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 full schedule of events will be given to students at the start of the in person program on your Orientation Connection day. 

Is orientation mandatory for students?

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.

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 will be either 9:00am or 9:30am depending on your group assignment.

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 the University information system (UIS). International and transfer students register through advisors in their school/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?
A tour will be provided of available building(s) on your Orientation connection day.  That availability may be limited on the date of your visit.  But, a representative space will be available to be toured.

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 Residence Life Handbook. Also, look at our 360-Degree Residence Hall Tours for a preview of every room type available on campus.

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.  In the event a student tests positive for COVID-19, they will need to depart early.  Families should plan for their student, in the event this occurs.

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 Orientation.  Complete online orientation.  Instructions will be sent to you via email within 7 days of your arrival for your registered session.  COVID-19 testing will be provided on your Orientation Connection day for students.  If you are a fully vaccinated student, please upload your vaccination documentation as soon as possible (ideally 5-7 days prior to your arrival).  If we cannot verify vaccination status prior to your arrival on campus, testing will be required for students.

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.  Please bring a mask.  We will be both indoors and outdoors.

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 Family Orientation program runs concurrently with the student program. However, it is a completely different program that is dedicated to families, so you will not be with your parent during this time. 

How long is the family program?
The parent program ends at 2:35 p.m. for parents of commuter students and 3:15 p.m. for parents of resident students.

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.

We recommend that you submit your forms via the Online Patient Portal before your Orientation. For more information, please contact Student Health Services. 

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