Preparing for New Student Orientation

1. Understanding Your Financial Budget
   Learning to keep track of your expenses early on will help you make smart economic decisions. You will need to know how much money you can spend on certain things from your first day on campus. Make sure your finances are in order. While you are still home, you can look into opening a bank account and discuss your budget with your parents.
2. Time Management System
   Having good time management will help you in the long run! It is one of the biggest challenges for college students. Set a system that works around your class schedule and fits your needs. If needed, invest in a good planner. Teach yourself how to explore and take advantage of new opportunities!
3. Stress Management System
   College students are always stressed out about something. It’s part of the college experience! While having stress is normal, you must prepare and learn how to control the levels of stress. Focus on a sleep schedule to get the most out of recharging and re-balancing yourself. Keeping track of your nutrition is also essential as you will not have your parents around reminding you when to eat. Also, make time to exercise at the gym on campus or do a few yoga poses in your room. It can make all the difference!
4. Balancing Your Workload
   College can be overwhelming. While you are focusing on your academic and social life, do not forget to take care of yourself! How you spend your time outside of the classroom is a critical part of your college experience and, in a sense, of the education you receive. Make the most of it! Join a club or organization that explores your interests and passions. You are going to be in New York City, one of the most exciting places in the world! Take full advantage, as the city is yours!
5. Buying and Packing
   It is important to get a head start on your college shopping and packing. Take a moment to review the " Packing Essentials" page to get an idea of what you should/should not bring. Getting in contact with roommates will help cut down on the chance of bringing multiples of common-area items (such as TVs and microwaves). Sometimes, it's beneficial to create and follow a checklist. Keeping track of the items you want/need to buy and bring will help decrease stress while packing and moving in.
   
   Deciding on what kind of laptop you may be purchasing is a big decision that will influence several aspects of your college academic life. Fordham offers special deals and more information can be found from the IT Department.
6. Contacting Roommates
   Contacting your future roommates is essential! You should talk to them via email or Facebook. It is important that you get to know each other before college begins to discuss who is bringing what.
7. Get the Most Out of Orientation Programs
   Orientation is essential in helping you learn about the academic program, receive academic advising, and meet your fellow classmates- with whom, you will be spending the next few years. Take this opportunity to be open minded, mingle and ask your Orientation Coordinators, Captains, and Leaders questions and their perspectives. They have gone through the same anxiety you have and can relate to what you are going through. Feel free to ask questions, that is what they have been trained to do!
8. Set Rules with Parents and Friends
   If you will be residing on campus, remember to set rules with your parents before your departure. Also decide when to conduct weekly calls to debrief your family and friends about your new college life.
9. Enjoy Your Fordham Experience
   Some say college is the best years of your life! In order for that to happen, you must make informed, smart, honest choices and enjoy the experiences.

Academics

• Read and reflect on the summer text and participate in the class blog.
• Complete the Registration Survey ASAP
• Submit up-to-date AP scores from the College Board to Fordham. Our code is 2259.
• Complete the language placement test online.
• Keep an eye on your email for messages from your class dean. 
• First-Year students will register in July. Stay tuned for further information from your class dean.

Finances

• Visit www.fordham.edu/finaid to get additional and updated information.
• Check the status of your financial aid and student account by logging into my.fordham.edu.
• Review the Checklist for Completing Financial Aid Requirements. Find your Financing Your Fordham Education guide at .
• Create and regularly review your financing plan (page 6 of the Financing Your Fordham Education guide).
• Pay your bill.
• Schedule your Work-Study interview, if applicable.

Orientation

• Contact the New Student Orientation team at [email protected] with any questions or concerns.

Student Services

• Submit your Housing Application if you have not already.
• Return the Medical History and Physical Examination Form.
• Contact the Office of Disability Services if you need accommodations.
• Submit your ID photo via my.fordham.edu.

Academics

• After submitting your tuition deposit, please call 212-636-6350 to schedule an appointment with the Assistant Dean for Juniors and Transfer Students.
• The Assistant Dean will provide you with a Transfer Credit Evaluation (TCE). Courses will be reviewed for elective or core credits.
• Any elective credit applicable to a major will be reviewed for substitution/waiver by the Chair/Associate Chair of the academic department.
• The Assistant Dean will be your academic advisor for the first semester. As such, he will assist you with registration and any academic related questions. After your initial meeting (in person, phone or Skype), any changes to your schedule will be made via my.fordham.edu.
• During the month of August, you will be encourage to officially declare your major with the Chair/Associate Chair of the academic department. Once you have declared your major, you will be assigned a different academic advisor. Transfer students are required to declare their major no later than the first week of classes.

Finances

• Visit www.fordham.edu/finaid to get additional and updated information.
• Check the status of your financial aid and student account by logging into my.fordham.edu.
• Review the Checklist for Completing Financial Aid Requirements. Find your Financing Your Fordham Education guide at www.fordham.edu/finaid.
• Create and regularly review your financing plan.
• Pay your bill.

Orientation

• Contact the New Student Orientation team at [email protected] with any questions or concerns.

Student Services

• Submit your Housing Application if you have not already.
• Return the Medical History and Physical Examination Form.
• Contact the Office of Disability Services if you need accommodations.
• Submit your ID photo via my.fordham.edu.