Starting college is a big step for students and their families. New Student Orientation, designed to ease the transition of incoming students and their families to campus life, is underway. As a student leader in the Office of Parents and Families Services, I would like to share a few pointers for families who have yet to attend orientation. Thank you to the families who have already attended; I hope you learned a lot and found the sessions helpful.

Orientation is specific to the college your student is enrolled in, with four different sessions for each college (eight for engineering). Family Orientation is designed to help those supporting their students make the transition to college. Each session is designed to help families gain a better understanding of the academic programs and campus services offered to students and their families, discuss adjustments your family will face, and explore opportunities for students to meet their academic advisor and classmates, and for families to meet other NC State families.

Registration for Family Orientation is tied to the student’s orientation registration, and you can find instructions on the New Student Orientation website. The cost of attendance is included in the mandatory, non-refundable fee charged to all incoming students.

Regarding accommodations, families have an option to stay on campus in North Hall, with a reservation required in advance, or make an off-campus reservation at a local hotel offering a special rate to NC State families. Click here for a listing of hotels and other businesses offering year-round discounts to NC State families. Students can make their arrangements for accommodation (such as staying with parents at a local hotel) or spend the night in Lee Residence Hall. Students who plan to stay in the residence hall are asked to bring a sleeping bag or long twin sheets, blanket, pillow, towels, etc. The cost for staying overnight in Lee is included in the First-Year Student Fee. It’s important to note that this offer doesn’t apply to families, just to students. I highly recommend encouraging your student to spend the night at the residence hall, as this is a great way to prepare incoming students for living on campus in the fall.

I strongly encourage families to attend orientation with their students to understand the next few years of their student’s college experience. There will be many insightful sessions you wouldn’t want to miss!

Go Pack!

Alexander Vazquez – Pack Family Ally