2021 KU Orientation. Fraser Hall layered with graphic textures.

Registering for freshman Orientation

For admitted freshmen, 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.

Graphic labeled "FIRST" to signify the first step. Collage of campus buildings and colorful graphic treatment.

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.

Graphic labeled "NEXT" to signify the second step. Collage of students and campus with colorful graphic treatments.

Register for freshman Orientation

With your deposit paid and account created, you’ll now be able to register for an in-person session. The sooner you do, 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” for your registration to be finalized.

Graphic labeled "FINALLY" to signify the last step. Collage of photos. Baby Jay, Campanile and campus photos and graphic treatments.
Student wearing mask, sitting at desk in socially distanced KU classroom
Three students peeking out of ribbons in photo booth a KU Orientation event.
Student Ambassador giving a campus tour on Jayhawk blvd.

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 fall will attend their session in the summer. Exact dates are based on your major or academic interest. Students admitted for the spring term will attend Orientation in November, December, or January.

Do transfer students attend Orientation?

No, transfer students don't attend summer Orientation with freshmen. Instead, they attend their own, one-day onboarding event in August. We'll send out more details about the event soon.

Orientation changes, alternatives, and cancellations

Orientation is a requirement for all incoming undergraduate freshmen. However, we recognize that every student’s availability is unique to their circumstances. If you are unable to attend any of the dates provided in the registration website or no dates are 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. Contact our office for more information.

If you have extenuating circumstances that prevent you from attending Orientation or Open Enrollment, you may submit an Exception Request form for consideration.

Exception Request Form