Worried About College? How to Make the Most of Your Orientation

I vividly remember my own Bentley orientation at the end of summer in 2022. I was nervous when I arrived on campus. At first, I was intimidated by the enthusiastic orientation leaders (or OLs as they’re called at Bentley) cheering me on and encouraging me to join in during games and activities.  

As the program went on, though, I came to love them and realized the reason they were so energetic was because they wanted to set the tone for our Bentley journey and make everyone feel welcome. Now I’m one of those OLs rooting for newly arrived first-years and motivating them to join the fun. 

Four Tips to Start Your Journey Strong 

My enthusiasm and energy always get a few awkward glances from new students or Baby Falcs — a term for Bentley first-years, inspired by our mascot, Flex the Falcon. But I love being a mentor and showing them that we’re here to guide and support them, and that they will build confidence through each experience.   

So, after five orientations (one as a first-year myself and four as an OL), here are the four things I’ve come to believe will help any student to make the most of an orientation experience and build a connection to the greater campus community. 

1. Be Kind and Keep an Open Mind 

Everyone is looking to meet new people, and orientation is the time to do that. A great way to start is by being kind and open to everyone you meet out and about and during orientation, especially those who are in your dorm. Exchange Instagrams. Hang out during down time. You might make unexpected connections.  

When I was a first-year, I bonded with people on my floor by going to orientation activities together. Some even ended up being my best friends. Even if you don’t make an instant connection with people you meet during orientation, remember they’re your peers for the next four years — it’s nice to recognize a friendly face around campus. And if you don’t find your people right off the bat, keep putting yourself out there. This is your time to shine and meet new people. Say “yes.” You never know where it could lead you. 

2. Take Off Your “Cool Hat” 

A lot of people arrive at college feeling too cool for activities, and it can create a hesitancy to participate. “Take off your cool hat,” is what OLs like to say to people with this kind of mindset. Activities like the classic “moo off” — a Bentley orientation tradition to see who can moo the longest, which never fails to get people laughing — exist to bring everyone together. It might feel silly in the moment, but in the long run it creates lasting memories that you will look back and smile upon. 

During my orientation, I tried to play it cool at first. When I finally took off my “cool hat” I felt that I was able to be my true, goofy self. By doing this I found the people who loved me for who I was, all because I didn’t put a filter on and try to be someone that I wasn’t.  

3. Go to All Orientation Activities 

Orientation days can feel long and busy, but the activities are geared toward helping you (new students) adjust. In addition to fun games, your OL will give you a campus tour, show you your classrooms, and talk about campus resources such as printers, tutoring services, and labs, centers and departments like the Health Center, Athletics and Recreation and University Police. Make sure to take advantage of what is planned so you feel ready to take on your first week of school! Another fun fact about Bentley is that your orientation group is also part of your Falcon Discovery Seminar, a class you take for the first semester. These classmates are not going anywhere so it’s great to take this time to connect with them! 

4. Get to Know Your OL 

A lot of first-year students don’t realize that orientation leaders are students, too! We’ve already built connections on campus, and we want to share them. I always joke to my Baby Falcs that they can’t get rid of me after orientation is over, and they don’t believe me until we start to run into one another everywhere on campus. OLs can introduce you to so many different communities: cultural, religious, artistic, so make sure to get to know them! They are also some of the most involved members on campus and will likely be a great resource throughout your college years.

Here’s a look at me and my Bentley OLs helping first-years move in.

 

 

 

 

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