Goodbye high school. Hello college! As you prepare for the start of your freshman year, you may be unsure of how to approach a virtual freshman orientation.

Freshman orientation is new but adding in the online component may make this event even more nerve-racking. What should prepare for and anticipate? Except these 5 things!

Downloading software

Your college will likely require you to use Zoom (or some other video-conferencing software) for freshman orientation. Make sure you are prepared and ready for this first step into college, rather than scrambling at the last minute.

Before the day of orientation, check what software your college recommends for orientation and download this software. Coming prepared (and with a fully charged laptop or tablet) will help take some of the stress out of this busy day.

Your parent(s) to attend

Depending on how involved your parent(s) would like to be, you may not think to invite them. Remember this is a big step for your parent(s) too, so don’t forget to let them know when freshman orientation is happening.

At least a week in advance, inform your parent(s) of the time and method of orientation. If work and home life are especially busy, consider providing a second reminder a day or two before.

Also be sure that you personally come prepared for orientation. This is important to establishing yourself as an independent, self-sufficient entity. You want to signal to your parent(s) that you are ready and prepared for college.

Q & A time

While you likely will do more listening than talking in this orientation, you will have a chance to ask some questions. Don’t let this Q&A time catch you off-guard and unprepared!

Before orientation starts, take some time to sit and consider what information you still don’t understand or need to know. Before making these your final questions, try to see if you can find the answers online or in the information your school has already sent you. (This is a great way to show that you are proactive and take initiative.)

If you cannot find the answers to your questions, then write down or type out these questions. You may hear the answers to your questions during the orientation, but either way you come prepared to find your answers.

When the time comes to ask questions, be considerate of the other students. Double-check these questions are ones which will apply to more than just you. If they apply to freshmen in general, speak up and ask. You’re probably not the only one with that question.

Meeting future classmates

While you won’t get the chance to interact like you would in-person, you will get the chance to at least see or hear other new college students. Take advantage of this!

Rather than waiting until arriving on campus or starting your first day of classes, be willing to reach out and take initiative in meeting new people. If you feel awkward, remember everyone else probably feels equally as awkward. Sometimes you just have to embrace the awkward to get through it.

After orientation finishes, don’t be hesitant to connect with other students over social media. This can be a great way to start making friends before college starts!

Meeting professors

If you’re more reserved, quiet, or even shy, the idea of introducing yourself or saying something over a virtual orientation may seem like your worst fear. However, the reality is that this is your chance to make a really good first impression.

If you get a chance to interact with your major professors, you want to take the opportunity to show them that you are excited to be studying with them. When you do speak, carefully and professionally add insightful and needed questions rather than nervously or hesitantly speaking.

To present yourself as a good student, be sure you speak up, smile, and look into the camera lens. Even over a virtual meeting, showing that you are listening goes a long way.

Freshman year is likely not what you anticipated, especially the online orientation part. Make the most of this situation by coming prepared and connecting with your future peers and professors. A good orientation experience will help you feel confident heading into your first semester of college!