incoming
freshman
Video file
Learn what to expect when you arrive to Orientation by watching the video above.
Prior to your Orientation date, you will receive an email with additional instructions to help prepare for your time on campus.
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Orientation Overview
Orientation has two major components:
Orientation Prep Course:The goal of the Orientation Prep Course is to provide you with valuable information about University resources and services, and about your college of enrollment. Your advisor will reference the information you learn in the Orientation Prep Course during your Orientation.You must complete this course and pass the college content quiz with a score of 80% to attend your Orientation.The Orientation Prep Course is required and you will access this as a part of your New Student Checklist.
At your two-day, on-campus Orientation, you will meet with your academic advisor and register for Fall 2024 courses. Your program includes spending the night in residence hall; you can learn more about this requirement in the Overnight Accommodations section.Attending your Orientation is required.
View the Class of 2028 Orientation Schedule. This schedule is subject to change. Please access your Orientation Hub schedule for the most up to date information.
Instructions for accessing your personal schedule will be provided 2-3 days prior to your Orientation date.
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Accommodating Your Needs
Disability
We value disability as an aspect of diversity and want to ensure that you are able to fully participate in all programming available to you. If you have a disability or health condition, or suspect you have one, and would like to have a confidential discussion about accommodations, please contact theDisability Resource Center (DRC) at 612-626-1333 or [emailprotected] as soon as possible. Some accommodations may take time to arrange. You may also schedule a consultation here.
Mobility
If you have a short-term disability (i.e. broken leg) and would have difficulty traveling long distances during Orientation, please contact the Orientation & Transition Experiences office for accommodations at [emailprotected].
Dietary Accommodations
You will indicate your dietary accommodation needs on your Tell Us About Yourself survey. If you have a change to your needs, please visit your New Student Checklist and update your survey.
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Accessing the Orientation Prep Course
The Orientation Prep Course is a step on your New Student Checklist which you can access atchecklist.umn.edu.
Before You Begin
Review the following items to make sure you are prepared:
- You will need your University of Minnesota Internet ID (x500) and password. For more information, or to claim your account, please visitIT New Students: Start Using Technologies.
- Use a device (computer, laptop, or tablet) that has audio functionality.
- Although other browsers can be used, the Orientation Prep Course is best viewed by using Chrome, Firefox, or Safari.
- Although it is not required, we recommend using broadband, high-speed Internet access.
Accessing the Orientation Prep Course
You will access the Orientation Prep Course, supported by the University's Canvas course management system, on yourNew Student Checklist.Canvas is the system faculty use in all coursework, so this as an opportunity to get comfortable using Canvas. It may take up to an hour to complete the Orientation Prep Course, and you will need to make sure you have enough time to complete the course prior to your Orientation.
Enroll and log on to the Canvas site using your U of M Internet ID and password.
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Overnight Accommodations
June & July Orientation Sessions
For students attending Orientation in June and July, a space in Comstock Hall is reserved for you between Day 1 and Day 2 of your Orientation program. All students will be housed with roommates. This overnight is a requirement of the Orientation program; if you need to request an exemption from the overnight requirement, please email [emailprotected].
August Orientation Sessions
On-campus lodging is NOT provided as part of the Orientation programs in August. However, limited on-campus housing is available on campus at the cost of $39 (including tax) per night. Registration for August on-campus housing has closed.
Accommodations for Additional Nights
On-Campus
If you need to stay an extra night before or after your Orientation date, on-campus space will be available in Yudof Hall. The cost is $39 per night (including tax) and check-in will take place after 3 p.m. on the day of your stay.
Register for On-Campus Accommodations
When you register for accommodations, you may be prompted to create an Iris account.
Please note: If you stay in Yudof the night prior to your Orientation date, you will need to check out of Yudof before you check-in for Orientation. You can bring your luggage to the Orientation Day 1 luggage outside the East entrance of the East River Road Parking Garage on Level C. We will then move and store your luggage; you will retrieve it when checking into Comstock for your overnight stay.
Off-Campus
You can also review off-campus hotels recommended by Orientation & Transition Experiences for the stay before or after your Orientation.
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Arrival, Parking, & Luggage
Whether you are driving to campus or arriving via public transit, you can find your way to Orientation using these directions. If driving, please be mindful that morning traffic may cause delays in arriving to campus.
Parking will be in the East River Road Garage.
There are two entrances into East River Road Garage, please make sure you are entering the Public Entrance (pictured) and not the Contract Entrance.
After parking in the East River Road Garage, take the elevator to Level C with your luggage and go into the garage to the left. Outside the entrance you drove into, there will be a luggage drop-off to the right as you are walking out. Once you drop-off your luggage, you will be directed to walk down the sidewalk to where a bus will pick you up to take you to Northrop for check-in, the Resource Fair, and our Welcome Program.
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What to Pack
When you check-in to Orientation you will receive some program materials. We recommend you pack your overnight items in a small duffel bag or carry-on. You should bring:
- Backpack with a notebook, and pen/pencil
- Device you use for Duo Security
- Credit/debit card to pay for parking/mobile pay
- Comfortable clothing and shoes
- Umbrella or rain jacket in case of rain
- Light sweater or jacket for air-conditioned rooms
- Device charger
- Toiletries, including soap and towel (bed linens and pillow provided)
You will not have access to your luggage until later in the evening. Plan to carry the items you will need throughout the day (backpack, notebook, devices, charger, etc.) and have your overnight items in a separate bag.
