things packed and set for the big day. Have your outfit planned and set out flat - steam/iron if needed (nobody likes to go out with a crumpled up shirt). Do anything necessary so that you don't have to rush in the morning.

3. FIU FRESHMEN - the following is a detailed itinerary of your 2 days (MMC campus only). Keep in mind that Fall Orientation might have a slightly different schedule.

DAY 1

7:30-8:30am Orientation Check-In - here you will pick up your nametag, key and drop off your stuff in your assigned dorms. If you came with friends you can room together but you have to be together in order to get assigned the same room! On your name tag you will be assigned to group number which is assigned by your major.

8:30-9:15am FIU Welcome - what feels like FOREVER you get a bookbag with some pamphlets and a book that you have to read by the time class starts. During this presentation you can change your major or turn in any "holds" you have on your account.

9:15-10:15am Campus Connections - you will be meeting your peer advisor and other students that have the same major as you. Your peer advisor will give you a tour of the campus and play icebreaker games so you can connect with your group.

10:15-11:15am Academic Advising 1- here you will go in a classroom with your peer advisor and meet an academic advisor and be introduced to all of the course requirements and more. Later on you will be taken to a computer lab and start picking your classes and leaving them in your "shopping cart."

11:15-11:45am Money Matters - very informative presentation about how to pay for college, your financial aid, disbursements, etc. I advise you take notes during this presentation!

11:45am-12pm Safety and Responsibility - another presentation that mainly focuses on student conduct and FIU's rules and what they expect from you as a student.

12:00-1:15 Lunch - you get a voucher of $8.50 and are allowed to eat anywhere on campus just as long as you meet with your group on time.

1:15-1:45pm shopFIU - presentation about meal plans, the Barnes and Noble Bookstore, all retail venues and information about your FIU One Card.

1:55-2:10pm Panther Camp - information about this 3 day summer camp FIU offers for $90

2:10-2:40pm Panthers Engage - another presentation about student life at FIU

2:45-4:00pm Academic Advising 2 - your academic advisor will go over what class is a best fit for your major and go over University, College and Major requirements along with teaching you how to go through your student portal.

4:00-7:00pm Rotations - you will be doing a little more academic planning with your academic advisor, play in a scavenger hunt and go to the club fair.

7:00-8:30pm Group Dinner - self explanatory

8:30-9:30pm College Life Live - series of skits are played by the peer advisors

9:30pm-12am Evening Activities - each floor of your dorm building are meant for different activities. Theres a board game floor, pizza party floor, dance party floor, karaoke floor, and a arts and crafts floor.

DAY 2

7:45-8:15am Grab and Go Breakfast - little breakfast boxes are made for you but Cafe Bustelo is open if you want something else to eat

8:15-9am Resource Fair - visit these tables for information and giveaways!

9:00-9:15am Wake Up FIU - you learn some FIU history and learn the FIU chant!

9:15-9:45am Student Wellness - presentation on all that the campus has to offer when it comes to your health.

9:45-10:30am Presentations - lots of information so take notes!

10:30am-Until Done Class Registration - the most STRESSFUL process ever. Enrollment. Even though you picked out your classes the previous day, the chances of them still being available by the time you enroll is very low. I had to change my whole schedule around because there were so many students enrolling at the same time that classes were filling up FAST. After you are done enrolling you will be taken to the FIU One Card station to take your picture and receive your school ID :) You are now officially a panther <3

4. Make friends!! If you went to orientation alone, make the best out of it! Don't be shy and talk to someone new! Chances are you might meet someone that will end up being your friend until the end. If you are part of an overnight program, make friends with your roommates because you will be sharing the most memories with them.

5. Just have fun. This is a whole different world than high school. A better world. Almost no one knows or even cares what or who you were in your high school, so this is your chance to start fresh. Make new friends, join some clubs and make memories because these will be the best 4 years of y(our) lives!

If you have any questions about my experience with orientation that I haven't covered, feel free to comment! I hope I helped some of you worry bugs that had no idea what to expect of Orientation. Go class of 2020!!!!!

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