Come June, it will officially been two years since I’ve attended a new student orientation session. Two years since I was scared out of my mind about coming to the city, a completely unfamiliar place, even if for just a few days, and being surrounded by hundreds of people I didn’t know. I mean you have to admit, it can be a pretty nerve wracking experience. Orientation and New Student Programs has wonderful resources online for how to prepare for orientation, but I wanted to go into some specifics from an outside view. So, here are some of my dos and don’ts for orientation.

• Do: Have an open mind.

You’re going to be experiencing and learning a lot at your orientation session. Some of it is going to be completely irrelevant to your interests, some of it’s going to fascinate you, and some of it’s going to be so boring that you might fall asleep but you really shouldn’t because it’s probably the most important info session you’re going to go to. (Yes, I’m talking about the financial aid session) However, each session and activity is there for a reason. I promise you that having an open mind will allow you to get more out of your experience.

• Don’t: Knock the early arrival activities.

They may sound lame and yeah, the may cost a little bit extra money, but what better way to start your orientation session than with a fun, relaxed trip that probably has nothing to do with Suffolk whatsoever? (I highly recommend Suffolk Serves! I had a blast!)

• Do: Bring snacks.

This is a tip that I feel is relevant to any aspect of life, but especially orientation, and this is for a couple reasons. Snacks are the easiest way to get people to like you. I mean come on, everyone likes the person who brings out the oreos. If you’re just hanging out on the floor, food is a great thing to have with you. (I don’t recommend anything with or made with peanuts. You only make that mistake once.) Furthermore, orientation days are long. And yeah, you’re going to have a pretty fancy pasta lunch (one of the best parts of orientation) but you’re going to get a little bit hungry, (and probably a little bit grumpy) throughout the day. Having a granola bar or two in your bag can really make a difference.

• Don’t: Worry about sleep.

Yes, Orientation is long and important and you need to pay attention to      everything, but I guarantee you, you’ll regret not getting to know your future peers more than you’ll appreciate a full night’s sleep.

• Do: Have a bag.

Now, this can be done in a couple different ways. I highly recommend bringing some kind of tote bag, or that draw string bag they give out when you tour the school. (If you think people are going to laugh at you for wearing a draw string bag, they will. You’re going to look silly. But it’s looks even sillier when you’re juggling a dozen different information packets and giveaways in your arms .) It’s likely that there will be more than one office giving away some kind of reusable shopping bag (my groceries are carried completely in those, thanks reslife!) If you want to wait until halfway through the day when you attend the activities fair and just use one of those, that’s your call!

• Don’t: Forget to shower.

        Seriously. You’d be surprised how many people veto this one.

• Do: Get to know your orientation leaders!

Your orientation leaders are the best resource you have to get acclimated into Suffolk. They’re OLs because they care about your transition into college, and they want to share their passion for Suffolk with all of you guys! I still say hi to my OL every time I see him. Seriously, OLs are the best of the best here at Suffolk, and you’re lucky to have them as a resource. Take advantage of them!

Be sure to check out this link (http://www.suffolk.edu/campuslife/2182.php) for more information on orientation and follow @SuffolkONSP on twitter!