June 7, 2024
By Emma Bannon
Editor
This article is part of a four-part in-depth reporting project about college.
For many seniors, college is right around the corner. With this comes the stress of arriving in a new place and meeting new people. Freshman orientation, which is hosted by a majority of schools, can help relieve this anxiety.
Freshman orientation is an event colleges and universities offer to first-year students. It provides them with basic information they will need before attending the school.
A typical orientation includes an opening welcome from the orientation coordinator and presentations to give students an understanding of the academic life, campus security, dining options, the institution’s rules and more.
It is often a time when students can tour dorms, learn about clubs and activities hosted at the school and get a sense of the overall layout of the campus. Students can also meet with their counselor or advisor to discuss scheduling and receive answers to questions they may have.
School counselor Ms. Leidemer said it is important for admitted students to attend orientation.
“It gives students and their families [the chance] to get to know the college experience on an intimate level,” Leidemer said. “[Orientation] allows for that initial connection between you and where you will be spending the next four or more years.”
Leidemer said before orientation, students should prepare questions to ask throughout the event and take notes on the information they receive.
She said even though orientation is a time to gain valuable information, it can also be a fun experience.
“The main goals and objectives [are] to enjoy the day, relax and meet new people,” Leidemer said. “Keep an open mind, and remember that you have been well-prepared for this next chapter of your life, so go forward with confidence.”
Senior Olivia Oliveira, who will be entering Wesleyan University in Middletown, Connecticut as an undeclared major, attended her orientation, which is known as WesFest, on April 19.
“Orientation helped me adjust to college life and bridge the gap between being a high school student to a college student,” Oliveira said.
She said orientation provided her with useful information she could not find online.
“I was able to watch what campus life was like on [an] average day and also heard from students during a student panel,” Oliveira said. “Many of my questions were answered [about] activities offered on campus and [orientation relieved] my anxieties about dorming and adjusting to classroom styles.”
Oliveira said although the transition to college can be daunting, she is excited for her future at Wesleyan.
“I see college as a much freer environment that allows for so much growth that is not only limited to my education but my personal life as well,” Oliveira said.
Senior Jake Kuenzle, who will be attending Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, attended his school’s orientation on March 11.
“My only goal there was to meet people. I’m going to a whole new area, so I need to start networking now,” Kuenzle said. “Meeting new people can be awkward for most, but if you just go for it, it is pretty easy.”
Kuenzle said although he is looking forward to college, adapting to this next phase of his life may take him a while.
“Keep an open mind, and remember that you have been well-prepared for this next chapter of your life, so go forward with confidence.”
“My biggest concern with college is being homesick,” Kuenzle said. “It’s going to be a huge adjustment, although orientation told me these feelings are normal and keeping busy will help me get through it.”
Kuenzle said despite feeling nervous, he is eager to study music education at Louisiana State and play the saxophone in the university’s marching band.
“Most buildings are marked ‘historic,’ so it is a cool part of history…. The student-to-teacher ratio is very small compared to other [Division I] colleges, so I am hoping that personal connection helps me,” Kuenzle said.
“Being that LSU is a [Division I] school, the campus is going to be awesome, and I can’t wait.”
