Orientation Countdown: Last‑Minute Steps to Guarantee a Confident College Start
Orientation marks the official launch of your student’s college journey. Yet as June winds down, many families realize they still have forms to complete and nerves to calm. Research from the JED Foundation for youth mental health shows that nearly two out of three college students report feeling very lonely. A strong start during orientation, where friendships begin and resources are introduced, can buffer against isolation and set the tone for academic success.
Finalize paperwork and logistics
Confirm housing, health and academic requirements. Before orientation, double‑check that housing contracts, immunization records and insurance information are submitted. Many colleges also require students to register for orientation sessions and complete online modules. Use a checklist and calendar to track these tasks, and encourage your student to take ownership of these deadlines to build independence.
Identify support services early. If your student plans to request academic accommodations or disability services, begin that process now. Accessibility offices typically require documentation and an intake appointment, and approvals can take several weeks. Knowing where tutoring, counseling and health services are located will help your student feel confident on campus.
Use orientation to build community and confidence
Orientation is more than a tour; it’s a structured opportunity to form connections. Supportive friendships contribute to academic development, self‑esteem and even career prospects.
Take advantage and engage fully in orientation activities!
Attend every scheduled event. From icebreakers to resource fairs, orientation sessions introduce students to peers, traditions and support staff. Orientation activities help freshmen connect and should not be skipped.
Ask questions and practice self‑advocacy. Encourage your student to speak up during advising sessions and campus tours. Self‑advocacy is a core executive‑function skill that will be essential when navigating professors’ office hours and group projects.
Make the first friend.
Start small. The JED Foundation suggests setting achievable goals like talking to a new person at each event and attending a club interest meeting. Even brief interactions, known as “weak ties,” can boost mood and reduce depression .
Explore shared interests. Remind your student to visit tables for clubs, intramural sports and volunteer organizations. Shared activities make conversation easier and lead to lasting connections.
Practice executive‑function skills during orientation. Orientation week is an ideal training ground for executive‑function skills:
Time management: Use the orientation schedule to practice arriving on time and balancing multiple sessions.
Organization: Keep handouts, maps and notes in one folder. Encourage your student to jot down names of people they meet and tasks they need to follow up on.
Self‑monitoring: After each day, review what went well and what felt challenging. This reflective practice helps students adjust quickly when classes start.
Why orientation matters for success
As we’ve highlighted before (see College Isolation in the Spring Semester. How Parents Can Help Their Student Reconnect), isolation undermines motivation, focus and academic performance. Orientation builds a sense of belonging that buffers against those risks and encourages students to seek help early. The friendships and familiarity formed during orientation lay the groundwork for study groups, mentorships and campus involvement. When students feel connected, they are more likely to attend class, use resources and persist through challenges.
How coaching helps
Even the most detailed checklist can feel overwhelming to students with developing executive‑function skills. Our coaches help families prioritize tasks, practice self‑advocacy and build routines that support social engagement. We role‑play introductions, provide scripts for contacting advisers, suggest strategies for managing anxiety during large events, and so much more.
Orientation is around the corner. Schedule a free consultation with College Success Plan to ensure your student arrives prepared, confident and ready to build the connections that will support them through college.
