Your Comprehensive Guide to UGA Freshman Orientation

Embarking on your college journey at the University of Georgia (UGA) is an exciting milestone. New Student Orientation is designed to help both students and their families transition smoothly into university life. This guide provides essential information and tips to help you prepare for and make the most of your UGA freshman orientation experience.

Understanding the Purpose of Orientation

When you first arrive at UGA orientation, you might be accompanied by your parents, perhaps feeling a mix of anticipation and apprehension. It's a time when you realize the support system you've always had at home will soon be experienced from a distance. However, orientation is designed to transform these feelings into excitement and confidence. Over the course of the orientation, you'll discover new friends, mentors, and a wealth of opportunities that await you over the next four years.

Key Requirements Before Attending Orientation

All incoming fall start first-year and transfer students are required to complete several important steps:

Complete the online UGA 101 modules.
Attend an in-person orientation session.
Meet with an academic advisor during the in-person orientation session.

UGA 101 Modules will be accessible via eLearning Commons (eLC). Students can log in to eLC directly using their MyID credentials. Students must complete their UGA 101 Modules prior to attending their in-person orientation session. Academic advising appointments will be held during the in-person orientation session.

Registration for in-person orientation sessions will be accessible on the student’s application status page in early November.

Preparing for Orientation: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Accessing Important Information on MyStatus

The first step in preparing for orientation is to access your MyStatus page. This online portal contains essential information, updates, and requirements specific to your orientation.

2. Crafting Your "Perfect Schedule"

Planning your academic schedule is a crucial part of orientation. Here’s how to approach it:

Consult the UGA Bulletin: Use the UGA bulletin to look up your major class requirements, as well as classes that all students have to take. You can also find a list of languages offered and P.E. classes you can choose.
Explore Freshman Odyssey Classes: Look at the list of Freshman Odyssey Classes and pick about 10 that sound interesting to you (make sure to write down the CRN numbers).
Plan Your Credit Hours: A typical first-year schedule is about 12-15 credit hours. Each class is usually 3 credit hours (FYOs are only 1), so plan your schedule accordingly.
Prepare Backup Options: I would recommend picking a few extra classes in case your top choices are full.
Organize Your Information: Once you have all of this, put it in a folder or notebook along with some extra paper to bring with you to orientation.
Advising Appointment: When you go to your advising appointment, you will meet with an advisor who will help you iron out the details of your schedule before you go into registration.

3. Packing Essentials for Orientation

In addition to the basics like toiletries, bedding, clothes (for warm weather!!), and comfy walking shoes, you will need the following things: shower shoes, an umbrella, and the folder you made with your registration information. I recommend carrying this in a small backpack, but really anything will work. Most importantly, don’t over pack. We aren’t moving in just yet.

4. Utilizing the UGA Welcome App

Download the UGA welcome app!!!! It has the schedule and some pretty useful information such as the schedule, a map, and information about the OLs.

5. Connecting with Orientation Leaders (OLs)

Orientation Leaders are there specifically to help you understand UGA and help you navigate your way through your first year. Also, they are super nice and can help you learn some great tricks to make friends and get involved on campus.

6. Embracing Social Opportunities

Everyone is feeling kind of uncomfortable, and most people don’t know anyone around them, so everyone is in the same boat. Randomly talking to people might feel weird at first, but it really isn’t, and chances are, they probably wanted to talk to you but were too nervous. Talking to people is the best way to make friends, and who knows, that random person you sit with at lunch could be in one of your classes or could end up in the same student organization as you!

7. Participating in UGA Traditions

Especially if this means participating in some of UGA’s many traditions. Ring the bell, get insomnia cookies, or jump in the fountain at Herty Field! Don’t worry, you’re home now! This is the place where you will make friends, memories, and a degree that will last a lifetime.

Understanding Orientation Costs and Refund Policy

It’s important to understand the costs associated with orientation and the university's refund policy.

Cost for Students: The orientation fee is $110 for both First Year and Transfer students.
- First Year Students: This cost is covered by your commitment deposit - no further payment is required.
- Transfer Students: This cost is covered by your commitment deposit and your orientation administration fee. Visit your application status portal to render payment for your orientation administration fee.
Cost for Guests:
- $65 for the first guest
- $50 for each additional guest (up to 2 additional guests)All guests, including children, must be registered in advance. Guest registration and payment are managed in the student application status portal. Guest registration is not finalized until payment is rendered. If you need assistance registering additional guests, please contact our office.
Age-Based Admission Policy: Children 12 and under may attend free of charge when registered with a guest. Children over the age of 12 are subject to the standard guest fee.
Refund Policy: Please note that we have a no refunds policy. New Student Orientation is a self-sustained program, meaning we must cover all related expenses for each participant. We have worked to keep costs as low as possible, and guest fees only cover essential program expenses. We never want cost to be a barrier to having family members or supporters join you at orientation. If the guest fee presents a financial challenge, please let us know-we are happy to work with you to ensure you have the support you need as you begin your journey at UGA.

Orientation Program

First-year and transfer students will participate in a 1-day, in-person orientation session. The orientation session will allow students the chance to connect with other incoming students, receive a more in-depth introduction to the University of Georgia, and participate in small groups led by current UGA students.

Resources for Parents and Families

At the University of Georgia, we celebrate the start of your student’s collegiate journey as a pivotal milestone for both students and their families. We view families as essential partners in student success and are excited to provide the tools, knowledge, and resources to help you confidently navigate this new chapter. Through engaging Orientation sessions, updates on UGA programs, and connections with campus experts and fellow Bulldog families, you’ll gain valuable insights into supporting your student. Explore our curated resources, join us in Athens, and prepare to thrive together as part of the Bulldog Nation.

Parents, family members, and any individuals who are a part of a student’s support system, are welcome to attend New Student Orientation. During sessions, parents and family members will participate in a separate schedule that focuses on the tools, resources, and information necessary to provide the best support to your new Georgia Bulldog. These sessions will include topics such as housing, financial aid, health resources, campus safety, academics, and many other facets of the student experience.

With New Student Orientation just a few days away, you probably have a few questions about what to expect. Whether it’s your first time taking a student to college orientation or you’ve done this before, Orientation can feel a little overwhelming for families as well as students.

Maximizing Your Orientation Experience

Orientation is more than just a formality; it's an opportunity to set the stage for a successful and fulfilling college experience. By actively participating, asking questions, and connecting with others, you can gain a deeper understanding of UGA's resources, build a supportive network, and start your journey as a Georgia Bulldog on the right foot.

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