Freshman Orientation Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, orientation is mandatory for all degree-seeking students.

You will select your orientation session date and pay your orientation fee ($175) online by logging into your New Cards Gateway. Orientation registration will be available on February 20 at 10 am ET. 

For incoming freshmen starting at UofL in the summer or fall semester, the orientation fee is $175 ($75 for students with a waived application fee).

For incoming freshmen starting in the spring semester, the orientation fee is $50 ($25 for students with a waived application fee).

If you need to change to a different session after you have paid you orientation fee and selected a date in your New Cards Gateway, you can submit a Session Change Request Form to request a new session.  After submission of that form, your session will be updated in your New Cards Gateway under the Orientation tab within 3-5 business days. If we can't accommodate you in the session you requested, we'll reach out via email.

No, orientation registration must be submitted online in your New Cards Gateway.

You will meet with an academic advisor, register for classes, and get your Student ID card. You will also have a chance to learn about many campus groups, offices and departments. There will also be time after the conclusion of the session to visit any campus offices including financial aid and housing. 

Be sure to check the What Should I Bring to Freshman Orientation section on this page for a full list.

Free parking is available in the Floyd Street Parking Garage. If you park elsewhere, we cannot refund any fee or ticket assessed for alternate parking choices. Parking directions can be found on the Parking and Directions page. 

Dress is casual. We will be indoors and outdoors; don’t forget to bring an umbrella if rain is in the forecast! Some rooms are cooler than others, so dress accordingly.

We offer an optional Family Orientation ($50 per participant). Guests are limited to four per student.  The family program is one day that runs concurrent with the first day of the student session. You can meet up during lunch and dinner.  Register your guests for Family Orientation in your New Cards Gateway.

No. You must attend a listed session date. There are 13 sessions during the summer to choose from. If you are having issues finding an available date that you can attend, please reach out to the Orientation Programs office.

Yes. All components of the program are mandatory.  Students are expected to stay until the end of the program on day 2. If you leave at anytime during the program you will not be able to register for classes.

Yes. The overnight stay on campus is required, including commuter students.  All students will stay in Belknap Village North, a traditional residence hall on campus designated for Orientation.  Belknap Village North features a bathroom hallway populated by multiple private bathroom units.  Rooms are double occupancy (2 students per room).  Roommates are not preassigned; you will be assigned a roommate, by gender identity, in the order of arrival to orientation check-in.

Please make arrangements with your employer.  We can provide documentation that you attended or plan to attend orientation.

Orientation programming will end at approximately 1:00 p.m. on the second day of your session, followed by academic advising, course enrollment, and time to take care of business on campus. All students should be checked out of their residence hall room by 5:00 pm ET on the second day of their session.

You may register two guests for Family Orientation, but it is only recommended for family members or support people. Family Orientation is $50 per participant and is a one day program that runs concurrent with the first day of the student session.  Student and Family Orientation are two entirely separate programs, and students can see their family member(s) at lunch and dinner.  Register your guests for Family Orientation in your New Cards Gateway.

It is important that students are admitted to the correct major before registering for their orientation session to ensure they have access to sessions designated for their major.  If you would like to request a major change, please complete the Major Change Request Form. Login with your New Cards Gateway login credentials.
 

No, due to FERPA regulations parents cannot attend advising with their student. You will meet with professional staff to ensure that you make an appropriate schedule.

Results from some AP exams won’t be available until after Orientation; however, please bring a list of classes you have taken with you to your orientation session. Your academic advisor will help you plan an appropriate schedule. Contact your advisor after orientation upon receipt of your scores if any changes are necessary.  For information regarding ordering test credit results, click here.

Please visit our student financial aid website for detailed information regarding various financial aid resources.

Please visit the First-Time Freshman Checklist for the most up-to-date information regarding placement testing.

First-time freshmen admitted for the spring semester have different orientation requirements and timelines.  Click here for more information.