Key takeaways:
- Attending freshman orientation helps new college students get to know their campus and find answers to important questions, making the adjustment to college smoother.
- During orientation, students can learn more about meal plans, academic resources, when and how to sign up for classes, and much more.
- Parents may also have a chance to ask about things like insurance options, tuition payment schedules, and available student services.
- Use this checklist to ensure both students and parents get the information they need.
College orientation covers a lot of information, and you may end up forgetting to ask some important questions during the session. So we’ve created a printable checklist of questions to ask at college freshman orientation to take with you–one for parents and one for students!
Orientation speakers will likely cover many of these questions, but just in case you’ll have these checklists handy! Check off each topic as they come up and use the back to scribble down some notes!
Checklist of Parent Questions
- Where can I find the academic calendar?
- Where are the details of the dining plans/dining dollars? Do dining dollars roll over each semester?
- What types of insurance does the student health center accept?
- How are housing and tuition payments made?
- What sort of campus safety resources/programs are in place?
- Can freshmen have cars? If not, what sort of transportation is available?
- If my child is overwhelmed, what counseling services are available?
- What sort of access do I have to my student’s information–like grades or schedule?
- When will we receive information about move-in day?
- What is your parental notification policy? Will the college inform me of campus emergencies?
- How do I find out my child’s mailing address?
- What student employment options are there?
- What kind of career/academic advising services are offered here?
- Do academic advisors only help first-year students?
- What are the guest policies for visiting my student?
- What sort of financial aid opportunities are available through the school?
- If my student has a disability, how will the school accommodate them?
Checklist of Student Questions
- Where can I find the full orientation schedule?
- What are the best housing options?
- How do I contact my roommate prior to moving in?
- Can I request a different roommate if we don’t get along?
- What if I get locked out of my room?
- When should I buy textbooks?
- What is covered in the meal plan? Are there different types?
- How do I declare or switch a major?
- What opportunities are there for research within my major?
- How common is study abroad/what study abroad programs are offered?
- What are the most popular clubs on campus?
- What intramural sports are offered?
- How often do students leave campus/what activities are there in the surrounding area?
- Is there a strong alumni network?
- What is the average class size?
- When do students typically move off campus?
- How do I create my schedule? Can I add/drop classes later?
- What kind of career/academic advising services are offered here?
- What academic resources are there?
- Are there campus-wide emergency-alerts?
- If I feel overwhelmed and need to talk to somebody, where should I go?
- How / where do I sign up for a sport, club, or student organization?
- Is there a fitness center?
- What sort of financial aid opportunities are available?
- What is your best piece of advice for incoming students?
As a first-year student, you’ve got questions. Don’t hesitate to ask them! Orientation provides an excellent opportunity to obtain the information you need to ensure a successful transition to life on campus and maximize your college experience.
Need more tips to help make life in college easier? Check out our Student Hub for resources to support you every step of the way.
