UGA Freshman Orientation: A Comprehensive Guide for New Students and Families

Embarking on your college journey at the University of Georgia (UGA) is an exciting milestone. New Student Orientation is designed to support both students and their families in this transition. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of what to expect during UGA's freshman orientation, ensuring a smooth and successful start to your university life.

Introduction: Transitioning to University Life at UGA

Heading off to college marks a significant chapter, filled with anticipation and perhaps a touch of apprehension. UGA's New Student Orientation program is designed to ease this transition, preparing students for academic and social engagement within the UGA community. The program supports the Division of Student Affairs' mission: to inspire students to engage meaningfully, grow intellectually, and build character so they will create thriving communities. As you prepare to join the UGA community, the orientation program aims to support you throughout this transition as you progress towards a timely graduation!

Orientation Requirements for Incoming Students

New Student Orientation is committed to helping prepare our newest students for success in their first year at UGA. To ensure a comprehensive introduction to the university, all incoming fall start first-year and transfer students are required to complete several key components:

UGA 101 Modules: These online modules are a series of videos, information pages, and links to resources designed to help incoming students connect with and learn about various campus resources, programs, and organizations.
In-Person Orientation Session: Attending an in-person 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.
Academic Advising Appointment: Incoming students will meet with their academic advisor during their in-person orientation session. Academic advising appointments will be held during the in-person orientation session.

Access to UGA 101 modules and in-person orientation session registration will be accessible on the student’s application status page. It is recommended that you complete any necessary placement exams before your advising appointment. Students are required to complete their UGA 101 modules prior to attending their in-person orientation session.

UGA 101 Modules: Your Virtual Introduction to UGA

The UGA 101 modules are a critical first step in your orientation process. These modules are a series of videos, information pages, and links to resources that will help incoming students connect with and learn about various campus resources, programs, and organizations. They provide a virtual tour of campus life, covering everything from academic resources to student organizations.

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What to Expect in the Modules

Each module has mechanisms at the end to test what you learned and to ensure that incoming students are remembering the important information. The modules are designed to be informative and engaging, ensuring you retain the key information needed for a successful start at UGA.

Accessing and Reviewing the Information

The UGA 101 modules are accessible on the student’s application status page. The information within the modules is designed to be easily accessible and reviewable. It is recommended that you complete any necessary placement exams before your advising appointment.

In-Person Orientation: Connecting with the UGA Community

The in-person orientation session is an invaluable opportunity to connect with the UGA community. 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.

What to Expect During the Session

During the in-person orientation, you'll participate in small groups led by current UGA students. These sessions provide a more in-depth introduction to the University of Georgia.

Connecting with Peers and Current Students

Orientation is your chance to learn everything you need to know about life at UGA, so don't be afraid to ask questions! Take advantage of group activities, icebreaker games, and social events to meet new people and forge friendships. Remember that everyone else is in the same boat as you, so don't be afraid to strike up conversations and introduce yourself. Building a support network of peers early on will help you feel more at home on campus and navigate the college experience together. This is a way many students find their future roommates at Orientation!

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Academic Advising: Charting Your Academic Path

Academic advising is a cornerstone of the orientation experience. Incoming students will meet with their academic advisor during their in-person orientation session.

Preparing for Your Advising Appointment

Before meeting with your advisor, take some time to prepare. It is recommended that you complete any necessary placement exams before your advising appointment. Explore the semester Course Schedule before meeting with your advisor and create a tentative list of course options.

What to Discuss with Your Advisor

During your advising appointment, your advisor will help you navigate UGA's academic requirements, choose courses that align with your interests and goals, and register for classes. Be sure to come to your advising appointment with an open mind, a copy of any placement test scores or AP/IB credits you may have, and a list of courses you're interested in taking.

Changing Your Major

Want to change your major? Complete the Academic Advising: Step One information form. Forms for First Year Students and Transfer Students are both available.

Important Note for Supporters

Academic advisors meet with students only, so make sure your supporters understand that you are expected to take control of your academic planning and goal setting during the advising appointment.

Placement Exams: Assessing Your Academic Preparedness

Placement exams are designed to assess your current skill level in various subjects and help determine the appropriate course level for you. It is recommended that you complete any necessary placement exams before your advising appointment.

Exam Details

All exams have a 1-hour time limit but often do not require the whole hour. Please choose the UGA Students, Faculty, and Staff option under Register for an Exam and sign in with your UGA MyID. Placement exams cost $30 each.

Remote and In-Person Options

English, Spanish, French, and Hebrew are given remotely through ELC, UGA’s learning management system. Math, Italian, and German placement exams are paper exams that are administered in-person.

In-Person Exam Locations and Times

You can take these exams between 8:30 am and 10:30am (latest test start time is 10:30am) during Day 1 of orientation in the Miller Learning Center. The room will be listed in the “Schedule” tab of the “Welcome to UGA” app. You can also take paper placement exams at Accessibility and Testing’s office in Clark Howell Hall, right next to the Tate Student Center, on UGA’s Athens campus. They are open every Monday-Friday 8am-5pm. During orientation, their office will open at 7:30am to allow placement exams to be taken before orientation begins.

Orientation for Parents, Families, and Supporters

New Student Orientation aims to help our parents, families, and supporters to be a great resource for our new students by providing them with UGA updates, information on campus resources, and advice from campus experts and other Bulldog parents and families. Parents, family members, and any individuals who are a part of a student’s support system, are welcome to attend New Student Orientation.

A Pivotal Milestone

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.

Separate Sessions for Parents and Families

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.

Tools, Knowledge, and Resources

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.

Costs and Refund Policy

Here’s what you need to know about the costs and our refund policy:

Cost for Students: The orientation fee is $100 for Transfer Students and $110 for First Year Students. This cost is covered by your commitment deposit.
Cost for Guests: $65 for the first guest, $50 for each additional guest (up to 2 additional guests).
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.

Financial Assistance

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.

Preparing for Orientation: A Checklist

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.

Here's what you need to know before attending UGA's orientation.

Familiarize Yourself with the Campus: Before setting foot on campus for orientation, take some time to familiarize yourself with UGA's layout. Explore the campus map online, identify key buildings such as the Tate Student Center, the Main Library, and the Miller Learning Center, and get a sense of where important facilities like dining halls, residence halls, and academic buildings are located. This will help you navigate campus more confidently during orientation and beyond. It may also be helpful to prepare for parking difficulties, as this is an unfortunate hallmark of UGA life. Read more on our UGA Parking Guide to prepare yourself.
Review Your Orientation Schedule: UGA's orientation program is packed with informative sessions, group activities, and opportunities to connect with fellow students and campus resources. Take a close look at your orientation schedule to see what sessions and events are planned for each day. Make note of any mandatory sessions, as well as optional workshops or social activities that you're interested in attending. Planning ahead will ensure that you don't miss out on any important information or experiences during orientation. If you plan correctly, you may even leave room in your visit for touring an Athens apartment or site seeing around Downtown Athens.
Come Prepared with Questions: Orientation is your chance to learn everything you need to know about life at UGA, so don't be afraid to ask questions! Whether you're curious about academic advising, campus housing, student organizations, or dining options, orientation staff and current students are there to help. Come prepared with a list of questions you have about college life, and take advantage of the opportunity to get answers from knowledgeable sources. Check out our UGA Student Guide to get answers to your questions for current Dawgs!
Get to Know Your Academic Advisor: One of the most important aspects of orientation is meeting with your academic advisor to plan your class schedule for the upcoming semester. Your advisor will help you navigate UGA's academic requirements, choose courses that align with your interests and goals, and register for classes. Be sure to come to your advising appointment with an open mind, a copy of any placement test scores or AP/IB credits you may have, and a list of courses you're interested in taking.
Connect with Peers: Orientation is a great opportunity to start building connections with your fellow classmates. Take advantage of group activities, icebreaker games, and social events to meet new people and forge friendships. Remember that everyone else is in the same boat as you, so don't be afraid to strike up conversations and introduce yourself. Building a support network of peers early on will help you feel more at home on campus and navigate the college experience together. This is a way many students find their future roommates at Orientation!
Take Care of Yourself: Orientation can be a busy and overwhelming time, so it's important to prioritize self-care. Be sure to get plenty of rest, stay hydrated, and eat nutritious meals throughout the day. Take breaks when you need them, and don't hesitate to reach out for support if you're feeling stressed or anxious. Remember that it's okay to take things one step at a time, and that you're not alone in this transition.
Be Prepared for Fall: Orientation is a great time to get an idea of who you want to be in college. Decide what clubs to get involved in, what major you want to pursue, whether you'd like to rush in Greek life, etc. It's also a great time to start thinking about your off-campus UGA apartment. While this may seem premature, UGA freshman apartment hunting typically begins in October!

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