Trevecca’s New Student Orientation is just over a couple of weeks away, and we can’t wait to meet every one of you! But as you count down the days to the start of your Trevecca adventure, you may also have a few questions, worries or concerns. Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your orientation experience.
1. Know that orientation is for admitted and deposited students.
In order to attend Trevecca’s orientation on June 16-17, you need to pay your deposit, which lets us know that you plan to start classes in the fall. Once you’ve paid your deposit, the Office of Admissions makes sure you have all the information you need about orientation.
2. Take a deep breath.
You may be nervous about meeting new people or all the changes in your life that college orientation signifies. Maybe one minute you’re excited about moving to a new place and the next you’re terrified you won’t fit in. Here’s the deal: it’s normal to be nervous and excited … and you’re probably not the only one. Every student at orientation is a little nervous—even those who act like they’re not. Instead of being overwhelmed by your fears, remember that God called you here and enjoy the weekend.
3. Take part.
Orientation is a time for you to get to know other students, familiarize yourself with campus and meet professors and advisers who are going to help shape the next few years of your life and your future profession. Don’t miss out on those opportunities! Don’t refuse to participate in an activity because you don’t think it’s important or might be lame. Just have fun and learn!
4. Tell your adviser about your interests—even if they have nothing to do with a major.
Some of you may come to orientation knowing exactly what you want to major in. Others may not know exactly what you want to do with your life. Both are OK. When you talk with your adviser, tell him or her about your interests, whether they seem related to a degree program or not. What you invest in your college experience is what you get out of it, so don’t be afraid to take classes that interest or excite you, even if they don’t seem to be part of your degree plan.
5. Find out about the resources available to you.
During orientation, you’ll meet advisers and fellow students, but you’ll also meet representatives from Trevecca’s Center for Calling, Leadership and Service, Office of Student Development, iWork, LINK groups and more. Take the opportunity to learn more about the resources, people and organizations on campus that exist to help you.
6. Ask questions.
If you want more information or are confused about something, don’t be afraid to ask. Chances are, if you have a question, others do, too. Speak up!
7. Be friendly.
Orientation is a good time to get to know students who share your interests and understand exactly what it’s like to be a new student. So be open to making friends and meeting people who will be important parts of your life for the next few years!
8. Be prepared.
Take a look at general education requirements ahead of time. Even if you aren’t quite sure what degree you want to pursue, look over Trevecca’s academic catalog and familiarize yourself with general requirements and or degree paths that interest you.
9. Take notes.
Chances are, you’re going to get a ton of information throughout the weekend—way more than you can remember or even fully understand. So, if you hear something you don’t want to forget, think it’s important or just want to research it more later, write it down!
10. Enjoy the experience.
You may have a lot of anxiety or expectations for what’s going to happen at orientation. Instead of letting those worries or ideas color your experience, just enjoy what happens. Get to know fellow students. Explore campus. And most of all, have fun!