Orientation
Whether you’re coming to Furman for our rigorous academics, undergraduate research opportunities or fine arts programs, our goal is to ensure that your first year is a success. That’s why we have a created a two-pronged orientation program to make the transition to college as smooth as possible.
Furman offers a hybrid approach to acclimating students to academics and college life—Summer Orientation and Fall Orientation. Summer Orientation focuses on the nuts and bolts of class selection, while Fall Orientation introduces students to the Furman experience. Together, these orientation sessions will help you adapt to life on our campus.
Discover how we’re going to prepare you for the next four years. Follow us on instagram as we take you through Summer & Fall Orientation.
Summer Orientation
Summer Orientation focuses on your academic path at Furman and the nuts and bolts of class selection. Attend one of five sessions dedicated to learning more about navigating the academic transition from high school, attending a liberal arts institution, and preparing for fall course selection. The day will culminate with a one-on-one meeting with a summer academic advisor to discuss fall course options available to you.
Summer Orientation Resources
Register to Attend
The cost to attend Summer Orientation is $75 per student, which includes registration of one parent or guest. Additional guests can register to attend for $30 per person. Summer Orientation dates for 2024 are:
- June 14
- June 17
- June 20
- June 22
- June 24
Click here to register using through your Admission Status Portal.
Unable to Attend?
While we highly encourage new students to participate in our in-person Summer Orientation program, we understand that may not be an option for everyone. Students unable to attend Summer Orientation are required to participate in a virtual advising meeting.
Please complete this form to let us know you will not be attending Summer Orientation and to register for a virtual advising meeting.
Starting the week of June 10, someone will follow up and contact you to schedule a virtual meeting with an academic advisor. Virtual advising runs from June 14-July 12.
Furman University is committed to maintaining and strengthening an environment that is accessible and inclusive for all members of our community. We want to ensure that everyone can access and enjoy these activities. If you need any accessibility accommodations in order to fully participate, please e-mail orientation@furman.edu to request them. Requests must be received at least five (5) business days prior to the scheduled date of the event or activity.
Get the Schedule
Orientation will begin at 9 a.m. and wrap up around 4 p.m. on the day of your session. The 2024 Summer Orientation schedule will be available in May.
Parent & Family Orientation
Keep in mind that Parent & Family Orientation takes place during Summer Orientation, and as new students prepare for the academic programs on our campus, your family will be given an overview of what to expect during your four years at Furman.
Click here to view a recording of a webinar offered last year, “Paladin Parent Preview: Supporting the Student Experience.”
Fall Orientation
Fall Orientation, or Fall O, is an experience that you’ll never forget. This mandatory program gives new first year and transfer students a starting point in how to interact with others, how to traverse academics, and in many cases, how to deal with living with someone for the first time. Put simply, it sets the tone for your time at Furman.
Fall Orientation Resources
Fall Orientation includes programs about how to tackle your first year at Furman, University policies and community expectations, getting involved, and, of course, a crash course in managing the shift from high school to college. But it's more than a "how-to" session. With everything from a carnival to movies, there are plenty of opportunities to meet new people and begin building community.
View the Schedule
We will have a wide variety of programs and events scheduled throughout Fall Orientation, beginning with move-in day on Thursday, August 22, and lasting through the first few weeks of the semester. The 2024 Fall Orientation schedule will be available later this summer.
View the 2023 Fall Orientation schedule here!
Move-in Day
First-year & new transfer students will move in on Thursday, August 22.
New student move-in will include a curbside check-in process where students will receive their keys, orientation name tag, and additional important information. Once your check-in is complete and your car is unloaded, you may take as much time as you need to get settled.
When you arrive on campus that morning, follow the signs to your designated check-in area:
- South Housing Residence Halls are Poteat, McGlothlin, AD, Geer, BC, Blackwell and Manly. Check-in will occur within the circle outside of the Physical Activities Center.
- Clark Murphy Complex Residence Halls are Chiles, Townes, McBee, Haynsworth, Judson, Ramsay, and Gambrell. Check-in will occur behind McAllister Auditorium.
- North Village check-in will occur at North Village J 100.
You will be able to unload your vehicle near your residence hall. A team of housing student staff members and orientation leaders will be available to assist you. Once your car is unloaded, a staff member will direct you to the nearest available parking lot.
We ask that you review and complete the following, to ensure a smooth move-in experience:
- Please clearly label all your personal items with your full name, building, and room number. This will help us make sure everything gets to the right location.
- Make sure you know your housing assignment. Please go to your Housing Self-Service Portal to see your assignment details.
- Students are advised against bringing additional furniture, as each student will have a closet, desk, dresser, mini fridge, microwave, and bed provided in the room. Click here for a more detailed list of what to bring and what not to bring.
- Click here to view specific information about each residence hall, including general floor plans.
Commuter Students
If you will be commuting to campus this year, you should still plan on participating in Fall Orientation activities! There is a commuter student meeting scheduled for Thursday, August 22 at 3 p.m. in the Thomas Room (located on the second level of the Trone Student Center). Following the commuter student meeting is the first orientation group meeting, and then you are invited to join us for dinner on campus. Orientation leaders will be available to review the Fall O schedule and answer any questions you may have!
International Students
Information about International Student Orientation coming soon!
