Attend Orientation

Attend your orientation program

During orientation, you’ll have an opportunity to learn about campus services, meet new students, and attend your academic advising and course registration appointment.

After making your reservation through the Orientation Portal, you’ll see your orientation confirmation page which will include several important links and details you’ll need to review. Refer back to it frequently, as additional details may be added. Be sure to update your FYE Checklist in your Orientation Portal, as you complete various tasks.

Wait until you have an orientation reservation before booking travel.

Orientation program dates

All students must attend orientation to register for their first semester of classes. Your options will be noted in the Orientation Portal and are based on availability with your academic unit.

Your orientation confirmation page will indicate the date, time, and location of check-in. Select the semester you intend to start at IU to see more info about your program date options.

Spring-start students will have program options from late November to early January. Log in to your Orientation Portal to see the dates available for you to select.

Summer 2025 classes have four start dates: May 13, June 9, June 23, and July 7. Explore classes in each of those sessions on iGPS. Your program options will be outlined when you make a reservation in the Orientation Portal.

Fall-start students have June and July program dates, with very limited options in August, just before the start of the semester. The typical program is a two-day program on campus.

International and transfer students have the option to attend orientation virtually. Transfer students also have a couple of special options to attend a consolidated one-day program on campus.

Your program options will be outlined when you make a reservation in the Orientation Portal.

Program reminders

Here are a few other things you need to know before arriving for your orientation program:

  • Our in-person program does include a good amount of walking. Please provide details in your orientation reservation if you or your guest need physical accommodations.
  • Bloomington is in the Eastern Time Zone.
  • Review your orientation confirmation page for information regarding lodging, meals, parking, and more.

Prepare for advisingSee a sample schedule

Parents, guests, and supporters

We encourage students to bring an adult guest to the in-person program as we offer a track that runs concurrently with the student program. Due to space, students should limit to 1–2 adult guests.

When making their orientation reservation, students have the opportunity to identify accessibility needs for themselves and any guests who may accompany them.

In-person programs involve significant walking around campus. Participants are advised to wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking.

Checking in when you arrive to Bloomington

Check your orientation confirmation for your specific check-in time and location.

Lodging during and after orientation

Lodging during orientation:

Check your orientation confirmation page for housing options for your specific program.

  • For most orientation programs, we arrange for several hotel partners to offer special rates and deals just for orientation students and their guests noted in the orientation confirmation page.

Housing post-orientation:

  • Connect with IU Housing for on-campus housing options and updates regarding move-in.
  • If you are living off campus, IU’s Student Legal Services can help you understand your lease and resolve disputes with your landlord.

Getting to Bloomington

Make your orientation reservation before booking any travel arrangements.

Road construction is significant, especially on I-69/SR 37. Prior to your travel to campus, be sure to check for road closings that may affect your travel time or route on the INDOT Interactive Map.

If you are flying, you’ll likely fly into the Indianapolis International Airport.

GO Express Travel, 800-589-6004, travels between Indianapolis International Airport and Bloomington several times each day. They also have private cars and a shuttle to and from Chicagoland.