10 Things Every Student Should Know About Summer Orientation

Rachel Clark and Joe Reigner smile as they recall their time in University of Virginia’s summer orientation program, when, fresh out of high school, they had no idea what to expect.

Clark remembers being nervous as she took part in a wide range of “wacky” activities; Reigner remembers not wanting to do very much of anything.

“I was the worst orientee,” he said with a chuckle. “I thought I was way too cool for this. I didn’t want to play the games – I thought they were lame and the orientation leaders were way too peppy and hype.”

Reigner and Clark are both now in their second years as student leaders of summer orientation, which kicked off Thursday with the first of eight two-day sessions.

How did they get here?

Reigner, a rising third-year student from Atlanta, said he was inspired by one of his former orientation leaders, who – well after the program was over and she had no obligation to – helped him acclimate to college life.

Clark, a rising fourth-year student from Northern Virginia, felt a similar pull.

UVA students Joe Reigner, left, and Rachel Clark are in their second year as student orientation leaders. (Photo by Whitelaw Reid, University Communications)

“I benefitted a lot from the friendships I made with the people who were older than me my first year,” she said. “I was just like, ‘I want to give back to first-years.’

“Honestly, one of my best pieces of advice for first-years is to make friends with upperclassmen. It’s kind of the key to college. They’ve done it before. They know what’s up. They have the cars. You have the meal swipes. It’s a nice little trade going on.”

In the spirit of that wisdom, here are 10 things – courtesy of Clark and Reigner – that every student going through summer orientation should know:

1. The shuttle is your friend

As you are driving down U.S. 29 and arriving at orientation for the check-in process, you will want to pull into the Emmet/Ivy Parking Garage, which is free for students and registered guests.

From there, shuttles will transport you to the Student Activities Building, which is located behind Scott Stadium.

“You honestly would not want to make that walk,” Clark said. “Catch the shuttle.”

2. Bring a laptop

“It makes course advising sessions and enrollment so much easier,” Clark said. “We understand not all students have a laptop coming in, but we stress that if you have one and are able to bring it, please do – because it really helps.”

3. Make a list of classes

If you are a student in the College of Arts & Sciences, you must bring a hard copy/printed version of courses you have pre-selected in the Student Information System, commonly known as SIS.

“Some kids come in very prepared,” Clark said. “They have all the classes they want to take, plus more, and are on top of their game. But other times, students come in and are like, ‘I have no idea.’ That creates more work for us because we have to sit with that student and then, from nothing, help them create a schedule. So bring your list of classes!”

4. Bring an ID

One government-issued form of ID is required to pick up your student ID. Accepted items include a U.S. driver’s license, state-issued ID card, passport or U.S. military ID. Photocopies and school-issued IDs are not accepted.

5. Apps are your friends

The official UVA orientation app has all sorts of useful information. Instructions for downloading it can be found here.

Another app, “Campus Maps,” can be downloaded here.

“The cool thing is that it recognizes building names, as opposed to just addresses,” Reigner said.

6. Keep it casual

“It’s likely going to be very hot and very humid, so wear comfortable summer clothes – don’t feel like you have to dress in your Sunday best – and definitely bring a water bottle,” Reigner said.

7. Late-night fun

Pack a gym bag and perhaps a bathing suit for some late-night fun at the Aquatics and Fitness Center. There will be pick-up basketball and volleyball, and the hot tub and pool will be open, with inner-tube water polo always a big hit.

There will also be a night hike in the trails around Observatory Hill (headlamps provided), complete with ghost stories. “I went on it four times last summer and it was a blast,” Clark said. Closed-toe shoes are required.

8. Extra warmth

“Sometimes the dorms can get really cold, so bring a blanket or sweatshirt,” Clark said.

9. Don’t oversleep

No matter what you do, be sure to get to breakfast on time on the second day to pick up your course enrollment sheet, which has your course enrollment time on it.

10. Don’t be Joe

Reigner wishes he had been more open-minded to orientation as an incoming first-year.

“It really is what you make of it,” he said. “If you’re not coming in with the attitude of ‘I have to be here,’ orientation will be a much more positive, fulfilling experience.

“If you just come in with a positive attitude and a willingness to be a little silly and open up a little and try new things and make new friends, it makes it so much better.”