Register for Orientation

We can’t wait to welcome you to campus! During orientation, you will be able to register for classes, connect with academic advisors, meet fellow students, explore campus resources and get comfortable navigating life at Boise State. Please note, you cannot register for classes before orientation.

Select your dropdown to view details.

First-Year Students

WHEN: If you’re starting in the fall semester, orientation registration opens in March with sessions held throughout the summer. If you’re starting in the spring semester, orientation registration opens in October and orientation will take place in December.

HOW: Once you’ve completed your intent to enroll confirmation, you can register for orientation as soon as it becomes available. Make sure to check out Step 6: Send your Final Transcripts before orientation.

Transfer Students

WHEN: If you’re starting in the fall semester, orientation registration opens in March with transfer-focused sessions held throughout the summer. If you’re starting in the spring semester, orientation registration opens in October and an in-person orientation will take place in January before classes start.

HOW: Once you’ve completed your intent to enroll confirmation , you can register for orientation as soon as it becomes available. If you have any college credits that need to be evaluated before orientation, make sure to check out Step 6: Send your Final Transcripts.

Parents or Family Members

Are you a parent or family member? Family Orientation helps you learn about student resources, meet campus faculty and staff, and stay connected to events, updates and the Bronco family community. Family Orientation runs alongside student orientation for families of new Boise State students, with select joint sessions throughout the day.

Adult Learners

WHEN: Fall students can register for orientation starting in March, with adult learner and transfer-focused sessions offered throughout the summer. Spring students begin registering for virtual advising in October, followed by an in-person orientation in January before classes start.

HOW: Once you’ve completed your intent to enroll confirmation, you can register for orientation as soon as it becomes available. If you have any college credits that need to be evaluated before orientation, make sure to check out Step 6: Send your Final Transcripts.

Questions? Contact your Admissions Counselor! You can also reach out to New Student Programs at (208) 426-1156 or orientationinfo@boisestate.edu.

Orientation FAQs

Signing Up

Student orientation is funded by student fees paid through tuition. The family and guest fee allows us to cover family orientation costs from food to space to staffing, similar to a conference.

Family orientation: Your student can sign you up for family orientation through their orientation sign-up. There is a $30 fee per guest, which covers family programming and meals throughout the day

Schedule (subject to change)

7:30–8:30 a.m. – Check-in
8:30–9:00 a.m. – University Welcome
9:00–9:15 a.m. – Dismiss to Orientation Leader Small Groups
9:15–9:45 a.m. – Orientation Leader Small Group
9:45–10:15 a.m. – Resource Breakout (Round 1)
10:15–10:45 a.m. – Resource Breakout (Round 2)
10:45–11:15 a.m. – Resource Breakout (Round 3)
11:15 a.m.–12:30 p.m. – Lunch and Resource Fair
12:30–12:45 p.m. – Dismiss to Orientation Leader Small Groups
12:45–1:45 p.m. – Orientation Leader Small Groups
1:45–2:00 p.m. – College Dismissal
2:00–5:00 p.m. – Advising and Registration
4:00–4:30 p.m. – Involvement Breakout (Round 1)
4:30–5:00 p.m. – Involvement Breakout (Round 2)
5:00–5:15 p.m. – Dismiss to Orientation Leader Small Groups
5:15–5:45 p.m. – Orientation Leader Small Group
5:45–7:00 p.m. – Dinner with Orientation Leader Small Groups
6:30–9:30 p.m. – Evening Activities

Lodging

Hotels and lodging around Boise.

Campus Map

You’ll find Boise State University between Broadway Avenue and Capital Boulevard, just a short distance from Interstate 84 and less than 4 miles from the Boise Airport. Check-in will be in the Student Union Building.

Parking

Free parking is provided on campus during orientation programs at the Lincoln Parking Garage.

Directions to the Lincoln Parking Garage

Check-in

All families and guests are required to check-in with their student.
Check-in takes place in the Campus Recreation Center, just south of the Student Union Building and next to the Lincoln Parking Garage.

What to Bring

Water bottle
Comfortable shoes
Light jacket or blanket (temperatures in the building can be cold)
A notebook and pen (in case you want to take notes)

Accommodations

How do I indicate I need accommodations to participate in the orientation program?

If you need any accommodations for reading, seeing, hearing, language or other disability-related needs to fully participate in the in-person family orientation, please have your student indicate that when they sign up for orientation or contact our office to add an accommodation.

How do I modify my accommodations for the orientation program?

If your situation has changed and your student has already signed you up for family orientation, please contact our office to update your accommodation details.

Does your student need accommodations beyond orientation?

Establish Services with the Educational Access Center.

Meet Our Orientation Leaders

Orientation Leaders (OL’s) are current student leaders who ensure our new Broncos have a smooth and positive transition to the Boise State University community.

Meet our orientation leaders