What They Don’t Tell You About Orientation
Registration for summer orientation begins Monday, March 5, 2018. Ole Miss provides great details online about how to register, fees and housing, and the dates of the summer orientation sessions. That information can be found here.
However, the information given does not answer some of the more personal questions incoming students and parents have. Below I have answered some questions I had leading up to orientation that I had to learn the hard way. Hope this helps!
What Do I Wear?
Ole Miss is popularly known for how students dress for football games – in their Sunday best. Although that is a wonderful tradition that should remain for years to come, it should not influence how you dress for summer orientation.
Oxford in the summer time is sweltering hot. Orientation sessions last all day, and much of the day is outside. Dress comfortable and in something that you don’t mind getting a little sweaty. Girls: Graphic tee, jean shorts and slip-on sneakers. Guys: Khaki shorts, Ole Miss tee, and tennis shoes.
Will I Meet New People?
YES. Parents and students split up and go their separate ways for the majority of the day. Students are split up into small groups, which is a really great opportunity to meet and get to know new people.
I recommend chatting and getting to know as many people as you can because you never know when you’ll find your next best friend. I remember walking into one of my first classes as a freshman and saw one of the girls that I met during orientation. It was such a relief to have a familiar face and someone to sit by on the first day.
Will I Have Time to Eat?
Ole Miss provides food and snacks to eat throughout orientation. However, the days are long and a bit overwhelming. Hydrate and get a good night’s sleep the night before so you will have enough energy to get through the day.
The orientation leaders are so helpful and understanding, so if you do ever feel hungry or dehydrated, let them know and they will stop what they’re doing and help. If possible, I would even bring a small snack to stash in your pocket or purse just in case you ever feel weak throughout the day.
Pro Tip: Log into your myOleMiss account before orientation and add your class favorites so when it is time to register you’re already prepared. You can find the courses you’re required to take for your major on the Ole Miss course website. You’ll thank me later.
I hope this helped answer any questions about summer orientation you may have had. Orientation is actually a lot of fun and there is no reason to be nervous. Do you have any other questions that I didn’t address? Let me know in the comment section below and I’d be happy to answer.
