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January

Orientation

Incoming Transfer Students

  • Orientation
  • Preparing for Your Advising
  • Required Immunizations, Insurance, & Courses
  • Welcome Week Transfer Track

Welcome!

Your Gopher Transition

Snowman on campus

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 Winter Welcome Days, our goal is to provide you with resources and experiences to help you succeed in your time at the U of M. We can’t wait to welcome you!

Please Note: The information below is specific to January Orientation. Summer 2026 Orientation information will be released in the Spring of 2026.

On this page:

  • Orientation Basics
  • What to Expect at Orientation
  • Winter Welcome Days
  • Zoom Orientation Instructions
  • Parking During the School Year

Orientation Basics

We are excited to kick off your journey with a one-day orientation, available in person or remotely. Orientation is required for all new students and we strongly encourage in-person attendance to get the full experience, meeting peers, faculty, and exploring campus. 

1. New Student Checklist Email

On November 12, 2025, the New Student Checklist was emailed to all new confirmed students. Students who confirm their admission after November 12 will receive the email a short time later.

2. Start Your New Student Checklist

  • Once you receive your email, access your New Student Checklist to prepare you for your spring semester at the U. Completing the New Student Checklist is required of all incoming students before attending Orientation.
  • The checklist is personalized to you and includes the tasks you need to complete before attending Orientation.

3. Select Your Orientation Date

You select your Orientation date through the New Student Checklist. 

4. Attend Your Orientation and Welcome Days in January

What to expect during Orientation

  • Your one-day Orientation includes learning about life on campus, registering for classes, meeting other new students, and exploring campus resources.
  • Orientation starts at 8 a.m. and runs until approximately 3 p.m.
  • You will access your schedule through the Orientation Hub 24 to 48 hours before your Orientation with your Internet ID and password.
  • You will meet with an academic advisor from your college and register for your spring semester classes.
  • Limited remote Orientation dates are available, depending on your college and major.
  • We encourage you to invite family and student supporters to attend your in-person Orientation! They'll have sessions designed just for them to help support you in your University of Minnesota journey.

TIP: Orientation dates fill quickly, so be sure to complete your New Student Checklist as soon as possible.

Winter Welcome Days 2026

Winter Welcome Days are held in the first weeks after classes begin to officially welcome new students and welcome current students back to campus. Some of the reasons to attend Welcome events:

Goldy
  • Connect with other new students

  • Meet professional staff

  • Learn about campus resources

  • Get answers to any last-minute question

  • Chances to win prizes

  • Everyone will receive some sweet U of M swag! Free parking is available for new students

  • You will learn more about Winter Welcome Week after your Orientation date

Remote Orientation

If you are unable to attend Orientation in person and your college has approved a remote option, you will need to participate in Zoom Orientation on your scheduled date.


Setting Up for Remote Orientation

To ensure a smooth remote Orientation, please complete the following steps before your scheduled start time:

  1. Log in to your U of M Zoom Account.
    • Use your UMN Internet ID and password to log in to your U of M Zoom account.
    • We recommend downloading the Zoom desktop app or the Chromebook Zoom App (if applicable) and signing in before your Orientation day to check that everything is working.
  2. Access Your Schedule.
    • Log in to the Orientation Hub with your Internet ID and Password.
    • Your personalized schedule will be available 24-48 hours before your Orientation. Review it beforehand so you know when to attend your sessions.
    • Zoom links for each session will populate in the Orientation Hub 15 minutes before the scheduled start time.
  3. Family/Supporter Attendance.
    • If you plan on having a family member or supporter attend any part of your remote Orientation (they are not allowed in advising appointments), you must complete the FERPA survey beforehand.

Resources

  • For technical help, please refer to the University’s Information Technology (IT) office self-help guide.
  • You can also find a getting started webinar on the Zoom website: Registration | Zoom: Get Started.
Church Street Parking Garage

Parking During the School Year

Student parking contracts opened on November 12 for spring and will open on July 22 for fall. Contracts are available on a first-come, first-served basis. If you are interested in a student parking contract on campus, visit the Parking and Transportation Services website.

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
    • Orientation
    • Preparing for Your Advising
    • Required Immunizations, Insurance, & Courses
    • Welcome Week
  • Incoming Transfer Students
    • Orientation
    • Preparing for Your Advising
    • Required Immunizations, Insurance, & Courses
    • Welcome Week Transfer Track
  • Current Students
    • Class of 2029
    • Transfer Students
    • Second Year Students
    • All Students
  • Family & Student Supporters
    • Family & Student Supporters of First Year Students
    • Family & Student Supporters of Transfer Students
    • Overnight Accommodations for Families & Student Supporters
  • 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