New Student Checklist

The checklist is divided into three steps. You will receive an email with instructions on what to complete at each step.

Step 1 — Once you have confirmed your admission and paid your confirmation fee
You will receive an email asking you to complete the New Student Survey, choose your Orientation date and upload a picture for your U Card (student ID).

Step 2 — May 1
You will receive an email with additional tasks to be completed prior to your Orientation Date, including your Orientation Prep course.

Step 3 — July 24
You will receive an email asking you to complete your required Online Educational Modules and your Campus Transition Resources canvas course.

June & July Two-Day, On-Campus Orientation:

Attending Orientation and the overnight stay is required.

• You will meet with your academic advisor, attend campus resource sessions, and register for Fall 2026 courses.

• Your program includes spending the night in a residence hall. You can learn more about this requirement in the Overnight Accommodations section.

Student schedule overview:

Day 1

• Morning: Check-in, Resource Fair, and University Welcome

• Afternoon: Lunch, meet with your college representatives, campus resource sessions

• Evening: Dinner, sessions, and fun late-night activities

Day 2

• Breakfast, registering for classes, additional optional sessions

Instructions for accessing your personal schedule will be provided approximately 2–3 days before your Orientation date.

August Two-Day, On-Campus Orientation (No Overnight)

Attending Orientation is required.

• You will meet with your academic advisor, attend campus resource sessions, and register for Fall 2026 courses.

• Please note: Orientation is a two-day experience, however overnight housing is not provided. View the Overnight Accommodations section for more information and options.

Student schedule overview:

Day 1

• Morning: Check-in, Resource Fair, and University Welcome

• Afternoon: Lunch, meet with your college representatives, campus resource sessions. Your day will end around 5:15 p.m.

Day 2

• Registering for classes and additional optional sessions

Instructions for accessing your personal schedule will be provided approximately 2–3 days before your Orientation date.

Disability

We value disability as an aspect of diversity and want to ensure that you are able to fully participate in all programming available to you. If you have a disability or health condition, or suspect you have one, and would like to have a confidential discussion about accommodations, please contact the Disability Resource Center (DRC) at 612-626-1333 or [email protected] at least seven days in advance. Some accommodations may take time to arrange. You may also schedule a consultation. 

Mobility

If you have a short-term disability (i.e. broken leg) and would have difficulty traveling long distances during Orientation, please contact the Orientation & Transition Experiences office for accommodations at [email protected].

Dietary Accommodations

You will indicate your dietary accommodation needs on your Tell Us About Yourself survey. If you have a change to your needs, please visit your New Student Checklist and update your survey.

June & July Orientation Sessions

First-year students attending Orientation in June and July are required to stay one night in Comstock Hall in order to get a taste of the full University experience. Most students will be assigned a roommate to share a room with overnight. This is a great opportunity to meet other new students!

• If you need to request a religious exemption from the overnight requirement, please email [email protected] before you arrive for Orientation. If you have a medical exemption request, you must contact the Disability Resource Center before you arrive for Orientation.
• Those students granted an exemption must still attend state-mandated programming until 9 p.m. on Orientation Day 1 and then return early the next morning for Orientation Day 2.

August Orientation Sessions

On-campus lodging is NOT provided as part of the Orientation programs in August. However, limited on-campus housing is available in Centennial Hall at the cost of $42 (including tax) per night.  

Accommodations for Additional Nights

On-Campus

If you need to stay an extra night before or after your Orientation date, on-campus space will be available in Centennial Hall. The cost is $42 per night (including tax) and check-in will take place after 3 p.m. on the day of your stay. When you register for on-campus accommodations, you will be prompted to create an account.

Please note: If you stay in Centennial the night prior to your Orientation date, you will need to check out of Centennial before you check-in for Orientation. You can bring your luggage to the Orientation & Transition Experiences office located in room 315 in Coffman Memorial Union. You will retrieve it when your Orientation day concludes. 

Off-Campus

You can also review off-campus hotels recommended by Orientation & Transition Experiences for the stay before or after your Orientation.

Whether you are driving to campus or arriving via public transit, you can find your way to Orientation using these directions. If driving, please be mindful that morning traffic may cause delays in arriving to campus.

Parking will be in the East River Road Garage. 

There are two entrances into East River Road Garage, please make sure you are entering the Public Entrance (pictured) and not the Contract Entrance.

After parking in the East River Road Garage:

• Take the elevator to Level 1 (Plaza).

• Walk outside to the plaza. You will cross the street (Delaware St. SE) to either the Coffman Memorial Union (CMU) stairs or to accessible CMU entrance on the west side of the building.

You will receive a voucher in your Get Ready for Orientation email that will have a QR code to be used for discounted parking.

When you check-in to Orientation you will receive some program materials. We recommend you pack your overnight items in a small carry-on or backpack. 

What you should bring:

• Comfortable clothing and shoes for your second day
• Personal hygiene products, soap, and toiletries (June & July Orientation Sessions)
• Notebook and pen/pencil
• Device you use for Duo Security and chargers
• Credit/debit card to pay for parking/mobile pay
• Umbrella or rain jacket in case of rain
• Light sweater or jacket for air-conditioned rooms
• Device charger
• Reusable water bottle to stay hydrated

What is provided by the residence hall (June & July Orientation sessions):

• Pillow, sheet, light blanket, towel, washcloth
• Free wireless internet
• All rooms are air conditioned and feature a twin XL bed, desk, chair, closet, and dresser
• Gender-specific and gender neutral shared bathrooms are found on each floor
• 24-hour staffed Information Desk

You will not have access to your luggage until later in the evening. Plan to carry the items you will need throughout the day (backpack, notebook, devices, charger, etc.) and have your overnight items in a separate bag.