4 Dos and 4 Don'ts for New Students at Orientation | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

4 Dos and 4 Don'ts for New Students at Orientation

Take these into consideration to ensure your transition into college is successful.

111
4 Dos and 4 Don'ts for New Students at Orientation

Every summer, new UT students go through a three-day orientation session that attempts to show them what life at The University of Texas is like. Although many of the programs are useless, it is important that you do take care of some things during orientation to ensure that your transition to college will be successful.

DOs

1) Meet people in your wing.

During your orientation session, you'll be placed in wings with other people of your gender. Don't be shy and talk to the people around you to get a better feel for what other incoming UT students are like. If you see someone alone, make sure to initiate conversation. Meeting people during orientation will ensure that you go into your first semester with a solid support group.

2) Explore campus.

The UT campus is huge and each building can be difficult to find. Grab a map during orientation and explore the area. Look at the buildings where your potential classes may be and learn how to get to the FAC, SAC, PCL and the Union. Using the Tower as a central navigation point can help you keep from getting lost.

3) Research potential classes.

On the last day of orientation, new students will be forced to register for their fall semester classes. Be sure to look up which courses you'll need for your major, so you're ready when registration comes. Also, it's helpful to consult websites such as MyEdu and and Rate My Professors to determine which professors are the best.

4) If you're a guy, go to fraternity events.

During orientation, a lot of fraternities will be hosting events to meet prospective rushees. It is important that you attend these if you are on the rush list so that you can meet actives and get your name out there for summer rush. Make sure to attend as many as possible so that you keep your options open as wide as possible for rush.

DON'Ts

Get extremely intoxicated.

During orientation, most students are on their own for the first time, and some of feel they need to attend every party and go wild. This is a bad idea. Not only are students frequently cited for Minor in Possession and Minor Intoxication, but becoming belligerently drunk will make a bad impression on everyone you meet. It would be naive of me to say to avoid alcohol at all costs, but as always, make sure to be responsible.

Miss mandatory events.

Throughout orientation, there will be mandatory events put on by the university. These have included things in the past like financial aid seminars, study skills lectures, and diversity and important issues plays. Although many students find these boring, it is important to attend these so that your registration won't be restricted.

Attend with high school friends.

College is all about meeting new people and gaining new experiences. That is hard to do when you are stuck with your old friends. Although I'm not suggesting that you dump your old friends, you should try to branch out. Once school starts, you can go back to your friend group, but use orientation as a time to put your social skills to use.

Be nervous.

Every UT student comes into orientation scared of their future and unsure of what the college experience will be like. Most people find that their fears were unfounded. UT is a tremendous school and has a place for every student's interests, personality and goals, so make sure to seek that out and your college experience will be wonderful.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

178984
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

6165
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

451743
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

22868
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments