Freshman Year

Freshman Year Milestones

• Attend summer orientation (for students and parents)
  Summer Orientation is your student's and your chance to learn about the services and resources at University of Minnesota, and in the College of Liberal Arts. In addition, your student will register for the first semester of college.
  When: June - July
  For more information: www.ofyp.umn.edu
  
  
• Make and attend a checkback appointment
  Students should see their advisers at least once a semester, especially first-year students. First-year student appointments are called checkback appointments. In this appointment, advisers ask how the first year is going and helps students plan their spring semester course load.
  When: September - November and spring semester
  For more information: ulook.umn.edu (Students can use ULook to schedule an advising appointment online)
  

• Attend a four-year planning meeting
  Students need to attend a four-year planning meeting. This meeting will help students strategize and map out their four years in the College of Liberal Arts.
  When: October
  
  
• Begin courses in a 2nd language
  Students are encouraged to start their second language during their first semester.
  When: Fall semester
  For more information: http://www.class.umn.edu/degree_requirements/
  FAQs_About_the_Second_Language_Requirement.html


• Complete the freshman composition requirement
  Unless specifically exempted by placement or by testing, all University students must satisfy the freshman-writing requirement by completing the appropriate coursework.
  When: By the end of spring semester (May)
  
  
• Complete 30 credits by the end of first year
  Students will register for fall classes at summer orientation. Students will need to register for rougly 15 credits each semester to ensure timely graduation. After meeting with their adviser, students should register at their assigned time in the registration queue.
  When: Fall registration is November - December; spring registration is April - May
  

Things to Think About All Year

• Explore a major
  Many students enter their first semester of college unsure of their major. Students should explore majors that interest them. There are several resources on campus to help them explore a major including: the Career and Community Learning Center, informational sessions about majors, other campus programs, their college adviser, and the department of interest. In addition, students can take a 2-credit course called ID 1201: Major Exploration. While exploring majors, students should note any prerequisites that need completion before declaring that major. Finally, students in pre-professional programs should meet with their college adviser to understand the requirements needed to complete these programs.
  For more information: http://www.class.umn.edu/choosing_a_major/
  
  
• Join a student organization
  To help with their transition to college life, students need to be involved academically and socially. One way student can get involved socially is to join a student organization.
  For more information: www.sao.umn.edu
  
  
• Apply for continuing student scholarships
  There are scholarships available for continuing students in the College of Liberal Arts. These scholarships usually become available in late fall semester with a deadline of early spring semester.
  For more information: www.scholarships.cla.umn.edu
  
  
• Explore study abroad
  Study abroad experiences are becoming increasingly popular with students, and they represent an important educational advantage in our increasingly globalized economy. Financial aid applies to many programs and scholarships are available to assist with cost. Students should begin exploring study abroad early to see how the experience fits into their 4-year plan.
  For more information: www.umabroad.umn.edu
  
  
• Instructors' office hours
  Students should not be shy about visiting their instructors during posted office hours. Office hours are a good time to get additional help with a course, ask about research opportunities, and investigate careers in the field.