Orientation Basics
We are excited to kick off your journey with a one-day orientation, available in person or remotely, depending on your college of admission. Orientation is required for all new students and most students will attend Orientation in-person on the UMN campus to get the full experience to meet peers and faculty, and explore campus. Please review your New Student Checklist to see what Orientation dates and modalities are available in your college.
1. Start Your New Student Checklist
Beginning November 11, 2026, once you have confirmed your admission to the University of Minnesota and paid your confirmation fee, you will receive an email asking you to begin your New Student Checklist (NSC). The NSC is divided into two parts. You will receive the first part on November 11 and the second on January 12. You must complete both sections soon after they are sent.
The checklist includes important tasks you must complete, such as the Tell Us About Yourself survey, selecting an Orientation date, completing placement testing, and finishing required online training. It also lists any college-specific tasks to help prepare you for Orientation and the start of the academic year. 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. Select Your Orientation Date
You select your Orientation date through the New Student Checklist. Spring 2027 includes Orientation date options from January 8 through January 14. Orientation is a one-day program that is required for all incoming students. 3. Attend Your Orientation & Winter Welcome Days in January
