First-Year Student Orientation
We can’t wait to welcome you and your family/support system to the UNC Bear community! New Student Orientation (NSO) is a full-day experience designed to help you feel confident and prepared for your transition to college.
After you have confirmed you're coming to UNC by submitting your decision form, you can register for New Student Orientation.
What to Expect at NSO
NSO is designed to help you feel confident and ready before classes begin. Here’s what you can look forward to:
🎉 Connect with Fellow Bears
- Meet other incoming students and start building friendships.
- Engage in small group activities led by current UNC students (your Orientation Leaders).
📚 Get Ready for Classes
- First-Time First-Year Students: Receive academic advising and register for your first semester of classes.
🏛️ Explore UNC & Campus Life
- Take an optional West Campus Walkabout with Admissions Ambassadors to get familiar with classrooms, dining halls, and student spaces.
- Learn about UNC traditions and what it means to be a member of the Community of Bears.
🛠 Find Support & Resources
- Discover the many ways UNC helps students succeed, from academic support to student organizations.
- Get your UNC Bear ID card, set up Wi-Fi, and take care of important tasks before the semester starts.
✅ Gain Confidence in Your Next Steps
- Learn how to navigate college life, from managing your schedule to getting involved.
- Feel ready and excited to begin your first semester!
How to Prepare for NSO
📅 Step 1: Register for NSO
✔ Registration Opens: February 2025
✔ Sign up for your session in your UNC Admissions Portal
💻 Step 2: Complete Your Pre-Orientation Canvas Course
✔ Opens: March 2025
✔ This online course helps you understand UNC policies, resources, and expectations before you arrive at NSO.
🎒 Step 3: Get Ready for Your Session
✔ Check your email for a confirmation & event updates
✔ Wear comfortable clothing & walking shoes
✔ Bring a laptop if you are able to (recommended for Wi-Fi setup and advising)
A Look at Your NSO Day
Your NSO experience is designed to help you connect, explore, and prepare for your first semester at UNC. Here's what you can expect:
Morning: Start Your Day
Check-in at Campus Commons and get ready for a full day of learning and connection.
Begin your experience with a warm welcome and overview of the day’s activities.
Meet your Orientation Leader and small group, where you’ll start forming connections with fellow students.
Participate in engaging discussions about building your UNC community and explore what it means to belong.
Midday: Lunch & Campus Resources
Enjoy a catered lunch and take time to recharge.
Visit the University Support & Resource Fair to explore student services, campus programs, and involvement opportunities.
Choose from a variety of UNC 101 sessions, designed to introduce you to key aspects of campus life, academics, and student
success.
Afternoon: Campus Life & Next Steps
Engage in a critical conversation about campus safety and responsibility as part of UNC’s community expectations.
First-Time First-Year Students: Meet with academic advisors and register for fall classes.
By the end of NSO, our goal is for you to have a class schedule (for First-Time First-Year students), key campus knowledge, and connections with peers and campus resources to help you feel confident about starting your journey at UNC!
📌 Virtual NSO sessions cover key campus resources but does not include campus tours, advising and registration or in-person engagement activities. Details for how Advising and Registration can be accessed for Virtual NSO attendees will be shared via email beginning in early July.
