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.
For students starting in the fall semester, 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.
Students starting in the spring semester should plan to attend our Spring Orientation program designed specifically for them.
Discover how we’re going to prepare you for the next four years. Scroll down for additional information about each of these programs.
And follow us on Instagram for tips, reminders, and fun along the way!
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 2026 are:
- June 12
- June 15
- June 17
- June 20
- June 22
Students can register for Summer Orientation in their Admission Status Portal. The deadline for registering and making changes to your registration is May 31.
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 indicate you will not be attending Summer Orientation. A member of our team will be in touch in early June to schedule your virtual appointment.
Get the Schedule
Orientation will begin at 9 a.m. and wrap up around 4:30 p.m. on the day of your session, depending on the time of your academic advising appointment.
View the 2026 New Student Summer Orientation schedule.
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.
View the 2026 Parent & Family Summer Orientation schedule.
Fall Orientation
Fall Orientation, or Fall O, is an experience you’ll never forget. This program, mandatory for all new first year and transfer students, is a starting point in how to interact with others and how to traverse academics. But it’s more than a “how-to” session. With everything from movies to a carnival, there are plenty of opportunities to meet new people and begin building community. Put simply, it sets the tone for your time at Furman.
Fall Orientation Resources
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 20, and lasting through the first few weeks of the semester.
The 2026 Fall Orientation schedule will be available in early summer. Click below to view last fall’s orientation schedule.
View the 2025 Fall Orientation schedule here!
Move-in Day
First-year & new transfer students will move in on Thursday, August 20, 2026.
New students will check-in at their residence hall, where you will receive your 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 Blackwell (our newest residence hall formerly known as Lakeview Hall), Geer, Manly, McGlothlin, and Poteat.
- Clark Murphy Complex Residence Halls are Chiles, Gambrell, Haynsworth, Judson, McBee, Ramsay, and Townes.
- 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 first and last 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 to view specific information about each residence hall, including general floor plans.
Please note, students who are institutionally approved to move in early (such as international students, in-season student athletes, members of the marching band, etc.) will receive specific instructions from Housing and Residence Life in late July.
Email us with questions about housing assignments or move-in day
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 20 at 3 p.m. in Burgiss Theater, which is 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
International students will move-in on Saturday, August 15, 2026. Please follow instructions from International Student Services regarding your arrival, airport transportation, and move-in instructions.
If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Alex Akulli at [email protected].
Spring Orientation
Spring Orientation is designed specifically for students starting mid-year. This mandatory program will provide new students with necessary information for the transition to Furman. You’ll meet with an academic advisor, as well as learn about various resources and support services available to Furman students.
Spring Orientation Resources
2026 Spring Orientation will take place on Friday, January 9 and Saturday, January 10.
New students will be able to move-in on Friday, January 9 beginning at 8:30 a.m.
You can check in at the RA office in your residential area. Click here for a campus map.
Clark Murphy Complex
- The Clark Murphy Housing Complex residence halls are Chiles, Gambrell, Haynsworth, Judson, McBee, Ramsay, and Townes.
- The RA office is located in Judson Hall.
South Housing
- The South Housing residence halls are Blackwell, Geer, Manly, McGlothlin, and Poteat.
- The RA office is located in Poteat Hall.
North Village
- The North Village RA office is located on the first floor of Building J.
Questions about your housing assignment and moving in can be directed to Housing and Residence Life at [email protected].