You’ve checked in, been assigned to an orientation group and are waiting for the festivities to start. Wondering how to make the most out of your two days of orientation? Here are some tips.
1. Get excited!
This is your first real event as a Clemson student, so get pumped! It’s perfectly OK to be nervous (I know I was), but don’t let your nerves get in the way of having fun.
2. Make some friends
Orientation is the perfect opportunity to make friends — after all, everyone around you is new. Don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone and say “hi” to those around you. Suffer from social anxiety like moi? Here are some ideas to get the conversation going:

• What are you majoring in?
• Where are you from?
• I really like your [shirt, earrings, iPhone case, etc.]

3. Have fun
Yes, the icebreakers and cheers are a little lame. But I promise you orientation will be 100x better if you just jump in and take part in all of the activities — it’ll help ease your nerves some, and who knows, you might even make some friends in the process.
4. Take notes
You’re going to pick up countless tidbits of information during your time at orientation, and some of these are important things you don’t want to forget. Make sure to jot down notes on your phone (or in a notebook, if you’re old school) so that you can remember things later on.
5. Don’t stress
It may rain, you may accidentally get separated from your orientation group and you may not be able to register for a class you need. And that’s perfectly OK — it happens. No matter what orientation throws at you, keep a positive attitude and don’t worry about the little things. Orientation is your chance to kick off your Clemson experience, so make sure to start off strong and on a good note!