A graphic that includes "KU Orientation" and colorful designs of the Campanile, Fraser Hall, sunflowers, the Academic Jayhawk statue, and more.

Registering for freshman Orientation

For an admitted freshman, the first step to Orientation registration is to pay their enrollment deposit.

Set up your KU online ID

You’ll need your KU online ID and password to register. If you haven’t already done so, set up your KU student account to create those credentials.

A graphic that includes "First" and colorful designs of the Campanile, Fraser Hall, sunflowers, the Academic Jayhawk statue, and more.

Pay the freshman enrollment deposit

All freshmen are required to pay a $221 deposit. The deposit secures your spot at KU and, beyond enrollment, covers Orientation, your KU ID card, and first-year programs and events. If you or your family is unable to pay your deposit at this time, you may request a deferment at the link below, or contact the Office of Admissions at adm@ku.edu.

A graphic that includes "Next" and colorful designs of the Campanile, Fraser Hall, sunflowers, the Academic Jayhawk statue, and more.

Register for freshman Orientation

Now that you’ve set up your KU online ID and paid your deposit, you’ll be able to register for an in-person session. The sooner you register, the wider the selection of session dates you’ll have to choose from.

Once you’ve registered, you can log back in at any time to update your information, see available dates, or register guests. Be sure to select “SUBMIT” to finalize your registration.

Note: The link below will take you to Slate, our Orientation registration hub. You’ll need your KU online ID and password to access the system. Have that information ready before proceeding.

A graphic that includes "Finally" and colorful designs of the Campanile, Fraser Hall, sunflowers, the Academic Jayhawk statue, and more.
A presenter leads an Orientation session in an auditorium where new students sit at tables.
Students listen to a student ambassador as they prepare for a campus tour.
Orientation attendants explore the walkways, hilltops, and buildings on KU's Lawrence campus.

About Orientation

What happens at Orientation?

Orientation really begins before your session, when you take your online pre-Orientation course. After completing that — which covers important topics related to Orientation and your first year — you’ll attend your session. There, you’ll connect with other Jayhawks, learn about campus resources, and get your questions answered. Finally, you and your advisor will meet to discuss goals and enroll in your first-semester courses.

When is Orientation?

Orientation is a full-day, in-person event. Students admitted for the fall term attend their session in the summer. You’ll be able to view our full Orientation calendar and available dates when you register.

Do transfer students attend Orientation?

Not exactly. We host separate Orientation sessions specifically designed for transfer students. We do, however, offer the option for transfer students to attend a single freshman session.
Learn more about transfer orientation options

Orientation alternatives and cancellations

Orientation is a requirement for all incoming undergraduate freshmen. However, we recognize that things come up. See below for additional registration resources. If you are unable to attend the date provided in the registration website or no date is showing for you, please contact us at orientation@ku.edu or 785-864-4270.

If you need to change your session date, you can log in to the registration website to view other available dates and make changes to your reservation. Date changes must be made by 5 p.m. CT one week prior to your original session date.

Make changes

If you no longer plan to attend KU or will be attending in a future semester, please notify the Office of Admissions by updating your application. Completing the form will serve as cancellation of your Orientation session.

Update application

If you’re unable to attend Orientation, you’ll need to enroll during Open Enrollment, which is an abbreviated Orientation program that occurs on the Thursday prior to the first day of classes each semester. Please contact our office if you are interesting in attending Open Enrollment as an Orientation alternative. 

All students are required to participate in orientation in some capacity. If you cannot attend any of the options provided, please fill out this exception request form. Our team will work with you to get enrolled in an orientation option. 

A guest fee of $30.00 will be assessed for each guest that attends Orientation. This fee covers parking, a lunch buffet, printed materials, and a full day of Parent & Guest programming. The fee is posted on the student's account and not due at the time of registration.