Why should I attend orientation?
At orientation, you receive a comprehensive explanation of everything you need to do to make your undergraduate experience complete. Students receive a General Catalog, Undergraduate Bulletin, and other important information. Freshmen meet with an academic advisor who will help you set up a first semester schedule. Only at orientation are you able to get your student ID, find out about academic programs, discover student involvement, learn how to set up an e-mail account, go on a campus tour, and much more all in one step? If you have doubts concerning the importance of orientation, come anyway.   We promise you'll be glad you did.

Do I need to register for orientation?
Yes.   You can register for a program over our website or by calling us at (801) 581-7069.   We do take walk-ins if you are unable to register before hand.

How and when do I register for classes?
Freshman will become eligible to register for classes at orientation.   Transfer students who have met with an advisor prior to orientation will be able to register at the completion of orientation.   Orientation leaders will help you register at a University computer lab.

Will I get the courses I want?
In most cases, yes.   However, classes do sometimes fill up. We recommend that you attend orientation as early as possible to have the best choice of classes. Some seats will be reserved in freshmen level courses for entering students.

How long is orientation?  
Programs vary in length depending on type: one day for Freshmen orientation, two days for Overnight orientation, four days for Outback orientation, and between 3 - 6 hours for a Transfer program.

How much does orientation cost?
The cost for the one-day Freshmen and Transfer orientation is included in your matriculation fee. The matriculation fee is a one-time fee charged to all incoming students to pay for many services including the Career Center and Orientation.

The two-day Overnight orientation and Outback orientation have an additional cost, which cover accommodations and food. Payment for Overnight and Outback programs can be made by sending a check to our office, by credit card over the telephone, or e-commerce over our web site..

Parent and Family programs have an additional minimal fee, which includes lunch and campus resources.

What if I can't make any of the orientation dates?
For your own benefit we strongly encourage attendance to an on-campus orientation. We do understand that for some, special circumstances may make this is difficult. If you cannot attend, we have an alternative option for you. The Office of Orientation offers an On-line Orientation Class. You can register to take this class through our web site. Yet you will miss out on academic advising and other crucial information that can only be shared in person. We strongly encourage that you come to campus and participate.

What is orientation like for Transfer students?
We offer two types of programs for Transfer students.   If you are able to meet with an academic advisor on your own, you can attend a shorter Transfer program.   At this orientation program, you will learn about how your credits transfer to the U, graduation requirements, and other resources available to you.   You will also register for classes.   If you are unable to meet with an advisor before orientation, come to one of our comprehensive Transfer programs, which include academic advising.   Transfer students need to see an advisor and complete an orientation to be eligible to register for classes.

What is the advantage of attending an Overnight orientation vs. a One-day program?  Overnight Orientation is created for anyone who enjoys meeting new people and wants a more comprehensive introduction to the University. Students learn strategies for academic success, time management, tricks to college life (from the Orientation staff), and register for classes. Other activities include experiential education, campus tours, and night activities. Students spend the night in the University of Utah Residence Halls.

What is the Outback orientation?
Outback orientation is a 4-day program where students are shown many things the beautiful state of Utah has to offer. We begin at the University where we focus on academic information: graduation requirements, how to register for class, personalized advising and much more. Then we pack up and head off to the mountains to make friends, participate in leadership programs, enjoy the great outdoors, and everything in between. Space is limited, so reserve your spot today!

Is there an orientation for parents and family members?
There is a concurrent parent and family program during all of our Freshman programs in the summer. We hope to answer parents' questions and help them understand what their son or daughter will experience as they enter the University. These programs allow parent and family members to be a valuable resource for their students.   There is a small fee with these programs.

Do I have to attend orientation?  
Yes! All new students and transfers are required to attend some form of orientation before they can register. Any student that does not participate in orientation will not be able to register for classes.

What do we do at orientation?
The schedule depends on which orientation you attend.   A schedule is available on-line, just go to the date you have signed up for.

I'm an international student. Where do I go for orientation?
The International Center provides an orientation designed especially for international students. Attendance at international orientation is mandatory for all international undergraduates, transfer students, and graduate students. Sign up today!

Do I have to pay the Matriculation fee if I don't attend orientation?  Yes. The matriculation fee is a one-time, mandatory fee charged to all incoming students. The fee covers such services as Graduation processing, AP Credit and CLEP Evaluation, Writing Placement Tests, Career Services, internet use, and orientation. Although a portion of the fee goes towards orientation, it cannot be separated out by each service.

Can I attend even if I haven't been accepted yet?    
Orientation is just for students who have been accepted to the University of Utah.   Student Recruitment and High School Services offers programs for students who want more information about the U.

Do I still have to attend orientation if I've already spoken with an advisor?   Yes! Orientation includes in-depth information about graduation, various academic programs, involvement opportunities and resources. In addition, at orientation, you'll receive your General Catalog and Undergraduate Bulletin and register for classes.   We have orientation programs just for Transfer students who have spoken to their advisors already.   You will be able to register for classes after speaking with an advisor and attending orientation.

When do I get a student UCard (identification card)?   
During orientation you can have the picture taken for your UCard . The UCard office will let you know when you can pick it up.

How do I apply to live in the Residence Halls?
You can apply to live in the Residence Halls on line at the Office of Residential Living website.

How do I find off-campus housing?  
The best option is to look in the local newspapers ( Salt Lake Tribune or Deseret News ). There are also fliers hung on bulletin boards around campus publicizing rooms for rent. Also check the student newspaper, the Daily Utah Chronicle , and the Associate Students of the University of Utah (ASUU) web site: www.ustudents.com .

How do I apply for Financial Aid?  
Applications are available on the Financial Aid and Scholarships website.

How do I get a parking pass?
Parking permits can be purchased through Commuter Services .

What do I need to meet Student Health Requirements?
You will need to show proof of two MMR (mumps, measles and rubella vaccinations).   A Proof of Immunization forms are available at orientation.   More information can be found at http://www.studenthealth.utah.edu/immunization.html

Where is the Orientation Office located?
We are located in the Olpin Union in room 280.   Our office hours are Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm and Tuesdays until 6:30 during the fall and spring semesters.   We are here to answer any questions you have.

If you can't find answers to your questions here, check New Student Resources ,
email us at orientation@sa.utah.edu , or call us at (801) 581-7069.