What to Expect
This orientation is geared towards all First-Year and Transfer students enrolling in the spring semester. January Orientation is your opportunity to explore UNH's campus, learn about the academic and student life experience, and connect with other incoming students, as well as staff and faculty.
Parents and Family members will also have the opportunity to participate in an UNH Orientation that runs concurrently with New Student Orientation.
Date: Friday, January 9, 2026
Time: 9:30 AM* - 3:30PM
* Check-in for Orientation runs from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM, and the main program begins at 10:30 AM. Check-in is designed to be quick and efficient, so you are welcome to arrive at any time during this window. Please note that check-in will not open before 9:30 AM.
New Student Orientation Schedule
Time | Session | Details |
| 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM | Check-In Memorial Union Building (MUB)- Second Floor | Check-In with the New Student and Family Programs team. |
| 10:30 AM - 11 AM | Welcome MUB- Granite State Room | Begin your orientation with a warm welcome from university leaders and campus partners. |
| 11 AM - 12 PM | Wildcat Group Time Throughout the MUB | Connect with your Orientation Leader and fellow students while exploring your new university community. |
| 12 PM - 12:30 PM | Off On the Right Paw MUB- Granite State Room | Discover campus basics, ways to get involved, and resources to support your success. |
| 12:30 PM - 1:15 PM | Lunch Holloway Commons | Enjoy a meal with your orientation group. |
| 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM | Academic Welcome Various Locations | Meet representatives from your college to learn about academics, expectations, and opportunities. |
| 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM | Resource Fair MUB- Strafford Room | Wrap up the day by exploring campus resources and meeting staff ready to support your journey as a wildcat. |
Parent & Family Orientation Schedule
Time | Session | Details |
| 10:30 AM - 11 AM | Welcome Memorial Union Building (MUB)- Granite State Room | Begin your orientation with a warm welcome from university leaders and campus partners. |
| 11 AM - 12 PM | Academic Welcome Hamilton Smith Hall 210 | Meet representatives from your student’s academic colleges to explore their academic opportunities and experience. |
| 12 PM - 1 PM | Lunch Holloway Commons | Enjoy a complimentary meal at UNH’s award winning dining hall. |
| 1 PM - 2:30 PM | Supporting Your Students Success MUB- Granite State Room | Learn from the Student Life team about the resources and support available to your student. |
| 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM | Resource Fair MUB- Strafford Room | Wrap up the day by exploring campus resources and meeting staff ready to support your student’s journey as a wildcat. |
Orientation Logistics
Please be sure to review the below details in advance of Orientation.
Parking for Orientation is in the (across from Durham Mill Plaza). This lot will be reserved for Orientation attendees and will be free of charge. You will not need pay or use a code at the lot meters.
Accessible parking is available at the At UNH-Durham an individual with a disability plate or hanging placard may park in a marked accessible space in any commuter or staff parking lot.
All students and guests attending Orientation should check-in just outside the Granite State Room , located on the second floor of the Memorial Union Building between 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM. Check-in is designed to be quick and efficient, so you are welcome to arrive at any time during this window. Please note that check-in will not open before 9:30 AM.
Registering for Orientation
Registration for Orientation will be live mid-fall. Once launched, all enrolled students will recieve an email with details on how to register.
Before Orientation
Students should be regularly checking their UNH email. Academic Advisors will begin reaching out to incoming students regarding course registration in December.
