orientation

Adventure is Out There!

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Adventure is out there! At least, that’s what Pixar’s animated film Up taught me. For all of you new Buckeyes, your next big adventure is about to start. Just like with any big endeavor you don’t want to start out without preparing a little bit beforehand. That’s what orientation is for! Orientation will give you an advantage when heading out on your journey by providing you with the opportunity to:

Get the Lay of the Land

Any adventurer heading out on a big expedition needs to know a little bit about what to expect when they get there. Will it be a hot desert or a dangerous swamp? Will they need to climb a mountain or paddle across a lake? A part of orientation will be dedicated to helping you learn what is expected of you both in and out of the classroom.  Someone who knows what to expect will be more likely to overcome any obstacles that may appear.

Speak to a Guru

The wisdom of an expert is a valuable asset to any adventurer. At orientation you will get the chance to attend a group advising session led by an advisor in your academic area of study. This will give you the opportunity to ask any questions or voice any concerns you or your family may have about academics. An explorer with the inside scoop is sure to get the gold.

Plan for What is to Come

A good adventure is well planned and may even follow a schedule. Orientation will provide to you the opportunity to schedule your classes for your first semester as a Buckeye. There will be plenty of seasoned adventurers to help you with this process. You will also have the chance to complete some university business. This could include: getting your BuckID card, picking up your Buckeye Book Community book, or taking any necessary placement tests. An explorer who plans is an explorer that has a lot less to worry about in the long run.

Meet Others at the Start of Their Journey

One of the most exciting opportunities at orientation is meeting other people in the same boat. Whether you’re literally taking a boat somewhere, or just figuratively, it is nice to see that other people have similar destinations. Talk to any swashbuckler and they will tell you they never could have achieved their goals without a little help from others.

Survey the Terrain

Not many explorers get the chance to see where they will be exploring beforehand. You will get the distinct advantage of becoming more familiar with campus before you embark on your four-year journey. You will see some of the buildings where classes take place, the student union, and even how our living spaces are set up.

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All of these opportunities are meant to help prepare you to be the best Buckeye you can be. Just like we wouldn’t send someone out into the jungle without the proper provisions, we wouldn’t send a student into their first year without these essentials. I wish you the best of luck young explorer, just always remember that “Adventure is out there” just waiting for you. 

5 Tips for Success at Orientation

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Welcome to the FYE blog, future Buckeyes! As you’re finishing up your last days in high school and getting ready for a great summer, I wanted to share with you some tips for success at summer orientation. These are a few things I learned throughout my own orientation experience and my time as an Orientation Leader (upperclass students who help you transition to Ohio State).

DRESS for SUCCESS.

When I was preparing for orientation three summers ago (I’m so old) I read that we were supposed to keep it casual and comfortable. Naturally, I understood this as wearing my favorite summery skirt and sandals (pretty sure I just wanted to make a good first impression). After two hours into orientation, I regretted the sandals/skirt combo as my Orientation Leader had us playing interactive, action-oriented games on the Oval, which was not skirt friendly. Be prepared to have fun playing games like this and getting to know your fellow Buckeyes, but make sure you wear what’s most comfortable for you. There’s also quite a bit of walking throughout the two-day program and infamous temperamental Ohio weather. Try to wear sensible shoes and pack an umbrella if you don’t like the rain.

KEEP it POSITIVE.

Bring a great attitude and be open to new experiences. Orientation is a chance for you to meet fellow Buckeyes and learn about many opportunities to make your time as a Buckeye the best it can be. Be open to striking up conversation with someone in your small group or on your walk to your foreign language placement test. I actually met one of my best friends waiting to talk to my academic advisor; we bonded over a love for musicals and our biology majors. Three years later, I’m no longer a biology major, but I’m still best friends with that boy.

GET ENOUGH SLEEP.

Sleep on the plane flight or during the car ride, because these two days are packed with fun activities, course registration, plenty of walking and icebreakers. Make sure you are refreshed for your orientation!

LOVE YOUR PARENTS, GUARDIANS, FAMILY, FRIENDS and MENTORS who HELPED YOU BECOME a BUCKEYE.

Be thankful for all that others have done to help you get here…and thank yourself for all your hard work! Get ready to be part of a loving, supportive community that will provide you with countless amazing memories and life experiences.

YOU do YOU.

Be yourself during your time at Ohio State. Being a Buckeye means being part of a larger community that is comprised of amazing individuals. This is your time to let your true colors shine! We cannot wait to get to know the real you.

Alright, Class of 2018, we look forward to meeting you in a few short weeks! Get ready for you next big adventure.