What to Expect During First-Year Orientation

First-Year Orientation Information 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

Orientation Check-in

Orientation check-in will take place from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. in the Warwick Center. Students who arrive after 8:30 a.m. must go directly to the Burney Center to check in.

Students and guests will park in the Visitor's Lot 4941 Reigel Road before checking in. During check-in, students and guests will check in together by the student's last name.

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 8:30 a.m. should report directly to the Burney Center.

What You'll Do

Student Orientation Schedule

The student orientation program runs from 8:45 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Students must participate in all activities and are required to stay for the full day. Please make travel plans accordingly.

First-Year Student Orientation Schedule
8:45 – 9:05 a.m.	Welcome, New Seahawks!
9:05 – 9:25 a.m.	Finding Your Nest: Thriving Academically at UNCW
9:35 – 10:10 a.m.	Small Group #1
10:20 – 10:35 a.m.	Campus Safety
10:35 – 10:55 a.m.	Empowering Student Success
Small Groups 1-8 11:10 a.m. - noon 12:15 - 12:45 p.m.	Lunch Financial Matters & Business Services for Seahawks
Small Groups 9-16 11:10 - 11:40 a.m. 11:55 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.	Financial Matters & Business Services for Seahawks Lunch
1:00 – 1:10 p.m.	Seahawk Athletics
1:10 – 1:30 p.m.	Getting Involved on Campus
1:45 – 2:05 p.m.	Breakout Sessions Community Engagement Education Abroad Fraternity & Sorority Life Honors College Student Employment Student Wellbeing
2:20 – 2:45 p.m.	Living the College Life
2:55 – 3:30 p.m.	Small Group #2
3:00 – 4:00 p.m.	UNCW D1 Athletes Academic Meeting Required for Varsity Athletes
3:30 – 5:00 p.m.	Campus Resource Fair
3:30 – 5:00 p.m.	Residence Hall Showrooms
3:30 – 5:30 p.m.	Orientation Check-Out

View the First-Year Guest Schedule

What to Bring

Things You Should Have

Your UNCW login username and password
Photo Identification
Phone Charger or Power Bank
Something to take notes with/on
Comfortable clothes & shoes
Refillable Water bottle
Rain gear (jacket, umbrella, shoes)
Medications (if needed)

What You'll Eat

Breakfast & Lunch Information

During orientation, students and guests are welcome to enjoy a continental breakfast after checking in. Lunch for each group will be held at one of our dining halls or the Hawks Nest in the Fisher University Union.

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