We are quickly approaching college orientation season and, as someone who just went through their own orientation, I feel the need to bestow my knowledge upon you.
1. Don't over-pack.
GiphyMost college orientations take place over a couple days, meaning that you will most likely have to spend a night or two in a dorm. This doesn't mean you have to pack everything you own, however. Just pack the necessities because, trust me, you won't have time to lounge in the dorm or put on a full face of makeup every morning.
2. Wear walking shoes.
GiphyAll of orientation is walking around campus. Between campus tours and team building, your feet will thank you greatly if you opt for a pair of walking shoes instead of flip flops.
3. Bring a backpack.
GiphyCollege orientation is code for "a lot of free college stuff." You'll get t-shirts, hats, handouts, folders, water bottles, candy, and pretty much anything else they can throw at you. It makes everything a lot easier if you have a backpack to throw everything into to free up your hands.
4. Bring a water bottle.
GiphyAlthough i was lucky enough to get a water bottle (I completely forgot to bring one), not everyone is that lucky. Since most college orientations take place in the summer, it will most likely be hot and the last thing you want to do is pass out in the middle of the tour. So, throw a water bottle in your backpack and try your best to remember to fill it up when you can.
5. Look on the school's website.
GiphyIf your school has an overnight orientation, there is a good chance that they have a school packing list for your night. I would highly recommend that you stick to it. They know what they're talking about. They also might have a schedule of activities which is nice to know so you what to expect.
6. Don't bring a mattress pad.
GiphyDorm beds aren't THAT bad, especially if you're only there for one night. You are already carrying a lot in and out and only have so much room in your bags, you don't want to have to worry about bringing a mattress pad in and out as well.
7. Listen and ask questions.
GiphyYou are going to hear a lot of information in the short time that you are there. Don't be afraid to ask for clarification or dig a little deeper, write something down if you need to. Also, don't be afraid to ask other students questions; they were all in your shoes at one point and they probably have the answer you're looking for.
8. Talk to people.
GiphyAs an introvert, being surrounded by a bunch of new people in a new place is a nightmare, but it ended up not being as bad as I thought it would be. Most of the other people there don't know anyone either, so they're all as clueless. Mention you like the band on someone's shirt, or talk to those with the same major; you may not find you new BFF, but it is nice to be somewhat friendly with some of the people you will be spending the next four years surrounded by.
9. Go to sleep.
GiphyThe days are heavily packed and there is little chance of rest during those days, so I highly recommend trying to get a full night of sleep the night before and turning in somewhat early the nights that you are there.
10. Have RESPONSIBLE fun.
GiphyThere's more than likely a lot of fun going on on campus, some of which are set up just for orientation. I recommend that THOSE are the ones you go to. Although you are technically in college now, they might have a late curfew and allow you to roam campus, but try to stay out of trouble. If they catch you at a party with drinks or just doing something that is wrong, they could end up removing you from the school.
Orientation is your first experience in your new school and it can be such a fun experience. So relax, soak it all up, and try and have (responsible( fun.
Going to the cinema alone is good for your mental health, says science
women in street dancing
Photo by 
man and woman standing in front of louver door
Photo by 
man in black t-shirt holding coca cola bottle
Photo by 
red and white coca cola signage
Photo by 
man holding luggage photo
Photo by 
topless boy in blue denim jeans riding red bicycle during daytime
Photo by 
trust spelled with wooden letter blocks on a table
Photo by 
Everyone is Welcome signage
Photo by 
man with cap and background with red and pink wall l
Photo by 
difficult roads lead to beautiful destinations desk decor
Photo by 
photography of woman pointing her finger near an man
Photo by 
closeup photography of woman smiling
Photo by 
a man doing a trick on a skateboard
Photo by 
two men 
running man on bridge
Photo by 
orange white and black bag
Photo by 
girl sitting on gray rocks
Photo by 
assorted-color painted wall with painting materials
Photo by 
three women sitting on brown wooden bench
Photo by 
Photo by 
Photo by 
Photo by 
Photo by 
people sitting on chair in front of computer
all stars lol GIF by Lifetime
two women talking while looking at laptop computerPhoto by 
shallow focus photography of two boys doing wacky facesPhoto by 
happy birthday balloons with happy birthday textPhoto by 
itty-bitty living space." | The Genie shows Aladdin how… | Flickr
shallow focus photography of dog and catPhoto by 
yellow Volkswagen van on roadPhoto by 
orange i have a crush on you neon light signagePhoto by 
5 Tattoos Artist That Will Make You Want A Tattoo
woman biting pencil while sitting on chair in front of computer during daytimePhoto by 
a scrabbled wooden block spelling the word prizePhoto by 
