Orientation can either be fond memory or a dismal recollection. As a critical introduction to college living, freshman orientation allows students the opportunity to make friends and learn their way around the labyrinth of campus buildings.
"The tour of the academic spine was the most helpful," said Adrienne Whittemore, a freshman pharmacy major. "They help you figure out where your classes are and how to get to them fastest."
Students are given the opportunity to meet with department academic advisers and attend lectures ranging in topic from sororities to pre-medicine programs.
While UB's campus can be intimidating for those looking to get to class quickly, many find that other parts of orientation are more crucial.
"Spending the night helped you get a feel for what you're in for," said Brandon Freeland, a biomedical sciences major.
Orientation can also be an opportunity to make friends with similar interests.
"The groups we were put in were composed of people in the same major and classes, so it was easy to meet other freshman," said Adrienne Whittemore, a freshman pharmacy major.
Allie Goldstein, an orientation aid, recalls trying to ease the minds of her orientation group by finding out what they found exciting and what made them nervous. Discussions ranging anywhere from roommate relations and study habits, to sexual assaults and alcohol on campus, helped ease first-year jitters.
Between tours, freshman participated in teamwork activities and games designed to break the ice such as "Two Truths and a Lie."
The highlight of incoming freshman's two-day stay was a dance party, sponsored by Late Night UB, allowing students even more opportunities to get to know each other.
Overall, despite some complaints, most found their stay to be helpful and a great way to ease their nerves.
"Walk up to people and say hi," said Greg Maloney, a freshman electrical engineering major. "It's college. Get involved."
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
