New Student Orientation

What happens at orientation?
During Orientation students have the opportunity to become better acquainted with the academic environment, the support services and important locations on campus. You will also be able to learn about the St. John's experience from Orientation Leaders.

Where can I find a schedule of orientation?
A schedule can be found at stjohns.edu/orientation. Also a full schedule of events will be given to students at the start of the program. 

Is Student Orientation mandatory? 
Yes. New Student Orientation is mandatory for all new incoming students. If there are unavoidable circumstances please contact the orientation office at [email protected] or 718-990-5353.

Do I have to pay a fee for orientation?
No, orientation is free for students and parents to attend.

How do I register for orientation?
Everyone will receive an email with instructions on how to register online for orientation. You can also click on the ‘Register for Orientation’ link on stjohns.edu/orientation. If you are having difficulty registering please contact our office at [email protected] or 718-990-5353.

What are the dates for orientation?

• Freshman Orientation
  • Session 1 – Wednesday – Thursday, June 21-22
  • Session 2 - Wednesday – Thursday, June 28-29
  • Session 3 - Wednesday - Thursday, July 12-13
  • Session 4 - Wednesday - Thursday, July 19-20
  • Session 5- Wednesday - Thursday, July 26-27
  • Session 6 - Wednesday – Thursday, August 2-3
  • Session 7 - Wednesday – Thursday, August 9-10 
• Transfer Orientation
  • Tuesday, July 18
  • Thursday, August 24 
• Veteran Student Orientation
  • Tuesday, August 22
• Graduate Student Orientation
  • Monday, August 28

Can I sign up for any orientation date?
There is one session where students of the College of Pharmacy and Health Services cannot attend (Session 4, July 19-20) but every other session is open to all students. 

Can I change my orientation date? 
Yes, contact our office at [email protected] or 718-990-5353.

What time does orientation start/end?
Check-in for orientation on Day One begins at 9 a.m. and on Day Two ends around 4:30 p.m.

Can I request to room with someone? 
No, room assignments are random.

What is an Orientation Leader (OL)?
An Orientation Leader is a St. John's student who embodies the values of St. John's University and is chosen to assist incoming students with their transition to college, Orientation Leaders are involved in a variety of activities at St. John's and are here to answer your questions from the student perspective.

When do I get my class schedule?
The University Freshman Center creates all schedules for first-semester freshmen, which once complete can be viewed in MySJU. International and transfer students register through advisors in their college.

Where can I park? Is parking free? 
You can park in any general spot on campus for the duration of the orientation program for free. You can enter campus at gate 6, 4 or 1 for general parking. 

Will I be able to tour the residence hall I will be living in during the school year?
Unfortunately the other residence halls will not be available for viewing during orientation.

How do I see what the residence halls look like?
To learn more about residence life at St. John’s, including the layouts of the types of rooms available, please see the new view book Live at SJU: Guide to Residence Life (PDF), which features full page spread of the residence halls and apartments. Also, look at our 360-Degree Residence Hall Tours for a preview of every room available on campus.

Is the room I stay in for orientation the same as the room I will be living in during the semester?
No. For the duration of the orientation program all students stay in Donovan Hall. This housing is only temporary for orientation.

Is it mandatory to stay overnight?/ What if I can't stay overnight for religious reasons?
Yes, it is mandatory to stay overnight for safety reasons. However if there are religious reasons that prohibit you from staying overnight, please contact us at [email protected] or 718-990-5353. 

Do I have to stay the whole day of orientation? Can I leave early? 
Yes, students must stay for the entirety of the program. If there are unavoidable circumstances please contact the orientation office at [email protected] or 718-990-5353.

Can I leave campus during orientation?
No, for security reasons students are not allowed to leave campus for the duration of the program.

What do I need to do before orientation?
Review the new student check-list so you are fully prepared before you arrive on campus. This check-list is full of things you need to consider or complete before attending your New Student Orientation.

What should I wear to orientation?
During Orientation students spend time walking around campus. Therefore, students should wear comfortable shoes and dress appropriately for the weather. As most facilities are air conditioned, you may want to bring a sweater.

Do I need to bring my own sheets/linens? 
Yes you do, sheets and linens are not provided but a pillow is provided. Please remember you will only be staying for one night and should be able to carry all possessions. 

What do I need to bring to orientation?
All you need to bring is toiletries, a change of clothes and linens. Student may bring money to purchase souvenirs.

Are kosher meals available? 
Yes, Kosher meals are available at request. Please contact the orientation office at [email protected] or 718-990-5353 to request a Kosher meal.

I am fasting during orientation, will I be able to put a meal aside?
Yes. Just let your orientation leaders know at the start of the day and arrangements will be made. 

Are my parents required to go to orientation?
No parents are not required but encouraged to attend Family Orientation.

Can I bring a guest to orientation?
No, we cannot accommodate guests. Orientation is a chance for students to become familiar with their new school environment and interact with other incoming students so guests are not allowed. 

Do my parents/guardians participate in the same program?
The parent programs runs concurrently with the first day of the student program. However, it is a completely different program that is dedicated to parents so you will not be with your parent during this time. 

How long is the parent program?
The parent program ends at 3 p.m. for parents of  commuter students and 3:45 p.m. for parents of resident students.

Can my parents stay on campus?
No, the parent program is only one day and as such parents need to arrange their own accommodations. 

Are there any hotels in the area or that offer a discounted rate? 
Yes, these hotels have special rates for St. John’s University affiliates.

Can I bring my health forms to orientation?
Yes, you may bring your health forms to orientation as long as they are completed in their entirety and your X-number is written on each page. You may also submit your health forms via the Online Patient Portal. We recommend that you submit these forms directly to Student Health Services prior to your orientation. 

Do graduate students attend orientation?
Yes, there is a New Student Orientation program for our incoming Graduate students. However, all Graduate students should speak with their academic college to confirm any separate sessions their college may require.

Do I get a laptop as a new St. John's student?
Yes, you may choose to participate in the St. John's Laptop Program. Laptops will be distributed at the end of August 2017. You are also welcome to bring your own laptop.

For more information, please see Fall Laptop Information. If you have questions about this program, please contact Information Technology Service Desk at 718-990-5000.