Embarking on the journey of college is nothing short of a roller coaster of emotions. A moment that has been long anticipated, it marks the beginning of a very important four year period that is further highlighted by a key experience: New Student Orientation (NSO).
Upon move-in, students are often met with a mixture of emotions including excitement, curiosity and nervousness. In the midst of all these emotions, the Orientation experience is designed to act as a guiding light to help new students navigate the huge jump to college and life on campus.
Bucknell definitely does a great job in meticulously planning out an intricate Orientation schedule in hopes of a seamless transition and an enriched new student experience.
Yet, ironically, at times, Orientation programs can often mirror the very same sentiment that they are trying to alleviate. Quickly following the early morning move-in process, students find themselves swept into a whirlwind of five consecutive days jam-packed with a blend of informational presentations, academic engagements and entertaining activities that span from morning to night.
In the blink of an eye, the initial excitement and adrenaline associated with starting college can quickly succumb to the nervousness of being in a new place, especially with so much happening all around.
Much of the nervousness can be eased by the very helpful, excited and enthusiastic Orientation Assistants. These seasoned individuals serve as invaluable resources and guides for new students. Sporting bright orange shirts, energetic chants and loud speakers, OAs truly make the experience.
This year, for the Class of 2027 Orientation, the NSO planning team implemented many fun de-stress events. This included Late-Night Bingo, the Street Festival and Hall Olympics. And let’s not forget about Freez on Freas, a late night event with free food, music, games and s’mores.
During Orientation, Bucknell excels in acquainting students with all the campus resources that are at their disposal. This includes Religious and Spiritual Life, the 7th Street Studio & Makerspace, The Bertrand Library and more.
Moreover, Orientation is an excellent opportunity for students to forge new friendships before classes commence that can oftentimes extend into the rest of their college years. This period is also a platform for students to build connections with their hall mates.
Amongst the dozens of activities that fill the Orientation schedule, there are also impactful and engaging presentations on crucial topics. These include important topics such as alcohol abuse, sexual assault and allyship. By attending these presentations, students are better equipped to become more aware and informed about issues that can be prevalent across college campuses around the country.
Likely the most meaningful parts of Orientation are all the symbolic events that end up circling back to students at the end of their college years. Traditions and events like Matriculation, Convocation and the Candle Lighting really help mark the beginning of the Bucknell experience.
In the midst of the hustle and bustle of Orientation, feeling a bit overwhelmed and nervous is not uncommon. After all, it takes place during the significant leap into college and living on campus. Nevertheless, Orientation undeniably plays a pivotal role in shaping the first year experience and is very resourceful and beneficial for students.