New Student Orientation
Orientation is a key moment on your Colorado State timeline. It’s when you can really connect with the CSU community and resources and maybe even meet some of your new friends and classmates.
Yep, you need to attend
Ram Orientation is required for all new, degree-seeking students at Colorado State University. The information you’ll get and the steps you’ll take throughout the experience are important to getting you off on the right foot. We want you to be successful here!
Is orientation virtual or in person?
Both! Ram Orientation typically is offered both virtually and in person. While we highly encourage attending in person, both options involve lots of engagement and interaction with real people.
Virtual orientation is synchronous, which means your orientation happens in real time, with fellow students and CSU staff meeting online at a specific time for live interaction.
Registering for orientation
Registration for Ram Orientation opens to students who have been admitted and have made their enrollment deposits (dates below).
Once you have paid or deferred your enrollment deposit and orientation registration has opened, you’ll get an email notification that you can sign up.
Preparing for orientation
Once you’re registered for orientation, your next steps include:
- Completing pre-registration: Pre-registration includes a series of online tasks and information to complete before signing up for classes. We’ll notify you via email when you can access these.
- Completing placement tools if needed: Depending on your major and the classes you’ve taken in high school, you may need to take placement steps. These steps ensure you register for the most advanced classes you can be successful in. Check your Admissions and Ram Start Dashboard for details.
- Meet with an academic advisor to register for classes: After completing pre-registration, you will be directed to schedule an online or in-person appointment with a CSU academic advisor, where you’ll register for classes.
- Pre-orientation: Pre-orientation includes a series of online tasks and information to complete to prepare you for Ram Orientation. We will send you an email when you can access these
View the preparation checklist for all steps you’ll need to take before orientation.
What happens at orientation?
Freshmen, transfer, and international students are given separate orientation experiences, and each is designed specifically for your student type. No matter what, orientation helps you become acquainted with campus, make connections, get your questions answered, and learn more about your classes. Learn more by clicking on your student type.
What are the dates to know?
- Typically, orientation sign-up opens in March for students starting at CSU in the fall. Sign-up opens in October for students starting at CSU in the spring.
- Orientation itself takes place throughout June and July for students starting in the fall. It's held November to January for students starting the the spring.
Are guests allowed?
Yes! Your parents’, family members’ and guests’ questions are important, and we want to answer those, too. Sessions are offered specifically to help them learn more about Colorado State and how they can support you in your transition. Your family or guests will hear from groups like Parent and Family Programs, University Housing, Office of Financial Aid, and the CSU Health Network.
How to sign up
Orientation registration opened in March 2026 for students starting in the summer or fall. You must submit your enrollment deposit before you can sign up.