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.
Meet with an Academic Advisor to understand the classes you should be taking.
Register for your first semester of classes.

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

Virtual 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 screenshots to orient@fiu.edu for assistance

First-Year Orientation/Academic Advising

Once you complete the Virtual Orientation, to have your hold removed and register for classes, you must fully complete your orientation process in one of two ways depending on your admitted degree program:

Students in standard degree programs will sign up for First-Year Orientation.
First-Year Orientation is an on-campus, two-day program (one day at the Biscayne Bay Campus) designed for you to dive deeper into resources to support your success, ask additional questions you may have, and connect with fellow students, and register for your first semester of classes.
Details about signing up for First-Year Orientation and what you should do to prepare are detailed below.
If you are a student in a fully-online degree program (will never take classes on campus), you should schedule an appointment with your Academic Advisor via your Panther Success Network in MyFIU under the "Academic Advising" tile. For questions on advising appointments, please reach out to your academic college directly.

Orientation Dates

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

Early Fall 2022 (Classes Start June 20)

The available dates for your orientation are listed in your My.FIU.edu account after you complete your virtual orientation. There are multiple dates starting in mid-May until the week before classes begin.

Fall 2022 (Classes Start August 22)

The available dates for your orientation are listed in your My.FIU.edu account after you complete your virtual orientation. There are multiple dates starting in mid-May until the week before classes begin.

Spring 2023 (Classes Start January 9)

The available dates for your orientation are still pending. Details and dates for your term will be available in My.FIU.edu by October 1, 2022. There will be multiple dates starting in November until the week before classes begin.

Sign-Up

Choose between on-campus sessions at the Modesto A. Maidique Campus or the Biscayne Bay Campus, based on where you plan to take most of your classes during your first semester.

When signing up, you can register up to two family members to attend the Parent & Family Orientation on the first day of your chosen session, though this is not required. For more details, see Parent & Family Orientation.

Request Accommodations

Individuals with disabilities may request accommodations. You must make the request no less than five (5) business days in advance by emailing orient@fiu.edu.

On-Campus First-Year Orientation Information

We can’t wait to see you at your First-Year Orientation! As a friendly reminder, please make sure you review the information below to help you prepare for Orientation Day.

Food will be available for purchase during mealtimes at Orientation as meals will not be provided.

First-Year Orientation at the Modesto Maidique Campus (MMC) is a two-day program.

Day one will begin at  8:00 a.m. and end at 8:00 p.m. 
Day two is for students only and begins at 8:30 a.m. until you are done registering for classes. There is an optional overnight component.

Failure to complete the two-day program in its entirety will require you to register for another date. If another date is unavailable during your admit term, you will need to contact Admissions to defer your admit term.

Guests: Registered guests are encouraged to attend day one only if attending Orientation. Parent and Family Orientation is an optional program that runs concurrently with the first day of your First-Year Orientation. It will provide your family with valuable information about FIU and how to support you during your college experience. Students and family members are separate for much of the program, so it may not be appropriate for friends or other non-family members to attend with you.

Orientation Check-In & Parking

Orientation Program Check-in begins at 8:00 a.m. in the Student Academic Success Center (SASC).
Enter campus from the main entrance off SW 107th Avenue via SW 16th  Street.
Parking is provided free of charge at any garage on campus; however, we encourage you to park in Blue or Gold Garage to be within close walking distance, in any blue or unmarked parking spot. Please register your car for your orientation session via this Orientation Parking Link before coming to campus.
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 Graham Center.

Items to Bring

Computer, Charger, and Headphones – Bring a charged tablet or laptop if you have one for note taking/class registration. If you don’t have one, we will have a computer lab available for use for advising and class registration.
Panther ID Number – The sooner you memorize it, the better!
FIU.EDU Password – You cannot register for classes without it.
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.
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

We are excited that you decided to stay overnight to enhance your Orientation experience! This optional overnight experience is only for sessions at the Modesto Maidique Campus*. Please see below regarding check-in and check-out information along with items to bring. All students must abide by the policies listed below as well.

*Participating Sessions only.

Check-In & Check-Out

If you are staying overnight, please check in at Panther Hall first to receive your room key.
Enter campus from the main entrance off SW 107th Avenue via SW 16th Street.
Check-in will begin on day one at 6:45 a.m. and end at 8:00 a.m.
Parking is provided free of charge at Parkview Garage. Please register your car for your orientation session via t his Orientation Parking Link before coming to campus.
You can choose to leave your vehicle there for the duration of the program or move it to the Blue Garage. You only have to register your vehicle once.
After you are done checking in for Housing, follow the signs and head to the Student Academic Success Center (SASC).
Checkout will be on day two after you are done registering for your classes. Checkout will be between 12:00 - 4:00 p.m.
If you want to share a room with someone you know, you and the other student(s) must check-in at the same time and request to be assigned to the same room. FIU offers gender-inclusive housing and a total of four (4) individuals are assigned to each suite.
Please see/print our campus map or use the FIU Mobile app, which has interactive maps to help you locate the Blue Garage (PG2), Panther Hall, and the Student Academic Success Center.
If you need to get in touch with Panther Hall’s front-desk staff, please call 305-348-3982.

Packing List

Orientation attendees who spend the night should bring the following items.

Bedding – Size twin bed: Fitted sheet, flat sheet, pillows, comforter
Bathroom – Towel, washcloth, toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo/conditioner, other toiletries, etc.
Miscellaneous - Hand sanitizer, your fav late night snack, hangars, cell phone chargers.

The rooms will have toilet paper but need to be set up for everything else.

 Housing and Residential Life Policies

Leaving the assigned Residence Hall: Students are to remain in their assigned residence hall after arriving with their group and only leave upon meeting with their group the following day.
Outside Guests: Students may not bring non-orientation participants or those who have opted out of the Overnight experience into the residence hall during orientation. Non-overnight Orientation students are able to participate in evening activities in the Residence Hall, but they must leave at the end of the program.
Alcohol/Drugs: No alcohol or drugs may be consumed or possessed while at Orientation.
Vandalism: Any damage to residence hall rooms will be charged to those assigned to that room. Charges will include actual replacement/repair and labor costs.
Keys: Keys should never be given to another person. All lost keys will result in a $65 charge to the person to whom the key was issued.

First-Year Orientation at the Biscayne Bay Campus is a one-day program. The program begins at 8:30 a.m. until you are done registering for classes (around 7 p.m.). There is no optional overnight component. 

Failure to complete the one-day program in its entirety will require you to register for another date. If another date is unavailable for your admission term, you will need to contact Admissions to defer your admission term.

Guests: Registered guests are encouraged to attend only if attending Orientation. Parent and Family Orientation is an optional program that runs concurrently with the day of your First-Year Orientation. It will provide your family with valuable information about FIU and how to support you during your college experience. Students and family members are separate for much of the program, so it may not be appropriate for friends or other non-family members to attend with you.

Orientation Check-In & Parking

Check-in begins at 8:00 a.m. in the Wolfe University Center (WUC), Panther Square.
Enter campus from the main entrance off of Bay Vista Blvd. and NE 145th Street.
Parking is provided free of charge at an unmarked parking spot located in Lot 2. The Orientation Parking link will be placed here 24-48 hours before the session.
Follow the PAW prints and signs to the Wolfe University Center.
Please see/print our campus map or use the FIU Mobile app, which has interactive maps to help you locate Lot 2 and the Wolfe University Center.

Items to Bring

Computer, Charger, and Headphones – Bring a charged tablet or laptop if you have one for note taking/class registration. If you don’t have one, we will have a computer lab available for use for advising and class registration.
Panther ID Number – The sooner you memorize it, the better!
FIU.EDU Password – You cannot register for classes without it.
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.
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

Pre-Orientation Checklist

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 meet with an Academic Advisor at orientation.
- Immunizations Hold.
  - 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.
Student ID (One Card)
Upload your photo and government-issued ID to the FIU One Card Office. Make sure you follow all directions and your photo meets all required criteria*. Uploading your picture is required to obtain your FIU One Card when you arrive on campus. Call 305-348-2273 or email onecard@fiu.edu with any questions.
*Note: This process cannot be initiated until 2 weeks before your Orientation Day once you receive an email from the FIU One Card Office or once you have registered for classes.
FIU email account
- All fully-admitted students at FIU have access to their own personal FIU email account through PantherMail.
- To log in to your PantherMail, visit panthermail.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.
Financial aid
1. Complete your 21/22 FAFSA (for Summer 22) and 22/23 FAFSA (for Fall 2022, Spring, and Summer 2023) 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 OneStop.
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 or contact them via WhatsApp at +1-786-702-0031.
3. You are required to attend an International Student Services Session conducted by the Office of International Student and Scholar Services(ISSS).
  - This is separate from First-Year Orientation.
  - You can find more details on the ISSS website.
  - If you have questions, email isss@fiu.edu or access the ISSS Virtual Office Monday to Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. (ET).
Apply for Housing
On-campus housing fills up quickly, so apply early! Visit the Housing & Residential Life website and sign a housing agreement today!
Orientation payment
All outstanding orientation charges must be paid in full before attending your scheduled session.

First-Year Orientation Resource & Involvement Fair Registration

Orientation and Family Programs is excited to welcome back our Resource and Involvement Fair to all of our in-person First-Year Orientation sessions this summer! Here your office, department, or student organization can speak to incoming students about involvement opportunities, helpful resources, and leadership development.

Use the section below to register through Eventbrite.