What to Expect

Summer Orientation 2025

Aside from making friends and having fun, Orientation gives you the tools to familiarize yourself with campus resources, connect with your academic advisor, and hit the ground running in the fall when classes start.


Registration

Select your preferred Orientation session and log into your URI applicant portal to register.

Although we host a one-day Transfer Orientation, new transfer students are welcome to register for any of the two-day options instead, if preferred.

Steps to Complete Before You Arrive

Here’s what you’ll need to do to prepare for your Orientation session after your acceptance
and deposit:

Family and Supporter Orientation Parking and Transportation Frequently asked questions

What to Bring With You

  • Linens and a pillow for a twin XL bed or a sleeping bag
  • Casual clothes and comfortable shoes (athletic shoes recommended)
  • Rain gear
  • Phone charger
  • Water bottle
  • Towels, soap, and other toiletries
  • A small amount of money for snacks, Rhody Gear, and other purchases 
  • A photo ID

Arrivals and Departures

Student check-in is from 8–9 a.m. at Barlow Hall and Weldin Hall. The program ends at 3 p.m. on the second day of your Orientation session. Students must stay with the program until Orientation ends on the second day. You will be walking to various locations on campus. Please dress comfortably and come prepared for inclement weather. 

If you need to submit an early departure request, you can do so by filling out this form. All requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and must be submitted 48 hours prior to your scheduled session. We can provide an excused absence form for you to give to your school, if needed.

Learn more about parking and transportation.

Early Arrivals
If you arranged to arrive early to orientation, check-in is between 7–9 p.m. the evening before your orientation session. Enter campus from Upper College Road and follow the “Early Arrival” signs to Barlow and Weldin Halls.

Academic Advising: What is it?

New Student Orientation will be your first opportunity to meet with a professional academic advisor to go over the curriculum, learn about your major, and receive one-on-one academic counseling. You will also meet with current students in your major. Please remember to complete your Advising Form and Math Placement Exam by June 6, 2025, before attending orientation, so that your advisor can place you in the most appropriate courses.


Disability, Access, and Inclusion (DAI)

URI’s Disability Access and Inclusion office (DAI) works with undergraduate and graduate students who identify as having a disability and/or chronic health condition, to secure reasonable accommodations.


Honors Program

At Orientation, you’ll learn about the URI Honors Program. The program is a community of engaged learners who are passionate about contributing to positive change and sustainable solutions within our communities and the broader world. The program will enrich your academic experience with smaller, seminar-style classes; interdisciplinary subjects; and an annual colloquium with distinguished speakers exploring current and emerging issues.


Sample Schedule

This sample schedule below is for first-year students and is subject to change. Visit Family and Supporter Orientation to view their sample schedule.

TIMEEVENT
DAY 1
8–9 a.m.Check-in and set up your room
9:15 a.m.Meet your Orientation leader
9:30–10:10 a.m.Orientation overview and group introductions
10:15–10:45 a.m.Your Big Break: A Playful Take on the College Experience
10:45–11:25 a.m.Ram-ping Up Success: The Foundations of Curriculum and Advising at URI
11:30–12:20 p.m.Lunch
12:30–1:20 p.m.Academic college breakout sessions
1:30–4:30 p.m.Ask an Orientation leader (30 minutes)
Academic advising and course registration (30 minutes)
Campus exploration (1 hour)
Smart Start: Tech Toolkit (30 minutes)
4:30 p.m.Refresh and recharge
5:30–7 p.m.Dinner (45 minutes)
5:30–7 p.m.Orientation group activities (45 minutes)
7:15 p.m.We are URI
Disability, Access, and Inclusion (DAI) formerly Disability Services for Students (DSS)
8 p.m.Life as a Ram: Involvement and interest sessions
9 p.m.Talent show
10:15 p.m.DJ
Bingo or Trivia
Games and Puzzles
11:45 p.m.All students must be inside their residence hall
#colspan#
DAY 2
7:30 a.m.Breakfast (optional)
8:30 a.m.Meet with your Orientation group
9 a.m.–2 p.m.Campus Resource Fair: 9–11a.m. (30 minutes)
Rhode to Responsibility (1 hour)
Opening Minds, Opening Doors Presentation (1 hour)
Campus exploration (1 hour)
Academic advising and course registration (30 minutes)
Smart Start: Tech Toolkit (30 minutes)
Lunch (45 min)
2 p.m.Meet with your Orientation group
2:15 p.m.Closing session and students receive ID cards
3 p.m.Student departure