What is freshman orientation? A guide for new students

This isn’t just a checklist of forms and tours; it’s your first real step into life as a UC student. It’s designed to help you feel confident, connected, and ready to thrive.

You’ll meet fellow Bearcats, explore campus resources and start building the support network that will carry you through your first year and beyond. Think of freshman orientation as your launchpad into the UC experience.

At UC, freshman orientation means more than just getting your student ID and finding your classes. BBO happens before your first semester and is your opportunity to:

• Get to know your campus: Find out where to grab lunch and discover the best study spots.
  

• Meet your fellow Bearcats and start building friendships before classes even begin.
  

• Learn how UC works, including resources, student support services and academic expectations.
  

• Get answers to all those “How do I…?” and “Where is…?” questions you’ve been thinking about.

By the time classes start, you won’t just know your way around — you’ll already feel like part of the Bearcats community.

UC’s freshman orientation is your official welcome to UC and your first big step into life as a Bearcat. 

During this part of BBO, you will be introduced to campus, tour some of the buildings where you will have class during your first semester, attend sessions on different campus life topics, and, of course, get the chance to meet other new Bearcats.

Sample schedule for freshman orientation:

• 9 a.m. – Check-in
  

• 9:30 a.m. – Welcome
  

• 10 a.m. – Discover what it means to be a Bearcat
  

• 11 a.m. – Campus tour / lunch
  

• 1 p.m. – Your college session
  

• 2 - 4:15 p.m. – Breakout sessions
  

• 4:15 p.m. – Closing

Your personalized schedule will be in the BBO app (or desktop version) before your date.

Parking and lunch – Both are complimentary. Check your UC email for day-of details.

Families and guests – Welcome to attend at no cost. They’ll join special sessions while you’re in student programming. Include them when you register.

Accommodations – Need disability-related support or an interpreter? Email orientation@uc.edu in advance.

International students – Special BBO dates are available closer to the semester start. Complete all pre-arrival tasks before attending.

Who better to give you advice than students who’ve been in your shoes? We asked current Bearcats to share their top tips for making the most of Bearcats Bound Orientation:

1. Talk to someone new in every session. You never know who might end up in your classes — or becoming a lifelong friend.

2. Ask all your questions. No question is too small. If you’re wondering about it, someone else probably is too.

3. Take photos of your favorite spots. It’ll help you remember where things are when campus gets busy.

4. Bring a refillable water bottle and wear comfy shoes. You’ll be moving around a lot.

5. Get involved early. Visit the student organization tables and sign up for something that interests you.

Your Bearcats Bound Orientation is just the beginning of your UC story — use it to start building the connections and confidence that will carry you through your first year and beyond.

Read: Build community on campus with these group activities

Orientation is your chance to get insider tips and answers before the semester starts. The more you ask now, the more confident you’ll feel on day one. Here are some smart questions to bring with you:

Pro tip: If you’re shy about speaking up, jot your questions down in the BBO app so you don’t forget them. Orientation leaders and staff are here to help and most are UC students who have been in your shoes before.

BBO is more than just meeting people, it’s your introduction to all the ways UC helps you succeed and feel at home on campus.

• Academic advising – Meet your advisor and learn how they’ll help you plan classes and stay on track.
  

• Tutoring and supplemental instruction – Find out how to join free tutoring and peer-led study sessions for tough classes.
  

• Mental health and wellness – Discover UC’s counseling services, wellness programs, and stress-busting activities.
  

• Student organizations – Explore hundreds of clubs, orgs, and leadership opportunities to get involved.

Pro tip: Bookmark your favorite resources in the BBO app so you can check them out once classes start.

Once your Bearcats Bound Orientation wraps up, the excitement doesn’t end there.

Bearcats Welcome keeps the momentum going for the first few weeks of school. It's packed with everything from social mixers to educational sessions to help you dive into campus life right when the semester begins.

You can explore the full lineup of events through GetInvolvedUC or the Corq mobile app (or use their online schedule if you’re not on a smartphone).

These are your go-to tools for discovering everything from move-in treats and welcome concerts to trivia nights and wellness open houses plus, all events are open to the whole Bearcats community unless otherwise noted.

Starting college can feel exciting and a little nerve-wracking all at once. That’s totally normal and remember: everyone around you is figuring things out too.

Bearcats Bound Orientation is your chance to get comfortable, make connections and start finding your place here. You’ve got this, and we’re excited to welcome you to the Bearcats family!