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First-Year Students

Welcome new Bears! We are excited for you and your family/support people to join the our campus community. UNC's New Student Orientation (NSO) is a full-day program designed to setup incoming students and their support systems for success academically, socially and financially. During New Student Orientation, you will:

    • Learn about life as a UNC Bear
    • Get your student ID
    • Learn about the essential academic and campus information
    • Connect with the many resources to support your success for a smooth transition to UNC, including meeting with representative from academic and personal resource offices and finalize financial aid and billing
    • Meet other new and current UNC students

You will also be able to meet with an academic advisor and register for classes. After you have confirmed you're coming to UNC by submitting your decision form, you can sign up for New Student Orientation and watch helpful Pre-Orientation videos.

Attending UNC New Student Orientation is a great way to start your college career with a smooth transition!



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Spring 2025 First-Year New Student & Transfer Orientation Date
January 10, 2025


Our in-person Orientation will be held on Friday, January 10, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
Our Winter Welcome Kick-Off begins with dinner at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, January 10, 2025 and and runs through Sunday, January 12, 2025. 


Pre-Orientation Canvas Course

All Spring Start students are required to complete Module 1 of the Pre-Orientation Canvas Course, which will launch in November 2024. This course is an important step to help prepare you for your orientation and academic success.


What you can expect

  • Friday: Welcome Lunch, B.E.A.R. Program (Student Compliance), Our Den (Community Building), Resource Fair
    • Parent and Support Person Orientation will take place from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
  • Saturday: Small Group Connections, UNC Basketball Game, Student Led Programming by the University Program Council and Office of Health Promotion
  • Sunday: Brunch, Student Social Event

More details will be confirmed as we continue working with campus partners.


Important Notes

Students should regularly check their admissions portal and their email for updates regarding their orientation schedule, Pre-Orientation Canvas Course, and further details regarding mandatory sessions.

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What's Next?

Now that you registered for New Student Orientation, complete the tasks 
below so you will be prepared for your arrival to campus.

New Student Days / Winter Welcome

As a new UNC Bear, you are now invited to attend Winter Welcome (January 2025) or New Student Days (August 2025). These programs are designed to help first-year and transfer students transition both academically and socially to life at UNC. You will learn about various campus resources and participate in social events and other UNC traditions! During New Student Days, you are sure to have a great time meeting fellow Bears and transitioning for the start of classes. Check out the list of events by clicking here or visiting UNC's Bear Welcome website at unco.edu/student-engagement/welcome/.

Summer 2025 First-Year New Student & Transfer Orientation Dates & Information

Starting classes in the summer or fall of 2025? These are your New Student Orientation dates!


Important Launch Dates

📅 February 3, 2025: Registration for New Student Orientation sessions opens via the Admissions Portal.
📅 March 3, 2025: Access to the Pre-Orientation Canvas Course begins via the Admissions Portal.


New Student Orientation Dates

🏫 In-Person Sessions

💻 Virtual Sessions

  • Tuesday, June 3
  • Thursday, June 5
  • Tuesday, June 10
  • Thursday, June 12
  • Monday, June 16
  • Wednesday, June 18
  • Thursday, July 24
  • Monday, July 28
  • Friday, August 1
  • Monday, June 30
  • Wednesday, July 30

Session Options: Virtual vs. In-Person

🏫 In-Person NSO: Offers a full experience, including Advising and Registration, campus tours, and opportunities to connect with peers and staff in person.

💻 Virtual NSO: Perfect for students unable to travel. Advising and Registration begin July 1, 2025, and are not included in the virtual program. Virtual NSO provides a comprehensive introduction to UNC, delivered online.


Student Tracks

All NSO sessions are open to both First-Time First-Year and Transfer students. Each group follows a tailored track:

  • First-Time First-Year Students: Includes Advising and Registration during the session.
  • Transfer Students: Focuses on academic transition support, as Advising and Registration are completed beforehand.

Not sure about your status? Contact the Office of Admissions for assistance at admissions@unco.edu


For questions or assistance with New Student Orientation programs, email orientation@unco.edu.