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Division of Academic and Student Affairs 
New Student Programs

Spring New Student Orientation

The Office of New Student Programs welcomes you to NC State University, a community of achievers rich in tradition and academic excellence.

Welcome to NC State!

To assist you in becoming a part of the Wolfpack, we invite you to participate in the New Student Orientation program. Orientation will help prepare you to succeed in and out of the classroom, give you a glimpse into student life and help you connect with students, faculty and staff. 

Review the information below to help prepare for your orientation, and contact New Student Programs at new-students@ncsu.edu or 919.515.1234 if you have questions. Please note that NSP and all university offices will be closed for winter break Dec. 24, 2024 – Jan. 2, 2025.

Orientation Dates

Spring Orientation for new students will take place Friday, January 3, 2025. Attendance from 8:00 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. is mandatory for students and highly recommended for parents and family members.

  • Student and family programming will take place from 8:00 a.m. until 5:30 p.m
  • Lunch will be provided for the student and up to two guests attending Family Orientation

Cost

The cost of participation for students and families is included in the mandatory New Student Fee charged to all new students.

Please note: By attending New Student Orientation programs, students will be responsible for paying the New Student Fee whether or not they continue their enrollment at NC State University in the spring semester. This fee is non-refundable.

  • This fee covers your attendance and the attendance of up to two guests, which includes your materials and lunch tickets (up to two per family) for Fountain Dining Hall.
  • This does not include overnight housing for family members.
  • No payment is due to New Student Programs. The New Student Fee will be included in your Spring tuition bill.

Consider Family Orientation

New Student Programs recommends that all new students consider registering parents and family members for the concurrent Family Orientation program. This program, designed specifically to assist families with their transition to the Wolfpack, is optional but highly encouraged. Learn more on the Family Orientation webpage.

Who should attend?

Family Orientation is designed for those who will serve as a student’s primary support throughout their transition to the university. During the program, attendees will:

  • Get better acquainted with the academic programs and campus services offered to your student
  • Gain insights into the potential adjustments your new college student and your family will face
  • Meet NC State staff, current students, and other Family Orientation attendees.

Can children or young adults attend the program? Children and young adults are welcome to attend Family Orientation, but the majority of the sessions are presented in a lecture format and may not be engaging for them. Please note: Children and young adults in attendance should be supervised at all times by their family members while on our campus for Family Orientation.

Will students and guests be together during the program? Guests should not expect to be with their student throughout the entire program. Some sessions of New Student and Family Orientation will overlap, but the majority of presentations and activities are separate.

Registration

Only students who have been accepted to NC State and have paid their advanced enrollment deposit can register for orientation.

Registration Instructions:

  • Log into your wolfPAW account.
  • Click the block on your main portal page that says “New Student Orientation”
  • Read the instructions, and select the Spring Orientation session.
  • Click the radio button next to the orientation session.
  • Add the number of people attending, including yourself and any family members.
  • Fill in guest contact information if you are registering family members.
  • Indicate if you need to make a request for accommodations or have concerns about technology.
  • Click “Submit.” A confirmation email will be sent to the email you used to log in. Please keep a copy of this email for your records.
  • Contact New Student Programs at new-students@ncsu.edu if you have a conflict with attending your designated Orientation session.

Preparing for Orientation

Please bring the following items to Orientation: 

  • Valid driver’s license or other government-issued photo ID (to obtain your Wolfpack One Card campus ID)
  • Copies of your AP/IB/SAT II scores if available/applicable
  • Make sure you know your Unity ID and password and have answered your three security questions
  • Comfortable clothes/sneakers – you will be doing a lot of walking!
  • Pen and paper
  • Sweater or light jacket as some buildings can be chilly
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Umbrella

Please leave electronic items (iPad, laptop, etc.) and other valuables at home.

During New Student Orientation, students will learn about North Carolina State University while meeting with their college representatives, receiving information about campus resources, and meeting other students. You will also have the opportunity to meet with your academic program.

  • Required programming for students will take place from 8:00 a.m. until 5:30 p.m.
  • Once you arrive on campus using the directions provided below, Orientation signs will direct you to where you able to park during your Orientation.
  • The majority of the program will take place in Talley Student Union and lunch will be provided at Fountain Dining Hall.

The 2025 Spring Orientation Schedule provides a complete overview of the program.

POLICY REGARDING ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES AT ORIENTATION:

No Alcoholic Beverages Allowed. Orientation participants, as students of North Carolina State University, are subject to the Code of Student Conduct. It mandates that consumption or possession of alcoholic beverages by all persons under the age of 21 is strictly forbidden. This is also the law in the State of North Carolina. Students who disregard this mandate will be held accountable for their behavior and disciplinary actions from the University will result.

Housing is only provided for those students living in University Housing. Students not living in University Housing must make their own arrangements for housing.

  • Students can stay in their residence hall if they are living on campus for the spring semester or they may arrange other housing in the area.
  • If you are living in University Housing, please note that you will be able to move into your residence hall starting Thursday, January 2 at 1:00 p.m.  You will receive information directly from University Housing Move-In.
  • Please plan on moving into University Housing on Thursday, January 2.
  • If you have any questions as you are preparing for Move-In Day, feel free to contact University Housing at 919.515.2440 or (housing@ncsu.edu).

Move-In Unloading Procedures

Visit University Housing’s Move-In webpage for more information on the Move-In process.

Hotel discounts are also offered to Orientation participants. Note: NC State does not endorse any particular entities that are not part of NC State. The University has no responsibility with respect to any entities, or the housing or services they offer. 

PARKING FOR ORIENTATION (FRIDAY, January 3)

Orientation participants may park on campus in the Coliseum Parking Deck entering via Jensen Drive. The parking lot address is 201 Jensen Drive, Raleigh, NC 27606.

HOW TO GET TO NC STATE:

ORIENTATION PARKING:

Students and families attending orientation will use a free virtual parking permit that is validated using license plate recognition. The permit will be valid for the Coliseum Parking Deck from 7:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. for the day of your session. Parking is free and open to the public after 5:00 p.m.

Register for your permit before leaving for Orientation (will be sent via email 7 days prior to the event), and note that you will need your license plate information to complete the online form. If you are bringing guests for Family Orientation, please only complete this online registration form once for each vehicle that will need parking during Orientation.

HOW TO OBTAIN YOUR VIRTUAL PARKING PERMIT

Do not complete this form until you receive your voucher code via email prior to your session.

Virtual Permit Directions:

  1. Visit Go.ncsu.edu/EventParking
  2. Ensure you are logged out of your parking account. 
  3. Select “Purchase Event Permit” 
  4. Agree to the Terms of Service
  5. Select “Orientation”
  6. Select “2025 Spring Orientation“.
  7. When prompted, enter your Event Voucher Code. The code is case sensitive and must be entered exactly as shown. Select Confirm. (*Codes will be sent by email prior to your visit)
  8. Select an available Permit Type (this will populate above the voucher field).
  9. Select/Confirm your parking dates. Select Confirm.
  10. Select Location
  11. Select “Add Vehicle”. Enter vehicle license plate, state, year, make, and model. Review information entered for accuracy and select Add.
  12. Enter client name and phone number. Select Confirm.
  13. Select Continue.
  14. Enter email address to receive confirmation of parking permit.
  15. Review information. Select Checkout.

Important Virtual Permit Notes:

  • This permit is free for guests, and you should not need to enter credit card information. If you use a credit card to purchase another permit in error, refunds are not available.
  • Accessible parking is available. It is only valid when a state-issued placard is displayed in your vehicle and you have registered for an accessible virtual Orientation permit through NC State (instructions above).
  • If you need to change which vehicle you are bringing after registering, email the NC State Transportation office at ncsu-transportation@ncsu.edu to edit your permit.
  • If you will be using a rental car, wait to register for a virtual permit once you have the vehicle and its license plate information.

In compliance with the ADA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, NC State will honor requests for reasonable accommodations made by individuals with disabilities. If you are a person with a disability and need an accommodation to participate in the New Student and Family Orientation program, please contact Laila Mohamed at new-students@ncsu.edu or 919.515.1234 during business hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST as soon as possible or at least 10 working days prior to the event.

Need Assistance?

If you have any questions throughout the summer about orientation or your transition to NC State, contact New Student Programs via:

  • Text 833.712.1255 (Weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.)
  • Email new-students@ncsu.edu
  • Call 919.515.1234 (Weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.)