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Orientation & Transition Experiences

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incoming

first year students

Incoming First Year Students

  • Academic Advising
  • Required Immunizations, Insurance, & Courses

Welcome!

Your Gopher Transition

Orientation & Transition Experiences is here to support you in your transition to the University of Minnesota. From completing your New Student Checklist to participating in Orientation and Welcome Week, our goal is to provide you with information, experiences, and resources to help you succeed in your time at the U of M.

Please Note: The information below is specific to the Class of 2029 Orientation season. Class of 2030 Orientation information will be released in Spring 2026.

New Student Checklist

Beginning on March 26, confirmed students will receive an email asking them to begin their New Student Checklist (NSC). The NSC is divided into three parts, as outlined in the graphic below. 

The Checklist includes important tasks that each student must complete, such as the Tell Us About Yourself survey, selecting an Orientation date, completing placement testing, and finishing required online training. It will also list any other college-specific tasks to help prepare you for Orientation and the start of the academic year.

New Student Checklist involves various steps such as choosing an Orientation date and completing required modules.

What To Do Before You Start Your New Student Checklist

Claim Your U of M Account

  • First things first, you need to Claim Your University Email Account. Email is the official method of communication at the U of M. All messages about finances, class registration, events, and more are sent to your U of M email, so it is a good idea to start checking it now. 

Apply for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online

  • We encourage you to apply for financial aid. Information about different types of aid programs and the University's financial aid timeline is available at the One Stop website.
Pionee

Apply for Housing

Planning to live on campus? First-year students are guaranteed housing if they:

  • Submit their housing application and $50 non-refundable housing application fee by May 1.

  • Submit their $200 housing guarantee payment by May 15.

Housing ApplicationHousing Questions

Orientation

Orientation flag

A two-day Orientation with an overnight stay in a residence hall is required of all new students. Throughout the Orientation program, you will learn about University resources, meet with an academic advisor, and register for classes. 

Family Orientation

Family at Orientation

Thousands of families and supporters also attend their own Orientation every summer. Invite your family and supporters to register for Family Orientation.

Welcome Week

Students for the letter M at Pride & Spirit

Welcome Week is a required week-long event designed to help you transition to campus. During the week, you will learn to navigate campus, spend time in small groups, engage with campus and community resources, and participate in campus traditions. 

Start Following OTE Social Media

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Get In Touch

If you have any questions regarding Student Orientation or Welcome Week, we would be happy to answer your questions.

 

Contact Us

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Orientation & Transition Experiences

In an effort to support each student during their transition to the U of M and on their path to graduation, Orientation & Transition Experiences offers high-quality, dynamic experiences that cultivate community and empower students to champion their own development and leverage campus resources.

 [email protected]

612-624-1979

 315 Coffman Memorial Union
300 Washington Avenue SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455

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  • Incoming First Year Students
    • Academic Advising
    • Required Immunizations, Insurance, & Courses
  • Incoming Transfer Students
    • Preparing for Your Advising
    • Required Immunizations, Insurance, & Courses
  • January Student Orientation
    • January Winter Welcome Days
  • Current Students
    • Class of 2029
    • Transfer Students
    • Second Year Students
    • All Students
  • Family & Student Supporters
    • January Family Orientation
  • Leadership & Employment
    • Paid Student Positions
    • Student Volunteer Positions
      • Welcome Week Volunteers
    • Professional Staff Opportunities
      • About the Twin Cities
  • Communication & Publications
    • Email Communications
    • Newsletters
    • Welcome Students Posters
    • Social Media
  • About OTE
    • Driving Directions
    • First-Year Assessment
    • Our Staff
    • Sponsors & Partners
      • Explore U Event
    • Commuter Success Program
    • My U, My View Student Art Gallery