Orientation

Orientation is an essential first step in your transition to the University of Minnesota. It’s designed to help you feel prepared, confident, and connected before classes begin. Through Orientation, you’ll register for courses, explore campus resources, build relationships with peers and staff, and learn what it means to be part of the U of M community. It sets the foundation for your academic, social, and personal success throughout your first year.At the U, we utilize the W-Curve to help explain the transition experience. It outlines common emotional stages individuals often go through as they adapt to a new environment like college. During Orientation, we will share more about what these stages mean and how our programs, resources, and community support you throughout your journey. Whether it’s finding your academic groove, building connections, or prioritizing your well-being, we are here to help you every step of the way!

W Curve for transitioning to college
Level of comfort, satisfaction, and effectiveness over time; Honeymoon: The excitement stage, Culture shock: Then, reality sets in, Initial adjustment: Settling in to the demands of college life, Mental isolation: Comparing home to college, Acceptance and integration: Finally, balance emerges

Ask Us!

Through all of this change, Orientation & Transition Experiences is here to provide you consistent support - long after you have completed Orientation and experienced Welcome Week. Staff and student peers are here to help you. If you have a question at any time and don't know where to turn, contact us! We are here to help!

Orientation & Transition Experiences
315 Coffman Memorial Union
300 Washington Ave. S.E
Minneapolis, MN 55455
ote.umn.edu
[email protected]
612-624-1979 or 1-800-234-1979

Staying Informed

Students looking at phone

MyU

MyU is the official University of Minnesota web portal. You will use MyU to register for classes, view your enrollment, access your financial aid and billing, see your grades, learn about resources and events, and much more.

MyU is personalized for you, giving you tools to help you be successful at the U of M. The information you see is based on your role at the University. As a result, no two MyU views are exactly alike. 

First Year, Second Year, and Transfer Newsletters

This monthly newsletter will be sent to your University email account and includes action items, tips, and resources related to the specific time of year for first-year students.

Undergrad Update

The Undergrad Update is a bi-weekly eNewsletter that connects and informs all U of M undergraduate students of events, resources, and opportunities that serve to enhance the overall student experience. The newsletter is a collaborative effort between the Office of Undergraduate Education and the Office for Student Affairs. 

College Electronic Newsletter

Your college or advising office will send information to your U of M email about opportunities and events available through your college.

International Student Newsletter

International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) sends the ISSS Weekly Update to all international students. It is an email newsletter with important announcements for international students and scholars. You can learn about changes in visa regulations, ISSS events and programs, University policies affecting international students, and many other topics. 

Neighborhood News

This monthly communication is designed for students living off campus to stay up to date on neighborhood issues, events, and commuter resources. You can sign-up for the mailing list for renters or commuters.

Transfer Students 

Email us at [email protected] with questions specific to the transfer experience.