Before Orientation

Your first event as a new college student will be orientation. Here are a couple things you can do to get the most out of orientation. Check the Resources section for some examples to help you get started on these tasks.

At home, before you get to school:

• Practice dialogues about how to tell other new students about cochlear implants.
• Ensure that the Office of Disability Services received documentation of your hearing loss and that they have all of the paperwork they need to secure your accommodations. You may also want to print out or get a copy of documentation of your hearing loss to take with you to orientation.
• Find out where orientation sessions are held, then email the Office of Disability Services to arrange accommodations for various orientation session locations, particularly ones that are large, noisy spaces.
• Create a list of questions to ask your orientation leaders.
• Connect with your roommate(s) ahead of time to see if you can plan sessions together.
• Research whether your school has any clubs for students with cochlear implants or hearing loss, so you can connect with them at orientation.
• Plan a visit to the Office of Disability Services to check-in about accommodations.

At school, before orientation:

• Arrive a day or two early to familiarize yourself with the campus and surrounding area.
• Plan a visit to the Office of Disability Services.

Orientation is chaotic and busy and your surroundings will likely be noisy. A little preparation may help you feel less overwhelmed. Write down questions as you think of them in the days leading up to orientation.