Dear Incoming UNC Freshman, Here Are 10 Tips To Help You Survive Orientation
Start writing a post
Arts Entertainment

Dear incoming UNC freshman, here are 10 tips to help you survive orientation

So....why am I here again?

626
Dear incoming UNC freshman, here are 10 tips to help you survive orientation

Every upperclassmen will tell you that orientation is its own little form of hell. You sit there for two days to listen to people talk about financial aid packages and housing and all you want to do is be in college and not have to worry about any of that. Don't worry, you aren't alone in this. Every incoming freshman has to go through it at some point or another, so from me to you here are some helpful tips to get through it. Oh, and one tip that wasn't added, don't forget shower shoes. I'll leave that at the don't ask, don't tell policy.

1. Bring your walking shoes

c1.staticflickr.com

Even if your campus isn't that large, you will be doing plenty of walking in the day or two that you are there. Between tours and being dragged from one session to the next, it isn't really the most convenient time to wear five-inch heels. Trust me on this one: stick to the Nikes, they'll be your best friend.

2. Even after the tour, you're still going to get lost

Giphy

Take a deep breath, don't worry we were all just as lost as you were at one point. No one actually expects you to have the entire campus memorized after one tour. Also, just a fun fact: you aren't going to see the entire campus, just the hot spots, so don't worry when on the first day you have a class in a building you never knew existed. It happens to the best of us.

3. They really don't help you out with class registration

goo.gl

Honestly, had it not been for my orientation leader I would've been screwed when it came to registration. The administrators from the registrar mean well, and are there to try and help you, but their advice really isn't all that great. They give general feedback about potential classes you can take based on credits you've received from AP or IB testing but never give you any helpful tips for registration day. If your school let you register at orientation, count your blessings, because not all of us are that lucky.

4. You won't immediately become BFFs with people in your orientation group

Giphy

To be fair, I have heard of people becoming great friends with people they met at orientation, but that isn't always the case. Freshman year is all about meeting new people and putting yourself out there,, so you may find that you become friends with some of the people you meet at orientation. That doesn't automatically make them your best friend. They're great people to cling to for the first few weeks while you get acclimated to college, but very rarely will you find your best friend at orientation.

5. Prepared to be overwhelmed

Giphy

This GIF is probably an accurate depiction of me sitting in the seats at orientation as they attempt to throw four years worth of information at you in two days. There are so many different sessions spanning from housing to financial aid to meal plans and it all just seems to muddle together. Don't worry though, I couldn't tell you a thing about what they said at orientation and I seem to be doing just fine now.

6. Also....be prepared to be bored out of your mind

Giphy

As I said before, it's a lot of information thrown at you way too fast. Don't worry though there are some fun things thrown in there every now and again, but keep in mind it is an informational session. If you dose off....just don't fall out of your chair. No one wants to start off college being THAT guy.

7. The dining hall food they give you at orientation isn't the food you get throughout the year

goo.gl

OK, first let me explain. You aren't going to get five Michelin star type service at your dining hall. But for some reason they want to reel you in and get you to commit to buying a meal plan while you're there, so they prepare their best meals then. Give it a few weeks into the semester and you'll regret giving into that unlimited plan. Also, pro tip: don't get the unlimited plan unless you eat four or five times a day. It really isn't worth it, but that's just me.

8. Don't be the person who only wants to sneak out or party

Giphy

You are less than three months away from being on your own at college. Yes, I understand college is cool and you want to experience it all but during the summer there really isn't all that much to do anyways. Also, you run the risk of losing the respect of others around you, and possibly a lot more. Not to mention, you'll be out doing things until around one in the morning only to have to be up at seven anyways. Get some sleep, that's more important.

9. You don't have to dress to the nines

Giphy

It's going to be hot and you're going to be sweaty. There's no need to wear your Sunday best to orientation. No one really cares anyways. Most college students find themselves decked in running shorts and t-shirts anyways so might as well get yourself started early. Also, being comfortable is key because you'll be moving around a lot and extremely busy. Do yourself a favor and ditch the tux for some shorts and a band tee.

10. You will fall in love with your campus!

c2.staticflickr.com

As hot as it will be and as exhausted as you'll be after it's all said and done, you'll find that it was well worth it. I have never regretted a single second I've been on my campus, orientation included. It's the first time you get to see your new home for the next few years, and that's exciting! Take it all in because this will be home to you before you know it.

College orientation sucks. It's long, it's boring and it's basically pointless. We all go through it though so I hope these tips help make the process a little less stressful and annoying. Oh, and congrats on graduating and moving on to the next step in your journey!

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

56765
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

36579
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

958398
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

189201
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments