How to Pre-Orientation

Pre-orientation is a weird time to arrive on campus for the first time. At first it feels totally great—you get to come to Brown EARLY! The mailroom isn't that crowded yet so moving in is way easier. Plus, you can choose the good side of the room and for the first few days you basically use your roommate’s empty bed as an extension of your closet. And you have a head start on making friends!But there is something disorientating about pre-orientation. While regular orientation opens with a non-stop barrage of people and events, if you attend a pre-orientation program, you might be the only person living on your floor for the first few days after you move in.This means that it can feel a little lonely—so don’t be discouraged if you feel like you’re not making enough friends. I personally was disappointed when I didn’t really click with anyone in my International Orientation group. However, what I realized once regular orientation started was that this was a group of 12 people out of a grade of ~1500. That being said, you should take advantage of finding other students who you can relate to immediately. You all have one important thing in common (for example, being international) that led you to participate in the pre-Orientation program in the first place. Even though I didn’t become particularly close friends with anyone I met during pre-orientation, it was always nice to see each other around campus and feel like we had some kind of connection. Pre-orientation is also a great opportunity to start learning your way around campus a little earlier (an invaluable skill). Actually pay attention during the tours/ treasure hunts—you won’t regret it when you’re the one showing people around next week. Also, don’t be put off by the food. For some reason, during International Orientation last year they served us a lot of pretty gross hot dogs and hamburgers. (Perhaps it was a misguided attempt to acclimate us to American Culture?) So until regular orientation, when you can start eating in the dining halls (which aren't nearly as bad), I would advise hitting up Thayer Street for some better food options. (East Side Pockets, anyone?)Finally, it’s important to remember that this is a PRE-Orientation program—so don’t expect it to be like your other friends' first days at college. Sitting in bed at 10 p.m. after my first day of International Orientation, I couldn’t help but worry—where were the wild first-day-of-college parties that I had seen on movies/TV/Snapchat? Was I missing out? Why was I in bed? Looking back, I had no reason to be concerned. The crazy stuff WILL come later, during regular orientation. Remember that the majority of other freshmen haven’t even arrived on campus yet. How could you possibly be “missing out?” So, make the most of your extra time at Brown and enjoy pre-orientation for what it is: a way for you to adjust to life College Hill so you can feel as comfortable as possible when orientation really begins.Image via.