What to Expect at Summer Orientation at University of the Cumberlands

Normally, the minute you put “mandatory” in front of anything, I’m out.
I even felt this way about orientation. As an incoming student, I was told summer orientation was mandatory. I thought, “Dang, this is going to be just oh-so-boring.”

Feeling the same way? Don’t fret! Patriots know how to have fun—even with something as mundane as orientation. Here’s what you can expect:

Mugs and Mingle

After checking in, you may find yourself with a little time before orientation officially begins. Luckily, there’s a coffee stand where you can grab a drink to get energized for the day. While you wait, other students will likely be hanging around too, so it’s the perfect time to mingle with potential new friends!

Orientation Crew Roll Call

Once it’s time to head into the gym, you’ll find breakfast snacks and a few fun activities to kick things off. There are photo backdrops set up, and you might even score a picture with the man, the myth, the legend—Pete the Patriot! 

One of my favorite traditions happens here too: signing the HUGE poster with your graduation year on it. It hangs in the student center (a.k.a. the Mid) until you graduate. It might not seem like a big deal now, but wait until your senior year. You’ll spot your name and feel a wave of nostalgia.

After snacks, photos, and signing your name, orientation officially begins. You’ll hear from the very people who are here to help you settle in at Cumberlands: the admissions team and summer orientation leaders!

College 101

This is when parents and students split up because each group has its own info to learn. Students head off to learn everything they need to know about life at Cumberlands. I know, informational sessions might sound boring, but trust me, this one is full of important stuff: campus policies, tips from upperclassmen, and advice that can truly make or break your college experience. By the end, you’ll feel way more confident heading into your first day of classes.

Plus, the Cumberlands’ staff really know how to make things fun. Throughout the session, you may get to participate in summer bingo (because who doesn’t love bingo?), spikeball, or volleyball. The best part? Prizes are involved!

Then—drumroll please—you’ll officially become a student when you receive your Cumberlands student ID! This little card is your golden ticket around campus. It unlocks your dorm, pays for meals, and lets you check out books and other items from the library.

Feast and Find Out

This part isn’t mandatory, but I highly recommend sticking around. It’s your chance to explore and get to know campus a little better.

You can grab a free lunch at the caf, swing by the career fair in the Mid, stop by the Grill to get help with financial aid or housing, or take a tour of the dorms to start dreaming about how to make your space feel like home.

My personal advice? Start with food (you’ll be hungry by now!) and then hop on a dorm tour while you’re nearby.

Most of campus is very walkable, but don’t worry if you have mobility needs (or if you just want to avoid getting sweaty). There are admission counselors driving golf carts who can take you wherever you need to go. Just find an orientation leader (they’ll be posted all over) and let them know you need a ride.

Oh! I almost forgot this last little thing: All events during this time aren’t mandatory for students to attend…except for athletes. If you’re an athlete, you will have to stay to get your physical. 

That’s everything you can expect from summer orientation! You’re going to have so much fun. While Cumberlands is serious about giving you an amazing education, they also know how to have a blast. Trust me—you’re gonna love it here!