Attend NSO

Attend your orientation program

During NSO, 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 NSO 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 NSO 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 NSO confirmation page will indicate the date, time, and location of check-in.

Summer-start students will have a variety of dates to choose from, as early as the second week of May and throughout to the last option to begin a summer course in early July. You must attend an NSO program in order to begin your classes. Explore classes in each of those sessions on iGPS.

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

  • International and transfer students have an exclusive option to attend orientation virtually during one week in June.
  • Transfer students also have a couple of special options to attend a consolidated one-day program on campus.

Spring-start students will have orientation programs right before the spring semester begins.

Program reminders

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

  • Stay up-to-date on campus health and safety procedures related to COVID-19.
  • Our in-person program does include a good amount of walking. Please provide details in your NSO reservation if you or your guest need physical accommodations.
  • Bloomington is in the Eastern Time Zone.
  • Review your NSO 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 and health precautions, students should limit to 1–2 adult guests.

All family, parents, and supporters of summer and fall start students are invited to attend a concurrent virtual program the week of June 20–23, 2023, regardless of their ability to accompany their student to campus. Sessions will be recorded and shared afterward. To receive information about our virtual orientation sessions, make sure your student grants you access when making their reservation.

Checking in when you arrive to Bloomington

Check your NSO confirmation for your specific check-in program. Programs between June 6 and July 21 will check in at Union Street Center. Orientation program dates in August and January will check in at the Indiana Memorial Union.

Indiana Memorial Union, 900 E 7th St, Bloomington, IN 47405

Map Direction for Indiana Memorial Union

Get Directions

Lodging during and after NSO

Lodging during NSO:

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

  • Students participating in orientation between June–July can choose to stay on-campus and will need to use the sign-up link in their NSO confirmation page.
  • Students participating in orientation in August and living in an assigned on-campus space will need to sign up for a move-in date following the guidelines sent by RPS. Students living off campus will need to work with their landlord regarding move-in dates.
  • For most orientation programs, we arrange for several hotel partners to offer special rates and deals just for NSO students and their guests noted in the NSO confirmation page.

Housing post-NSO:

Getting to Bloomington

Make your NSO 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.