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What to Expect During First-Year Orientation

First-Year Orientation Information

Our first-year orientation program is required for all first-year students and is designed to help you make a smooth transition to UNCW.

Below, you'll learn more about what to expect while attending your required Orientation program.

Arrival and Check-in

There are two options for arrival during Orientation.

Early Arrival

Early arrival check-in is from 7-9 p.m. the evening before Day 1 of a student's session. Students must pre-register and pay the additional fee for Early Arrival. Learn more.

Orientation Check-in

Orientation check in will take place from 7:45 a.m. to 9 a.m. on Day 1 of the session in Loggerhead Hall. Students who arrive after 9 a.m. must go directly to the Burney Center to check in.

Students and guests will park in the Hewlett Lot before checking in. 

Students who plan to stay overnight on campus should bring all luggage with them to check-in. Students are not required to stay overnight, but it is highly encouraged and is included in the Orientation Registration Fee.

During check-in, students and guests will check in together by the student's last name. 

Housing Check-In

After checking in to Orientation, our staff will direct students who are staying on campus to pick up their residence hall keys in Pelican Hall.

Guests staying on campus will visit the Schwartz Hall desk to pick up their keys. 

Continental Breakfast and Orientation Welcome

After check-in, all students and guests will report to the Burney Center for a continental breakfast and the orientation welcome. Students and guests arriving after 9 a.m. should report directly the Burney Center.

Where You'll Stay

All students are highly encouraged to stay on campus on the evening of Day 1 of their Orientation session. 

Students who choose to stay overnight will stay in Pelican Hall.  

All students will be assigned a random roommate for Orientation.

Students who wish to stay with a specific student who is also attending the same orientation session should plan to check in to the residence hall at the same time. We cannot guarantee that you will be placed together, but we will do our best to accommodate this request. 

What You'll Eat

During orientation, students and guests will rotate between Wagoner Dining Hall, the Shore Dining Hall, and the Hawk's Nest*. 

*Not all Hawk's Nest locations are available for Orientation. Available locations will be listed on your Orientation schedule received at check-in. 

Vegetarian, Vegan, and gluten-free options are available at each meal time. Additional dietary restrictions should be included in your Orientation registration.

What You'll Do

Sample Student Schedule

*the June 2025 Orientation schedule is still under development. All items are subject to change. 
sample orientation schedule

Day 1

Student program runs from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Students must participate in all activities. Students staying off-campus may be picked up between 8:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.

Day 2

The student program runs from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. All students must check in with their Orientation Leader prior to the first session.

Morning Sessions

  • Check-in
  • Orientation Welcome
  • Student Small Group
  • Large Group Presentation

Afternoon Sessions

  • Lunch
  • Large Group Presentation
  • Small Group Session
  • Interactive Panel

Evening Sessions

  • Dinner
  • Large Group Presentation
  • Small Group Discussion
  • LateNight Activities

Morning Sessions

  • Large Group Presentation
  • Small Group Session
  • Lunch

Afternoon Sessions

  • Large Group Session
  • Resource Fair
  • Check-Out and OneCard Pickup

Attendance is taken at all small and large group sessions. Students who miss one or more sessions will be required to make up their orientation session at a later date. 

What to Bring

All students should bring: 
  • Your UNCW login username and password
  • Immunization Forms (if you haven't already submitted them)
  • Phone Charger or Power Bank
  • Something to take notes with/on
  • Comfortable clothes & shoes
  • Refillable Water bottle
  • Rain gear (jacket, umbrella, shoes)
  • Any medications
  • Driver's license/picture ID to pick up your One Card
  • Student evening activities will be in the Leonard Student Rec Center, so pack additional clothing if you opt to play basketball or use weights/exercise equipment. However, other non-athletic activities will be available as well!
If you plan to stay overnight in the residence hall, you should also bring: 
  • Toiletries
  • Twin XL sheets or sleeping bag
  • Pillow
  • Shower shoes 
  • Towels 

Please note: pillows, sheets, and towels are not provided. For more information, contact housing@uncw.edu. 

First-Year Orientation Information

Before Attending Orientation Dates, Deadlines, Fees, Guest Information, Early Arrival, Accessibility, Travel, and Pre-Orientation Requirements Prepare to Register for Orientation
What to Expect During Orientation Day-of Orientation information, Schedule Overview, and What to Bring See What to Expect
Post-Orientation Checklist Everything you need to know and do after Orientation Check out the Checklist

Other Orientation Programs

Family & Guest Orientation Learn more about the family and guest orientation sessions. Go to Family & Guest Orientation
Transfer Orientation Register for Transfer Orientation rather than First-Year Orientation if you’re coming to UNCW from another college or university. Go to Transfer Orientation
International Student Orientation Register for International Student Orientation in addition to First-Year Orientation. Go to International Student Orientation

Contact Us

Transition Programs

Phone: (910) 962-3089

transitions@uncw.edu

Fisher University Union
Room 2017

Office Hours:
Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Summer Office Hours:
Monday – Thursday, 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 11 a.m.