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First Year Orientation FAQs

You've got questions...we’ve got answers! If you don’t see a question you need answered, please contact us at newtounf@unf.edu or (904) 620-1722, and we're happy to help.

  • Is Orientation mandatory?

    Yes. Orientation is mandatory for all students. Students are required to attend all programs and presentations during their chosen Orientation session. Your attendance and participation in New Student Orientation is a University requirement. Your Orientation will prepare you for what to expect as a UNF student, you'll meet other new and current students, and you'll leave feeling ready for your first week of classes and life at UNF. If you have any further questions about the Orientation requirement, please contact the Office of New Student Orientation at newtounf@unf.edu or (904) 620-1722.

  • How long is Orientation?

    New Student Orientation for incoming summer and fall students is a two-day program, unless otherwise noted. New Student Orientation for incoming spring students is a one-day program.

  • How do I register for Orientation?
    • Log into your Applicant Portal
    • Select your current application
    • Choose the Orientation tab
    • Click "Register" on your preferred session
    • Complete and submit your registration
    • Pay for your Orientation to secure your spot
      • Please Note: If you do not pay your Orientation fee within 24 hours of selecting a session you will be dropped for non-payment and will need to reregister.
    • Optional: Add family members to Parent and Family Orientation

    Once you have successfully registered and paid, you will receive a confirmation email within 24 hours.

    Please check your high school graduation date, rehearsals and family vacation schedules before registering for your session. You may switch sessions after your initial registration, if necessary, but only to another session that has availability.

  • What if my preferred Orientation session isn't available in my applicant portal?
    Please register for the best available session and check back frequently as other incoming students may change sessions and availability may open for your preferred date(s).
  • Do I have to stay overnight on campus if I register for an overnight Orientation session?
    Yes, unless you are registered for a one-day or virtual session, participation in the overnight portion of Orientation is required—even if you live locally or plan to live off-campus. The overnight experience is a key part of Orientation, designed to help you meet new people, build connections, and feel fully prepared for the start of the semester.  Overnight exemptions are limited and will only be granted for the following reasons:
    • Age: You are 21 years or older at the time of Orientation.
    • Health Concerns: A medical condition prevents you from staying overnight.
    • Religious Observance: Your religious practices conflict with an overnight stay.

    If you have registered for an overnight Orientation and meet one of these criteria and wish to request an exemption, please email newtounf@unf.edu at least five days before your scheduled session.  Include the following in your request:
    • Your name
    • N-number
    • Orientation session date
    • Reason for exemption
  • What should I do if my plans change and I need to switch to another Orientation session?
    • Log into your Applicant Portal
    • Select your current application
    • Choose the Orientation tab
    • Click "Cancel My Current Registration"
    • Cancel Registration
    • Return to the list of available sessions
    • Click "Register" on your preferred session
    • Complete and submit your registration
  • What should I bring to Orientation?

    Students beginning in Summer or Fall 2026, who are participating in Overnight Orientation should bring:

    • Government-issued photo ID
    • Clothing for two days
    • Pillow
    • Light blanket (Housing and Residence Life will provide single-use eco-friendly sheets, but the rooms get a little chilly. You are welcome to bring your own sheets if preferred. The beds are twin XL.)
    • Toiletries (hand soap, body wash, deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.)
    • Towel (Housing and Residence Life will provide one single-use eco-friendly towel. You are welcome to bring your own if preferred.)
    • Any medication you need
    • Alarm clock (Don’t forget your cell phone charger if your phone is your alarm.)
    • An umbrella or raincoat (Unexpected rainstorms happen in Florida.)
    • Bathing suit and beach towel (The Fountains Residence Hall, where you’ll be staying, has a pool and a lazy river for you to enjoy in the evening.)
  • What if I can't attend any of the scheduled sessions?

    If you are unable to attend any of the scheduled Orientation sessions, please contact the Office of New Student Orientation at newtounf@unf.edu or (904) 620-1722 for assistance.

  • Is there a cost to attend the Orientation program?

    There are three Orientation programs that may be available to you, depending on your start term: 

    Option 1: Overnight Orientation — $160  

    Our Overnight Orientation option gives you an interactive Orientation experience, including an Orientation Leader who will assist with what to expect at UNF and tips to be a successful student. You will stay overnight in the Osprey Fountains Residence Hall. Experience campus living by spending the night in the Osprey Fountains and participate in the Swoop Social at night where you can play volleyball, basketball, swim, or hang out inside with your new friends.

    We’ll walk you through all your next steps from buying books and parking passes to how to use all of our academic and wellness resources. 

    Students who choose this option will receive various communications about student involvement opportunities, important financial aid information and dates, and more! 

    If you are experiencing financial hardship, please email us at newtounf@unf.edu. Our team will work with you to make sure you get the orientation experience you want!

    Option 2: One-Day Orientation — $100  

    Our One-Day Orientation option gives you a similar experience to the Overnight session, without the overnight component. You will have an Orientation Leader who will assist with what to expect at UNF and tips to be a successful student. We’ll walk you through all your next steps from buying books and parking passes to how to use all of our academic and wellness resources. 

    Option 3: Basic Orientation — $35    

    The Basic Orientation is a virtual two-hour webinar hosted via Zoom. This Orientation program helps you become familiar with UNF's academic expectations, student support services, student life, and more.

  • What exactly do I get with each option?
    One- or Two-Day Orientation
    • Live faculty and staff presentations and interactions
    • Dedicated Orientation Leader
    • Opportunities to meet with other incoming and current students
    • Opportunities to get involved on campus before the first day of classes
    • Extensive communications about next steps
    • UNF Backpack
    • UNF Lanyard

    Basic Orientation

    • Virtual webinar to help you get familiar with UNF and the available student resources
  • I want to do the In-Person Orientation option, but I’m not sure I can afford it.

    If you are experiencing financial hardship, please email us at newtounf@unf.edu. Our team will work with you to make sure you get the Orientation experience you want!

  • Can I change my Orientation option after I have registered?

    Yes, you may change your Orientation option in your Applicant Portal by canceling your current session and registering for another date, if available. Please note that Orientation fees paid are nonrefundable and not all dates may have availability at the time you would like to switch sessions.

  • Can I purchase my textbooks at Orientation?

    Yes. At the conclusion of the Orientation program, students may purchase their textbooks at the UNF Bookstore in the Student Union or through the UNF Bookstore website.

    Please Note: Fall textbooks may not yet be available in the campus bookstore on the day of your Orientation session, as they do not generally go on sale until July 1. Students may wait until the first week of classes to purchase or rent textbooks.

  • Can family members attend the Orientation program?

    Yes, family members are encouraged to register for the Parent and Family Orientation that runs concurrently with student programming. New Student Orientation is mandatory for incoming students, and though it is not mandatory for parents or family members to attend Orientation, we highly encourage you to sign up to gain valuable insight into your student's future at UNF. Registered family members will attend on the same date(s) as their student. Some portions of Parent and Family Orientation will follow alongside the New Student Orientation schedule, while others will occur separately. Students can add family members in their Applicant Portal, under the Orientation tab, after they register and pay for a New Student Orientation session.

    Please Note: Registration is $75 per family member.

  • What is the Parent and Family Orientation program?

    The Parent and Family Orientation program is a separate Orientation presented directly to supporters of UNF's incoming students. This program runs concurrently with the student program. During portions of the Parent and Family Orientation, you will be with your student, and for other segments there will be family specific programming. You will learn about UNF and the many programs available to your student. Our faculty, staff and student leaders welcome the opportunity to meet you!

    Attendance Requirements
    Incoming students: Attendance at all scheduled programming is mandatory. Students participating in overnight sessions will stay on campus at Osprey Fountains Residence Hall. 

    Family members: Attendance is flexible, and you may come and go as needed during your session. There will be two days of programming for family members of students registered for an overnight session. Family members can expect to begin the first day with check-in at the same time as their student and end the day in the early evening. On day two, there will be programming in the morning, ending around noon. 

    Travel and Accommodations
    Students registered for overnight sessions are required to stay on campus at Osprey Fountains Residence Hall unless an exemption has been provided. We do not have on-campus lodging available for family members. If you will be traveling, we recommend planning ahead for accommodations.

  • Can my siblings attend the Orientation Program?

    Yes, siblings are more than welcome to attend with their families, and we ask that they be added as a guest on the student's Applicant Portal. Students can add family members in their Applicant Portal, under the Orientation tab, after they register and pay for a New Student Orientation session.

    Please Note: Registration is $75 per family member.

  • Is math placement testing mandatory?

    UNF uses a prediction model to help decide which math class is the best place for you to start. This model looks at things like your GPA, test scores, any accelerated programs you completed, and the math courses you took in high school. Your advisor will use this information to help choose the right math class for your first semester, if needed.

    If you have any questions or concerns about the math predictive model, please contact the First-Year Advising Office at fya@unf.edu or (904) 620-1012.

  • How and where do I take my Writing Placement Test?

    UNF no longer requires the Writing Placement Test.

  • How does the UNF meal membership work?

    UNF's meal memberships have been designed to accommodate the various needs of our students. With our meal memberships, you have plan options ranging from 10 to unlimited meals per week. Your Osprey 1Card Student ID is automatically connected to your meal membership. You can swipe for meals or use your Dining Dollars in the Osprey Cafe and other on-campus dining locations. For more information and pricing, please visit the Dining Services website.

  • Can I purchase a meal membership during the Orientation program?

    While we do not have time built into Orientation programming for students to purchase meal memberships, you may do so online in myWings at any time.

    For more information and questions about meal memberships, please visit the Dining Services website or contact Dining Services at (904) 620-2543.

  • Do I need to turn in my Health Immunization Records prior to attending Orientation?

    Yes. All immunization compliance documentation must be electronically submitted through your student Patient Portal. Your student Patient Portal is connected to the Florida Shots state immunization registry so your immunizations may already be on file. If you have not been cleared (red dot next to Immunizations tab), you will need to: 1) enter your immunization dates; and 2) upload supporting documents validating those dates in the student Patient Portal. If you have any questions, please contact the Office of Medical Compliance at (904) 620-2175.

  • Will I get a UNF email account?

    Yes. Email is the official form of communication between the student and the University. Once you have been admitted, you will receive a UNF Student ID which will allow you to log in to your new student myWings account where you can access your UNF email. For more information please visit the Information Technology Services website.

  • When is my tuition due?

    Tuition and Fee information can be found on the UNF Controller's website. Current payment deadline information can be found at the Payment Deadline webpage or the UNF Academic Calendar.

  • Where do I pay tuition?

    Students may pay online with an e-check or credit card in myWings. Students may also pay tuition and fees by money order, check, or cashier's check in the Student Financial Services Office in Building 10, Suite 1300.

    Please Note: Payments for tuition must be received in Student Financial Services by the published payment deadline to be considered on time. Postmarks are not accepted. Payments placed in the drop box after the close of business will be assessed a $100 late payment fee.

    Please visit the Student Financial Services website for more information.

  • Can I pay my tuition with a credit card?

    You can pay with a credit card online. Students are not able to pay with a credit card in the Student Financial Services Office at this time. You can pay with money order, check, or cashier's check in the Student Financial Services Office.

  • Can I pay my tuition with debit card?

    Yes. You can pay with a debit card online. Students are not able to pay with a debit card in the Student Financial Services Office at this time. You can pay with money order, check, or cashier's check in the Student Financial Services Office.

  • When is my housing rent due?

    Information about housing rent can be found on the Housing and Residence Life Important Dates webpage.

  • Can I have my car on campus?

    Yes. Students parking on campus must have a valid parking permit. Semester and annual parking permits are available for purchase from Parking Services. Daily parking permits may also be purchased. For more information, visit the Parking Services website.

  • When and how can I purchase my parking pass?

    Parking passes are purchased online for your convenience through myWings by selecting Student in the left side menu and then the Parking tile.

    Please Note: Students are not able to purchase a parking pass until after they have registered for classes (which will happen during Orientation). Students who are entering the summer term may purchase a term parking pass beginning in May. Students who are entering the fall term will be able to purchase a parking pass online beginning in August.

  • What is the cost of a UNF parking pass?

    There are several different options for you to choose from. Please see the Parking Services website for a full listing of available options to choose what is right for you.