First-Year Orientation Overview

Are students required to stay on campus? 

Students are highly encouraged to stay on campus between their first and second orientation day. Student programming runs until 10 p.m. on the first day and many students will make important connections during this time. However, students are not required to stay on campus during Orientation.

Will students and guests stay in the same residence hall? 

No, students and families will stay in different Residence Halls. Students will be randomly paired with a roommate for the night. Families and guests can be paired with a friend or significant other, but are not required to share a room.

What is provided in the residence halls? 

The residence halls only include the standard furniture: TwinXL bed and mattress, dresser or closet, and a desk. Students and guests staying on campus should bring any linens and towels that they will need. 

What is Early Arrival?

First-year students and their guests who wish to arrive the night before their Orientation begins may stay on campus. Check-in is between 7 - 9 p.m. the night prior First-Year June sessions in Loggerhead Hall. Orientation Leaders will have a variety of activities planned to introduce students to each other beginning at 9 p.m. in the student residence hall. There are no activities planned for guests.

Early arrival should be added at least 7 days before your scheduled Orientation session. The Early Arrival fees are as follows:

• First-Year Student Early Arrival Fee: $55
• First-Year Guest Early Arrival Fee: $45 per night, per guest

Are All Sessions Required?

Yes, all sessions for students are required. We believe that Orientation is important for a smooth transition to UNCW and your success as a student. If you miss a presentation, you will not be able to register for courses until the missed presentation has been made up.

Should Guest Attend?

Yes. Parents or family members are not required to attend orientation. However, we strongly encourage parents or family members to attend if they are able. Parents, families, and supporters often have questions and concerns about college life that students might not have considered. Family members will attend a separate program and will hear information that will help students adjust to UNCW.

There is no programming offered to guests under 18. However, if children under 18 must attend, they do not have to pay a fee. They will not receive the same benefits as any other guest, including a t-shirt, meals, a bag, and other materials. 

What Is Included in the Registration Fee?

Students are required to pay an orientation fee to secure their orientation date. The fee covers the cost of online and in-person orientation. The price includes but is not limited to rental fees, technology fees, credit card fees, orientation software, students and staff payroll, printed materials, parking, shuttle services, and office operations and supplies.

In addition to the items above, the student fee includes an overnight stay after day one, breakfast, lunch, and dinner on day one, breakfast and lunch on day two, a teal t-shirt, a drawstring bag, a Wilmington guide and an ID holder.

The guest fee includes breakfast and lunch. As well as a tote bag, a calendar, and a Wilmington guide per family. 

Are There Accommodations for Students With Disabilities?

In order to secure reasonable accommodations, documentation must be submitted to the Disability Resource Center for approval. Additionally, requests for accommodations can be submitted through your registration on the orientation registration site. Lastly, students who need reasonable accommodations during orientation can make a request to the Office of Transition Programs. Please make your request at least 7 days prior to your orientation date.

Can I Change My Orientation Date?

To change your orientation date, please contact transitions@uncw.edu. Please include your name, Student ID number (850#), and the date you'd like to change into. 

How do I add or remove a guest or overnight accommodations?

Please contact transitions@uncw.edu. Please include your name, Student ID number (850#), and the changes you'd like to make to your registration. 

How Do I Change My Personal Information?

You can change your preferred name, phone number(s), mailing address, additional e-mail address(es), and emergency contacts officially for UNCW records through your mySeaport account. You will log in, click on "Personal Information," and you can update your information there.

The orientation registration system will import student's preferred names as their first names, but only for orientation purposes. This does not affect any official records with the university.

How Can I Obtain Information About Residency for Tuition Purposes?

Please visit the North Carolina Residency Determination Service and their Frequently Asked Questions.

How Do I Get a One Card (Student ID)?

The UNCW One Card is the official form of identification on campus. Your One Card allows the use of campus facilities and meal plans and provides safe, easy access to university services and events. You must upload a photo to get your One Card.

If your first name on file with the university is not the name you would like on your card, you must contact One Card after you submit a photo in order to avoid additional fees for reissued cards. You will be able to pick-up your One Card on campus.

Go to One Card