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First-Year Orientation

Orientation is a fun and educational program critical to your success as a new first-year student. You can expect to:

  • Learn about academic policies and requirements.
  • Get familiar with campus buildings/landmarks.
  • Hear about resources and involvement opportunities.
  • Make connections with other new students.
  • Receive information on academics and get prepared for your advising and class registration day.
  • Learn about how to register for your first semester of classes! 

Orientation is mandatory for all undergraduate first year students, so be sure to take the steps below as soon as you can!

Parents and Family Members – please click HERE to learn more about the Parent and Family Orientation experience.

Welcome Sign in front of GL
Peer Advisors
Students inside GC

Congratulations on your acceptance! Attend First-Year Orientation!

First-Year Orientation Dates

Note: Registration for Orientation is first-come, first-served and sessions will close once they've reached their maximum capacity. 

Early Fall 2025 Admitted Students (Summer B - Classes start June 16)

The available dates for your orientation are now listed in your My.FIU.edu portal after you complete your virtual orientation. There are multiple dates for first-year students starting in May until the week before classes begin in June.

Fall 2025 Admitted Students (Classes start August 25)

The available dates for your orientation are now listed in your My.FIU.edu portal after you complete your virtual orientation. There are multiple dates for first-year students starting in mid June until the week before classes begin in August.

Spring 2026 Admitted Students (Classes start January 5)

 The available dates for your Orientation are still pending. Details and dates for your term will be available for sign up in November 2026 on your my.fiu.edu portal. There will be dates for first-year students starting in late June until the week before classes begin in August.

Completing Orientation

24 hours after you've paid your $200 tuition deposit or have had it waived, log into your my.fiu.edu account, and click the Orientation tile. Here you will see more information and be connected to the portal to begin your Virtual Orientation. Upon completion, you will be charged $35.

Follow these suggestions to complete your Virtual Orientation:

  • Disable any pop-up blockers temporarily on your internet browser to access the Virtual Orientation
  • Let all of the videos play through on their own. Skipping ahead will prevent you from progressing forward in the module.
  • You may stop if necessary and continue where you left off by going back to the link in your MyFIU account
  • Stay active within the Virtual Orientation to ensure that you do not time out of the system and lose your progress
  • If you followed these instructions and still have technical difficulties, then send an email with your name, Panther ID, a detailed description of the problem, and any relevant screenshot's to orient@fiu.edu for assistance.
Students walking in GC
Students in front of Welcome to FIU sign
Excited Roary inside GC Pit

Day of Orientation Information

We can’t wait to see you at First Year Orientation! As a friendly reminder, please make sure you review the information below to help you prepare for your Orientation Day. It is important for you to review the check-in process, parking information, and items to bring.  

Download the FIU Orientation mobile app

We are excited to announce that the mobile app for FIU Orientation, powered by Guidebook, is now available. With this resource, you have access to the most up-to-date information, the schedule of the day, as well as networking tools. To download the guide on your iOS and Android devices, visit your App or Google Play store and search "FIU Orientation". You will see the neon Panther icon with a dark blue background! Underneath the "Find Guides” section on the bottom left corner, you will see the "FIU First Year Orientation" guide. Click on “Download Guide” in the middle of the page to access the guide to review the schedule and resources.

Note: You do not need to create an e-mail username nor password to access the "First Year Orientation" guide. You can access the First Year Orientation Guide in the "Find Guides" icon.

Orientation Check-In  

  • Students and Guests: Your check-in location and time begins at 8:15 a.m. in the Student Academic Success Center (SASC). 
  • There will be times when students and guests will be together and times where the groups will be separated. 

Parking 

  • Enter campus from the main entrance off SW 107th Avenue and 16th Street. 
  • If you are parking on our campus for Orientation, you must register your car for the program. The parking link will be available closer to your Orientation date.
    • There are consecutive Orientation sessions scheduled, so please make sure that the parking link's date ranges match your Orientation date. Double-check closer to your Orientation date as parking links do get updated to match your correct Orientation date range.
    • Note: This is not a student parking permit. It is only a registration link to register your car for the day of orientation should you choose to park on campus for the day. 
  • Parking is provided free of charge at any garage on campus; however, we encourage you to park in Blue or Gold Garage to be in close walking distance, any unmarked parking spot. 
  • Once you exit the garage, follow the PAW prints and signs to the Student Academic Success Center. 
  • Please see/print our campus map or use the FIU Mobile app, which has interactive maps to help you locate the Blue Garage (PG2) and SASC. 

Lodging for Orientation Program (Optional)

  • If you selected to stay overnight the day before your Orientation date, you must check in/check out with Housing and Residential Experience in Lakeview South at the Modesto Maidique Campus.
  • If you selected to stay overnight the day of your Orientation date, check in for the Orientation program itself on the morning of your Orientation Day in the Student Academic Success Center (SASC) Lobby. You will be able to check into your room after the orientation program ends in Lakeview South at the Modesto Maidique Campus.
  • If your family member will be staying overnight on campus as well, they will not be allowed to stay in the same room or building as you. Your guest will also check in/check out with Housing and Residential Experience in Parkview Hall and will be living with other guests attending this orientation at the Modesto Maidique Campus.
  • Housing and Residential Experience will send an email with all instructions to your FIU email (i.e., check in/check out time, parking information, where to eat off-campus, things to do in Miami, etc.).

Additional Information:

  • Housing and Residential Experience will provide bed linens and towels. We suggest you bring preferred toiletries as those items will not be provided (i.e., toothpaste, shampoo/conditioner, etc.).

Items to Bring 

  • Panther ID Number – The sooner you memorize it, the better!  
  • FIU.EDU Password – You cannot check-in and check-out of your orientation day without it. 
  • Cell Phone Charger - Some of our sessions will be interactive and you will be using your mobile device to check-in/check-out. 
  • Documentation to resolve registration holds – If you still have holds on your Orientation Day, such as health (immunization, proof of insurance, etc.) or residency (proof of Florida residency, etc.), make sure you have these items available and readily accessible electronically or physically with you.  
  • Driver’s License or other government-issued photo ID – to get your FIU One Card.  
  • A light sweater or jacket – The rooms inside can be chilly.  
  • Comfortable shoes - We will be walking around campus to highlight different buildings and locations! 
  • A water bottle to stay hydrated - We have water fountains on campus! 
  • Cash/credit card – for anything you may want to purchase while on campus.  
  • Positive attitude – Always a must-have!  
  • Special Initiative – You are invited to support your fellow Panthers in need by donating items to our on-campus Student Food Pantry. We collect these during check-in. Please see below for suggested donations:   
    • Grains (pasta, rice, etc.)
    • Jarred pasta sauces  
    • Boxed pasta (i.e., macaroni & cheese)  
    • Non-perishable fruit  
    • Non-perishable protein  
    • All types of cereal  
Smiling students in front of the GL Libray
Students in the GA Atrium sitting down
Students in a housing lounge

Academic Advising/Class Registration for New First Year Students

Academic Advising and class registration will not be completed at First-Year Orientation. After you have registered for an on-campus orientation date, complete your CCE Form in your my.fiu.edu portal under the Orientation dashboard. You will then register for an advising appointment by clicking on the Advising & Registration RSVP tile under the same dashboard. Your academic advisor will remove the University Core Curriculum (UUC) registration hold so that you can then register for your classes.

  • As a new student, you must receive academic advising. Your Advising and Registration session will take place via Zoom and may occur before or after your First-Year Orientation day. Registration and attendance are mandatory. 

Pre-Orientation Checklist

Get prepared before attending Orientation. Follow the steps below to ensure a smooth transition to FIU!

  • Mandatory - Sign up for your Advising and Registration Day!

    Academic advising and class registration information can be found in your MY.FIU account under the Orientation dashboard under "Advising and Registration (&R) RSVP". 

    As a new first year student, you must receive academic advising. Your Advising and Registration session will take place via Zoom and may occur before or after your First-Year Orientation day. Registration and attendance are mandatory. Your academic advisor will remove the First Time Student registration hold. You will then be able to enroll for your first year of classes.

    Should you need to reschedule your Advising and Class Registration day, please e-mail fiuadvising@fiu.edu. 

  • Mandatory – Complete your College Credit Earned Form

    Your Advising and Registration Day will be a condensed virtual advising session, during which you will meet with an advisor from your department and, together, you will plan classes for your first semesters as an FIU Panther. The College Credit Earned (CCE) Form is now available for you to submit in the Orientation Dashboard in your my.fiu.edu portal. This form is crucial in this process, as we want to make sure that you only register for courses you need - and those you haven't taken already. Please complete your CCE form as accurately as possible. All students are required to complete this form prior to their advising and registration day, even if you do not have credits to report. If you have pending test scores, make sure you share that with your academic advisor during your Advising and Registration Day. 

    For any issues on the CCE form, email fiuadvising@fiu.edu.

  • Access your FIU Student Email
    • All fully admitted students at FIU have access to their own personal FIU email account through Microsoft 365.
    • To log in to your email, visit mail.fiu.edu and type in your FIU username (the first part of your FIU email account, ex. rpant065) and password, which is the same as your MyFIU password.
    • Please log into your email prior to attending Orientation to ensure you have access! If you cannot access your FIU student email or are having issues logging in, contact our Division of IT at (305) 348-2284.
  • Resolve holds

    Check your “Tasks” tile in MyFIU for any of the holds. Holds must be resolved before attending orientation.

    • The Orientation Hold will be removed once you fully attend and complete our program.
    • Your Academic Advisor will remove the First Time Student Hold at your Advising and Registration appointment. After your advising session and once all holds are resolved, you will be able to enroll for your first semester of classes. 
    • Immunizations Hold for health compliance records.
      • Review FIU’s immunization requirements, and submit all necessary documents/waivers to immune@fiu.edu. Processing time is 24-48 business hours.
      • Did you grow up or attend school in the state of Florida? You have records on file with the Florida Department of Health Immunization Registry, also known as Florida SHOTS. If you would like FIU to search for your records in the registry, please complete this consent form.
      • If you need assistance with Immunization holds, contact Health Compliance via email at immune@fiu.edu.
      • Previous schools may not transfer this information.
    • Admissions Hold for undetermined residency.
      • If you have an Admissions/Residency hold, additional details about requirements can be found on the OneStop Enrollment Services website.
      • Using Web Upload through your MyFIU is the preferred method to submit your initial residency documents. To do so:
        1. Follow instructions to Submit Forms Online
        2. Choose a department: Admissions
        3. Choose form name: Residency Docs Florida (Initial)
        4. Upload your documents and save
      • For questions or additional assistance with residency, please email admresidency@fiu.edu.
  • Financial Aid

    Financial aid processes are often aligned with specific academic terms. There are distinct timelines for early fall, fall, and spring semesters, each requiring a separate application to ensure timely disbursement of funds. Please see below for more information:

    1. Complete your 24/25 FAFSA (Early Fall/Summer B 2025) and your 25/26 FASFA (Fall 2025, Spring & Summer 2026) at FAFSA.gov and include FIU School Code 009635.
    2. Visit my.fiu.edu and check your Tasks tile for any pending Financial Aid items.
    3. If you were selected for verification, click on the Federal Verification Link; all verification documents must be submitted via ProVerify.
    4. Your financial aid will not be processed until verification is completed.
    5. For questions or additional assistance with Financial Aid, contact 305-348-7272. 
  • Upload photo for FIU OneCard

    You are required to upload your photo and government-issued ID to the FIU One Card Office prior to your Orientation date. You will be allowed to upload your photo closer to your orientation date and will receive a communication directly from One Card. Make sure you follow all directions, and that your photo meets all required criteria. Your FIU One Card will be distributed at Orientation. Visit our website onecard.fiu.edu or email onecard@fiu.edu with any questions.

  • International students (on F1/J1 Visas)
    1. You are required to have health insurance. An Insurance Hold is placed on your account until proof of insurance is shown.
      • More information about health insurance requirements can be found on the Health Compliance website.
      • If you need assistance with an Insurance Hold, contact Health Compliance via email at insure@fiu.edu, phone (305) 348-2688 or fax (305) 348-3336 from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (ET), Monday through Friday.
      • Processing time to 24-48 business hours.
    2. Complete the Declaration Certification of Finances Form to register for your classes. For assistance, email iadmiss@fiu.edu.
    3. You are required to attend an International Student Services Session conducted by the Office of International Student and Scholar Services(ISSS).
  • Apply for Housing

    On-campus housing fills up quickly, so apply early! Visit the Housing & Residential Experience website and sign a housing agreement today!

  • Sign Up for Panther Camp!

    Panther Camp provides incoming FIU students with the opportunity to transition to FIU in an exciting and engaging way! Meet new students, create lasting memories, and get ready to embark on a new journey at FIU. Sign up today!

  • Orientation payment

    All outstanding orientation charges must be paid in full before attending your scheduled session.

Post-Orientation Checklist

After attending Orientation, complete your post-Orientation checklist in order to have a successful first semester!

  • Get Your Virtual Parking Permit

    In order to access your online parking account, students must be fully registered for classes. A virtual parking permit is issued to each student who is currently enrolled, and the "Transportation Access Fee" must be assessed/generated in their tuition statement. The student account will be added to the parking system one business day after term information and the tuition statement is generated into their my.FIU account.

    If you would like to park a vehicle on campus, be sure to register your vehicle by logging into your parking portal with your FIU student credentials.

  • Complete a Canvas Training

    Canvas is the learning management system (LMS) which hosts the very courses you will take at the university and gives you access to course materials and tools to communicate and collaborate with classmates, instructors and/or Teaching Assistants (TA's). Complete a Canvas training to help you get started!

  • Get your FIU gear and textbooks for your courses!

    Get your FIU gear from the FIU Barnes & Noble Bookstore and receive your textbooks through the Panther Book Pack program.  The Panther Book Pack program gives you convenient access to all of your course materials.

    The Panther Book Pack is an affordable course materials rental program providing all undergraduate students with their required course materials by the first day of class at a fixed rate of $20 per credit hour. Learn more about the Panther Book Pack program here! 

  • Remain Pawsitively Aware!

    FIU actively commits to providing a safe and healthy University community and helping FIU students become Pawsitively Aware of safety measures. As a new Panther, you will be auto-enrolled (after the add/drop deadline) in the following courses: 

    • Sexual Assault Prevention
    • Hazing Prevention 
    • Active Shooter Preparedness 

    Non-completion of the course will result in a registration hold.

  • Optional - Schedule a Welcome Appointment with the Disability Resource Center

    Ensure a smooth transition to your academic journey by scheduling a Welcome Appointment with the Disability Resource Center. This personalized meeting will allow you to discuss and implement necessary accommodations, ensuring a supportive and inclusive learning environment tailored to your needs.

Download the Orientation Publication Guide

Inside this orientation publication guide, first-year and transfer students will discover everything they need to kickstart their academic journey. From essential resources to tips for navigating student life, this publication will give you the next steps post your Orientation experience!

Orientation Publication