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New Student Orientation

Welcome to Drexel University!

New Student Orientation (NSO) at Drexel University is an opportunity for new students and families to become connected to the Drexel community. Orientation is a comprehensive overview of the Drexel experience that equips new students and families with the tools necessary to make a successful transition into Drexel’s collegiate environment.
  • New Student Orientation is required for all new, undergraduate students.
  • Students will be contacted by email with information about your Orientation requirements.
  • Pre-registration opens two months before each Orientation date.
  • Do not make travel plans until you are registered for Orientation.
  • Please call us with any questions about New Student Orientation. Telephone hotlines are open between 8 AM and 5 PM (EST), Monday through Friday.

Orientation Hotline: (215) 895-1451
Email: orientation@drexel.edu
Twitter: twitter.com/DrexelNSO

Before Orientation Begins...

Select the student population below for specific Orientation requirements:

Domestic Freshman Students

  • Domestic Freshman Students attend Summer Orientation.
  • Students are required to attend an Orientation session hosted by the college/school of their major.
  • Each college/school offers 2 – 4 sessions to choose from when registering.
  • Do not make travel arrangements until you register for an Orientation session, as each session is limited to 325 students.
  • Consider coming a day early for Extended Orientation.
  • Registration will open in May.
College/School/Program Summer Orientation Dates
Arts & Sciences July 8 – 9, 15 – 16, or August 1 – 2
Arts & Sciences, BS/MD Program July 15 – 16 or 1 – 2
Arts & Sciences, Freshman Frontiers Program July 15 – 16
Biomedical Engineering, Science & Health Systems July 11 – 12 or 18 – 19
Business (LeBow) July 15 – 16, 18 – 19, or 25 – 26
Business (LeBow), Freshman Frontiers Program July 15 – 16
Education July 8 – 9 or 25 – 26
Engineering July 1 – 2, 8 – 9 or 22 – 23
Information Science & Technology (iSchool) July 29 – 30 or August 1 – 2
Media Arts & Design (Westphal) July 11 – 12 or 29 – 30
Nursing & Health Professions July 11 – 12 or 29 – 30
Technology & Professional Studies (Goodwin) July 1 – 2 or 25 – 26
All Colleges & Schools Fall Orientation: September 18 – 19
Exemption Required*

*Exemption from Summer Orientation

Summer Orientation Exemption Form: Due September 1, 2013

  • Domestic freshman students are required to attend a Summer Orientation session in July or August. However, we understand that certain situations make it impossible for students to travel to Philadelphia before the fall term actually begins.
  • If you are not able to attend a Summer Orientation session, please complete the Summer Orientation Exemption Form before September 1, 2013 in order to register for Fall Orientation (September 18 - 19, 2013).
  • Students approved to attend Fall Orientation may move-in to the residence halls on Tuesday, September 17, 2013 at no extra charge.

Domestic Transfer Students

  • Domestic Transfer Students (from US institutions) may choose to attend a 1-day or a 2-day Orientation session.
  • All colleges & schools are represented at both sessions.
  • The 1-day session is most appropriate for Non-Traditional Students who are older than the traditional college student, have significant work experience, and family obligations.
  • The 2-day session is most appropriate for Traditional Students who are interested in an experience that allows for more social activities and interactions with other new students.
  • Students attending the 2-day session (Fall Orientation) may move-in to the residence halls on Tuesday, September 17, 2013 at no extra charge.
  • Registration will open in May.
College/School Orientation Dates Transfer Population
All Colleges/Schools August 9 Non-Traditional Students
All Colleges/Schools September 18 – 19 Traditional Students

International Freshman, International Transfer, and Exchange Students

  • International Freshman, International Transfer, and Exchange Students (from International institutions) attend Fall Orientation.
  • All colleges & schools are represented at Fall Orientation.
  • International students may begin to move-in to the residence halls on Monday, September 16, 2013 at 6 PM.
  • Registration will open in May.
College/School Fall Orientation Dates
All Colleges/Schools September 18 – 19

Other Orientation Sessions:

Winter Orientation

Friday, January 3, 2014 (1-day session)

  • Winter Orientation is for domestic and international transfer students beginning classes in the winter term.
  • Please contact your academic advisor to create your academic plan of study before Orientation begins.
  • Students registered for Winter Orientation may move-in to the residence halls on Thursday, January 2, 2014.
  • Registration will open in November.

Spring Orientation

Monday, March 31 – Friday April 4, 2014 (series of online webinars)

  • Spring Orientation is for domestic and international transfer students beginning classes in the spring term.
  • Please contact your academic advisor to create your academic plan of study before Orientation begins.
  • While most Spring Orientation sessions occur online, the Spring Orientation Meet & Greet is an opportunity to meet other new and returning students and collect information from a variety of campus departments. Information about the Meet & Greet will be emailed to you in March.
  • Registration will open in March.