Top ten reasons why all new Trent students should attend Trent University's New Student Orientation

From Trent University

April 10, 2006 - Trent's New Student Orientation (NSO) program is an opportunity for new students to visit the campus and find out what they can expect when they arrive in the fall; it is also an opportunity to get a jump-start on registering for various programs and services, including courses, e-mail, and university ID.

As one of the only universities to offer such a program, here are the top ten reasons why all new Trent students should register for the New Student Orientation program:

1. The NSO is your chance to visit Trent and familiarize yourself with the campus before you arrive in September.

Throughout your day-long visit to Trent you will be guided around Trent's breathtaking campus, which rests on the banks of the Otonabee River. Your tour will include main lecture halls, student services, and residence accommodations.

2. This is your chance to get a head-start on registering for your courses while getting hands-on assistance and advice from Trent students and staff.

If you are nervous about choosing the right courses or if you just want to find out more information about your options, the NSO provides the opportunity to follow along with the step?by?step tutorials designed to clear up any confusion about course registration. Sessions will also help you to become familiar with Trent's systems (Netmail, WebCT, My Trent!) and ask questions to on?hand staff members.

3. Your parents have their own session to attend.

The transition to university life isn't just an adjustment for the student, it is also a time of change for the entire family. Parents are encouraged to attend the NSO and participate in a session designed entirely for them where they can learn more about what you will be going through during the course of your first year and what student services are available. It is also an opportunity for them to have all their questions answered by current Trent students and staff.

4. All members of the NSO staff are current Trent students, so they know how you are feeling.

Having current Trent students as members of the New Student Orientation staff allows for a much more personable experience for all attendees. These students will be able to provide you with their personal experiences and give you insight into opportunities and courses as seen through a student's perspective... not to mention, it is just helpful to have someone who knows exactly how you are feeling greet you on your first day on campus!

5. This is your first chance to meet other new students and to start forming those life-long friendships.

New Student Orientation provides you with a great opportunity to meet people who are in exactly the same boot as you. This is your chance to meet people who will be taking the same courses (especially if you are entering Concurrent Education or Nursing, which have their own sessions during NSO), or living in the same residence. Overall, it is just a great chance to start establishing your first of many social networks at Trent.

6. Gain insight into Trent's amazing student support network.

Trent University is well-known for its phenomenal student support network. At the NSO, you will get your first glimpse into the wide array of student services offered here by attending the Resource Fair, put on during lunch. This Fair will be your opportunity to explore all the things you can become involved in during your time at Trent.

7. Get a leg-up on your fellow first year students and become prepared for your first day at Trent.

Throughout your day at Trent, the numerous sessions you attend will show you what to expect as a new student arriving on campus in September. This is your chance to learn about Introductory Seminar Week, one of the highlights of all first year experiences, the wide-range of social clubs, academic groups, and varsity and intramural sports you can get involved in. Don't forget this is also a once-in-a-lifetime experience to have all your questions about your first day answered by someone who has been there before.

8. The Trent community is at your service for the day.

Get the answers to all of your questions directly from the sources. During your day at Trent you will have to opportunity to meet many of the people that work within the University; you will also have direct access to certain offices, including financial services and housing, making it easier for you to gain the specific answers you are looking for on financial aid, OSAP, scholarship opportunities and the residence system.

9. Avoid the line-ups in September and have your university photo ID taken now.

During the student's sessions, students will have their photo identification taken for their student cards. It is just another thing done on the list of things to do, making it that much more relaxing when you come in the fall.

10. See the Trent campus at its prime.

The summer is one of the most beautiful times to see Trent University and all that our unique campus has to offer. The Symons campus is situated on over 1,400 acres of land and sits on the east and west banks of the Otonabee River. With 12 designated nature areas, there is also 30 kilometres of nature trails right on our door step. Come and see it for yourself and confirm why Trent is the right choice for you!