Orientation introduces many to campus and student life

University intends for students to increase their understanding and learning of campus life, marking the beginning of their college careers.

In the past few weeks, there has been an onslaught of wide-eyed and bushy-tailed teenagers roaming the campus in large packs. The arrival of these herds of incoming first-year students can mean one thing - orientation has begun.

For many, the thought of attending a school as large as the University can be terrifying.

Student orientation leader Rakhi Shah said the University understands the fear that accompanies incoming first-year students when they attend orientation.

"These kids are always going to be scared," Shah said. "College is a scary experience."

Shah and the other student orientation leaders try to ease the transition into college.

MATT MADILL/Daily A group of incoming first-year students stand in front of Angell Hall and listen to their student tour guide last week. The tour gives students the opportunity to explore the University landscape.

He added that the University intends for the incoming freshmen to see their team leaders as students who they can learn from, instead of adults just there to show them around campus.

"We facilitate orientation," Shah explained. "We act as students, hang out at night, chat with them, etc."

As for the incoming students' perception of orientation, feelings are mixed depending on their backgrounds.

For students entering the University from a local high school in Michigan, they do not always see orientation as necessary since they already know plenty about the school, and have numerous friends joining them in the fall.

LSA sophomore Mikki Weinstien, who comes from a local high school, did not find orientation as beneficial as she was hoping it would be.

"I was disappointed because I came here with all of my friends and didn't get the opportunity to meet any new people," Weinstien said. "In addition, I really just wish I could have CRISPed from home."

But Shah said for those who come from further away "orientation provides students with a chance to meet their first friends at the University."

"Plus, it teaches students what it is to be a college student," a trait which they will need in the upcoming months, Shah said.

"I was completely clueless about the University of Michigan and about college in general," said Krista Grimm, an incoming freshman who participated in orientation earlier this year.

Grimm said she gained more of an understanding of the University during orientation.

"Now I know a lot more and am less nervous about coming here," Grimm said.

As for the social scene, Grimm said she was excited about the people she met at orientation.

"A lot of the kids didn't know anyone so they were all very outgoing and friendly," Grimm said.

Shah said,"Orientation gives these kids a good start" as they embark on their college adventure.

LSA junior Pamela Hirschman said she ended up living with her orientation roommate her sophomore year.

"I really enjoyed orientation," Hirschman said. "Another day would have been nice to get to know the campus."

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