New Student Orientation

Prepare for advising & scheduling at New Student Orientation

Now is the time to have your student checking their IU Bloomington (IUB) email regularly, so that they don’t miss critical information sent by University Division (UD) and other campus offices.

Connect with UD through Twitter! We offer helpful reminders and tips prior to New Student Orientation (NSO). The First Year Experience Programs (FYE) website also provides valuable advice, planning details, and NSO reservation instructions.

First semester success begins now.

  • We provide steps for students to use when preparing to meet with an academic advisor at NSO.
  • Encourage your student to find courses matching interests and strengths. UD students plan for two major options; they can use Explore Programs before NSO to identify major and and course options. They should bring any notes about majors and courses to NSO.
  • Placement exam scores help advisors recommend the most appropriate courses for your student. They can access both the required (Math, Foreign Language) and optional (Chemistry, Biology, Calculus) placement exams online now. 
  • Your student will take a variety of courses—GenEds, major interests, and electives. A typical first semester is 14-16 credit hours or 4-5 academic courses.
  • If your student is thinking about a career in health or law, they can visit the IUB Health Professions and Prelaw Center (HPPLC).  

First semester success begins now.

  • New international students must upload (after US arrival) immigration documents into the iStart Checklist; otherwise, your student will not be able to register for courses.
  • We provide steps for your student to use when preparing to meet with an academic advisor at NSO.
  • Encourage your student to find courses matching interests and strengths. UD students plan for two major options; they can use Explore Programs before NSO to identify major and course options. They should bring any notes about majors and courses to NSO.
  • Placement exam scores help advisors recommend the most appropriate courses for your student. They can access both the required (Math, Foreign Language) and optional (Chemistry, Biology, Calculus) placement exams online now. 
  • Your student will take a variety of courses—GenEds, major interests, and electives. A typical first semester is 14-16 credit hours or 4-5 academic courses.
  • If your student is thinking about a career in health or law, they can visit the IUB Health Professions and Prelaw Center (HPPLC).  
  • The Office of International Services (OIS) is here to help your student succeed at IU Bloomington. We encourage you to read their multi-lingual parent resource page. 

First semester success begins now.

  • We provide steps for your student to use when preparing to meet with an academic advisor at NSO.
  • Encourage your student to find courses matching interests and strengths. UD students plan for two major options; they can use Explore Programs before NSO to identify major and and course options. They should bring any notes about majors and courses to NSO.
  • They will need to look up the course equivalencies for any courses not showing up on their IUB unofficial transcript.
  • Remind them to bring a transcript or full list of non-IU college courses they have completed.
  • Encourage your student to contact UD early to find out more about time to degree.
  • Placement exam scores help advisors recommend the most appropriate courses for your student. They can access both the required (Math, Foreign Language) and optional (Chemistry, Biology, Calculus) placement exams online now. 
  • Your student will take a variety of courses—GenEds, major interests, and electives. A typical first semester is 14-16 credit hours or 4-5 academic courses.
  • If your student is thinking about a career in health or law, they can visit the IUB Health Professions and Prelaw Center (HPPLC).

Day One Advising

  • NSO is a two-day program with academic components on both days. The first day your student will attend a small-group working meeting. An advisor will review academic requirements and registration planning tools. Your student will select courses and complete an advising pass in preparation for the next day's advising session.

  • While students attend the working meeting, parents and supporters will attend a specific program about academic and career advising. Make sure to attend, as this program will be highly informative.

Day Two Advising and Registration

  • Your student and their advisor will use the completed advising pass. Groups of 2-4 students will meet with an advisor, who will offer individual guidance as students select and register for classes.
  • The advising and registration session is for students only. Parents and supporters may want to explore the scenic campus or visit one of the many popular local attractions.
  • Students should review their schedules and other important information emailed to them at the conclusion of their session. This schedule is created as a joint effort between them and an advisor. If your student needs to make a schedule change, they can email us from their IU email at udivhelp@indiana.edu.

Transfer Advising and Registration

  • Transfer advising during NSO is a one-day session. Students will attend an informational meeting in the morning. In the afternoon, groups of 2-4 students will meet with an advisor. The advisor will offer individual guidance and support them in registering for classes. 
  • Students should review their schedules and other important information emailed to them at the conclusion of their session. This schedule is created as a joint effort between them and an advisor. If your student needs to make a schedule change, they can email us from their IU email at udivhelp@indiana.edu.