Welcome to
New Student Orientation
Class of 2030, Get Ready To Be A Black Bear!
June 22-23, 2026
Maine Business School, College of Earth, Life, and Health Sciences, and College of Education and Human Development
June 25-26, 2026
Maine College of Engineering and Computing, and College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Before You Attend, Make Sure You…
Submit your confirmation deposit
Complete the financial responsibility statement
Take the ALEKS PPL Assessment to determine readiness for math courses
Don’t Forget to Bring…
Comfortable clothes and shoes for exploring campus
A swimsuit for the New Balance Recreation Center during the Black Bear Block Party!
Ice skates for free skate at the Alfond! (Limited quantities and sizes will be available)
Schedule
Check out what your first day as a Black Bear will be like!
Note: Check-in times vary between whether or not you are in the Honors College. Students in the Honors College should arrive for check-in at 8 a.m as their first session begins at 9 a.m.
Students not in the Honors College should arrive after 9 a.m. with activities ramping up around 11 a.m.
Day 1
8-11:15 a.m.
Residence Hall Check-in
*All students planning to spend the night on campus need to check in at Somerset Hall prior to the start of the Welcome Session at 11:30 AM.
9-10:30 a.m.
Honors College Session
*Only for students accepted into the Honors College and their guests
9–11:30 a.m.
Information Fair
*Connect with campus departments, student support offices, and campus community partners, ask questions, and learn more about the resources and opportunities available to support your success at UMaine.
9 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 10 a.m., 10:30 a.m.
General Campus Tours
*These tours leave from the Collins Center for the Arts (CCA) lobby.
11:30 a.m.– 12:15 p.m.
Welcome Session
12:15–1:15 p.m.
Black Bear Connections
*Meet your student leader and fellow new students to learn about campus life and build your community.
1:15–2:15 p.m.
Lunch & Lawn Games
2:15–4:30 p.m.
Academic College Session
*Meet your academic college, connect with faculty, staff and fellow students, and learn about the opportunities and resources available within your program.
4:30-5 p.m.
Black Bear Connections
*Check in with your student leader and orientation group.
5-6 p.m.
Student Life at UMaine
*Discover what it means to be a Black Bear and a member of the UMaine community. Explore opportunities to get involved, connect with fellow students, and make the most of your college experience through student organizations, campus traditions, leadership opportunities, recreation, and campus activities.
6-7 p.m.
Dinner & Lawn Games
7-8:30 p.m.
Playfair
*An interactive, high-energy program designed to help you meet new people, build connections, and start feeling at home as a Black Bear.
8:30-11 p.m.
Black Bear Block Party
*Evening activities include fire pits, games, trivia, crafts, zip-lining, ice skating, swimming, yummy treats and more!
11 p.m.
Return to Your Residence Hall for the Night
*All students must return to their residence hall rooms by 11:00 PM.
Day 2
7:30–9 a.m.
Breakfast Available for Students
8:30–10:30 a.m.
Information Fair
*Missed this yesterday or have more questions? Visit campus departments, student support offices, and community partners to explore resources and get the information you need to succeed at UMaine.
8:30 a.m., 9 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 10 a.m.
General Campus Tours
9–10:30 a.m.
Choose Your Own Sessions
9 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 10:00 a.m.
*Pick from a variety of 20-minute sessions to learn about UMaine’s services, programs, and opportunities. Students, families, and guests can attend the sessions that interest them most.
NOTE
There is no formal closing ceremony on Day 2. Instead, the day is designed as a flexible opportunity to explore campus.
Enjoy campus at your own pace—including the bookstore and other favorite spots—as you prepare for your first semester at UMaine.
Day 1
8–11:15 a.m.
Residence Hall Check-in
*All students planning to spend the night on campus need to check in at Somerset Hall prior to the start of the Welcome Session at 11:30 AM.
9–10:30 p.m.
Honors College Session
*For guests of students accepted into the Honors College
9–10:30 a.m.
Information Fair
*Connect with campus departments, student support offices, and campus community partners, ask questions, and learn more about the resources and opportunities available to support your student at UMaine.
9 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 10 a.m., 10:30 a.m.
General Campus Tours
11:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Welcome Session
12:15–1:15 p.m.
Lunch
1:15–2:15 p.m.
Academic College Session
*Meet with your student’s academic college to learn more about academic expectations, advising, and support services, along with opportunities for student success including research, internships, and experiential learning.
2:15–3:15 p.m.
Student Life Presentation
*Learn about student life at UMaine, including involvement opportunities, residential life, support services, wellness, safety, and how students build community and connection outside the classroom.
3:15–4:00 p.m.
Coffee Break / Free Time
*Relax, recharge, and enjoy free time to grab a coffee, connect with others, visit the bookstore or explore campus.
4–4:45 p.m.
University-Wide Panel
*Campus representatives answer questions and share information about student life, involvement, residential living, support services, and opportunities for students to thrive at UMaine.
5–5:45 p.m.
Dinner
5:45–7 p.m.
Parent/Guest Social
*Unwind and connect with other families over UMaine Trivia
Day 2
8:30–10:30 a.m.
Continental breakfast available
8:30–10:30 a.m.
Information Fair
*Missed this yesterday or have more questions? Visit campus departments, student support offices, and community partners to explore resources and get the information you need to support your student at UMaine.
8:30 a.m., 9 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 10 a.m.,
General Campus Tours
9–10:30 a.m.
Choose Your Own Sessions
9:00 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 10:00 a.m.
*Pick from a variety of 20-minute sessions to learn about UMaine’s services, programs, and opportunities. Students, families, and guests can attend the sessions that interest them most.
NOTE
There is no formal closing ceremony on Day 2. Instead, the day is designed as a flexible opportunity to explore campus.
Enjoy campus at your own pace—including the bookstore and other favorite spots—as you prepare for your student’s first semester at UMaine.
While You’re Here, Be Sure To…
Go zip-lining behind the Recreation Center
Climb the rock wall at Maine Bound Adventure Center
Join the bonfire in the evening
Go ice-skating at Alfond Arena
Where To Stay
New Student Orientation is an overnight event. Students will be residing in one of our residence halls for the night.
The greater Orono area boasts numerous accommodation options.
Location
Collins Center for the Arts
2 Flagstaff Road
Orono, Maine 04469
Parking
Students and guests may park at the CCA or Belgrade lots in front of the Collins Center for the Arts. Parking passes are not required for guests attending this event and parking at the CCA or Belgrade lots.
However, parking passes are required for other lots on campus and are available at the check-in area at the CCA.
Unable to Attend?
Here’s your checklist with next steps and watch your email for additional information!
Need Additional Assistance?
For further assistance, please call the Admissions Office at 207.581.1561 or email umaineadmissions@maine.edu.
