You’ve no doubt heard about college orientation, but did you know that some colleges also offer pre-orientation programs that bring incoming students together for a shared and (often) adventurous experience? Here’s a look at some of the most exciting programs out there.
At Tufts University, pre-orientation programs range from five-day outdoor excursions in remote areas of New England, to CREATE, a program that centers activism through the arts. Tufts also offers FIT, focusing on fitness, health & wellness, and SQUAD–Students’ Quest for Unity in the African Diaspora– in addition to other topical choices.
Dickinson College offers new students a wide and engaging selection of pre-orientation activities, including “Law and Ordering Food,” a program combining mock trial and local culinary exploration. Other offerings see students exploring their love of books and libraries, the Dickinson College Farm, sports media and marketing, sustainability, and more.
The University of Miami offers pre-orientation Outdoor Adventures, designed to build community and prepare students for college life. Far from campus in Miami, the peer-led adventure trips take place in the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee.
As befits a school in the nation’s capital, Georgetown University invites students to “Campaign Bootcamp” for one of its pre-orientation options, where students get a behind-the-scenes look at political campaigning. Other programs involve leadership development, healthcare, community involvement, diversity, and outdoor adventures.
Stanford University’s location in Northern California means that its pre-orientation programs take advantage of stunning surroundings such as Lassen National Park, Plumas National Forest, and Big Sur. The immersive, outdoors experiences help students navigate the transition to life at Stanford.
“Camp Yale” invites all new Yale University students to meet up and create a sense of belonging. Whether exploring the outdoors as part of FOOT (First Year Outdoor Orientation Trips), farming and camping in the Harvest program, or experiencing the visual arts through Camp Yale Arts, there is a program that will appeal to nearly everyone. There is even an option called “Yale Reserved,” for students “who enjoy moments of solitude, low-key events, and time for reflection.”
At The University of Chicago, pre-orientation programs include unique opportunities for getting to know the Windy City. “Chicago Urban Explorers” introduces students to the culture and history of their new home while “Chicago Bound” invites students to explore urban issues through a community-based understanding of social change.
What is truly amazing about these pre-orientation programs is that they are only the beginning of what college life has to offer. And what better way to get to know your future classmates than sharing an adventure with them before classes even start?
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