New Student Orientation - Image by tsand via FlickrBy Whitney GoldbachHow important is orientation when it comes to putting down roots at your new college? For many four-year colleges, orientation actually has a lot to do with whether or not freshmen will stay to complete the full four years of their Bachelor's degree.
You shouldn't skip even a day of your Bachelor's program's orientation session, because that means missing valuable information that could have an effect on your college success. Knowing what to expect during orientation can help your excitement to build during the weeks or months leading up to college.
Colleges are putting more thought into orientation sessions for new Bachelor's degree candidates than they ever did in the past. Because these sessions are so important and well-planned, it is important to attend them. You may attend the program during the summer or during move-in week.
Regardless of when orientation is held at your college, it will likely involve a rigorous schedule of information sessions, fun activities, and the chance to get to known both students and faculty. Many schools even have orientation sessions for parents so that moms and dads can get involved in their children's education.
There may even be special orientation sessions for individual Bachelor's degree programs. During this more intimate session, you'll learn what to expect from your department, you'll meet the professors with whom you'll be working with closely, and you'll get a better sense of your fellow students within your major, who may end up becoming your closest friends.
Orientation will help you learn to find your way around campus, but more importantly, it will teach you how to utilize the resources that are available to you. Students who feel lost at college and don't know where to find help when they need it are less likely to stay at that school for the duration of their Bachelor's degree.
During orientation, you'll learn about health services, your food options, the bookstore, the library, and the career services offices. You'll learn where to go to seek help with financial aid questions and who to ask when you have a problem with your class registration. Of course, most students are aware that these resources are available to them, but until they meet the friendly professionals associated with each office or service, they may be disinclined to seek out the appropriate help.
During orientation, you'll also have the chance to learn about and discuss issues that are relevant to all incoming college students. In the past, orientation often did not include sessions that dealt with sexual health, alcohol abuse, credit card debt, and other aspects of life as a new college student. You'll likely benefit from the information and advice you'll receive.
Orientation also means ice-breakers and getting to know others in your freshman class. You may groan when forced to play silly name games, but it helps to get to know people early on. You'll be glad to spot a friendly face in a sea of strangers during your first few weeks at college.
Orientation is a worthy experience for every new college student, and it is something you should plan to attend. You'll be glad you took the time to hear what your new Bachelor's degree program has to offer you. If you choose to earn an online Bachelor, which is a nontraditional college degree, you can still get plenty of information from your school.
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