Heading off to college can be both exciting and overwhelming, especially when you're gearing up for orientation at the University of Georgia. As you prepare to embark on this new chapter of your academic journey, there are several key things to keep in mind to ensure a smooth transition into campus life. Here's what you need to know before attending UGA's orientation.
1. Familiarize Yourself with the Campus:
Before setting foot on campus for orientation, take some time to familiarize yourself with UGA's layout. Explore the campus map online, identify key buildings such as the Tate Student Center, the Main Library, and the Miller Learning Center, and get a sense of where important facilities like dining halls, residence halls, and academic buildings are located. This will help you navigate campus more confidently during orientation and beyond. It may also be helpful to prepare for parking difficulties, as this is an unfortunate hallmark of UGA life. Read more on our UGA Parking Guide to prepare yourself.
2. Review Your Orientation Schedule:
UGA's orientation program is packed with informative sessions, group activities, and opportunities to connect with fellow students and campus resources. Take a close look at your orientation schedule to see what sessions and events are planned for each day. Make note of any mandatory sessions, as well as optional workshops or social activities that you're interested in attending. Planning ahead will ensure that you don't miss out on any important information or experiences during orientation. If you plan correctly, you may even leave room in your visit for touring an Athens apartment or site seeing around Downtown Athens.
3. Come Prepared with Questions:
Orientation is your chance to learn everything you need to know about life at UGA, so don't be afraid to ask questions! Whether you're curious about academic advising, campus housing, student organizations, or dining options, orientation staff and current students are there to help. Come prepared with a list of questions you have about college life, and take advantage of the opportunity to get answers from knowledgeable sources. Check out our UGA Student Guide to get answers to your questions for current Dawgs!
4. Get to Know Your Academic Advisor:
One of the most important aspects of orientation is meeting with your academic advisor to plan your class schedule for the upcoming semester. Your advisor will help you navigate UGA's academic requirements, choose courses that align with your interests and goals, and register for classes. Be sure to come to your advising appointment with an open mind, a copy of any placement test scores or AP/IB credits you may have, and a list of courses you're interested in taking.
5. Connect with Peers:
Orientation is a great opportunity to start building connections with your fellow classmates. Take advantage of group activities, icebreaker games, and social events to meet new people and forge friendships. Remember that everyone else is in the same boat as you, so don't be afraid to strike up conversations and introduce yourself. Building a support network of peers early on will help you feel more at home on campus and navigate the college experience together. This is a way many students find their future roommates at Orientation!
6. Take Care of Yourself:
Orientation can be a busy and overwhelming time, so it's important to prioritize self-care. Be sure to get plenty of rest, stay hydrated, and eat nutritious meals throughout the day. Take breaks when you need them, and don't hesitate to reach out for support if you're feeling stressed or anxious. Remember that it's okay to take things one step at a time, and that you're not alone in this transition.
7. Be Prepared for Fall:
Orientation is a great time to get an idea of who you want to be in college. Decide what clubs to get involved in, what major you want to pursue, whether you'd like to rush in Greek life, etc. It's also a great time to start thinking about your off-campus UGA apartment. While this may seem premature, UGA freshman apartment hunting typically begins in October!
Attending orientation at the University of Georgia is an exciting opportunity to learn, connect, and prepare for the next chapter of your academic journey. By familiarizing yourself with the campus, reviewing your orientation schedule, asking questions, meeting with your academic advisor, connecting with peers, and taking care of yourself, you'll be well-equipped to make the most of your orientation experience and start your college career off on the right foot.