Welcome New Freshmen!

First Year Success is here to help you transition to OSU.

Here at OSU, we build Cowboys. Learn about your options for orientation, financial planning, Camp Cowboy and Welcome Week as you join the Cowboy family.

Orientation Types

You have two program options for your orientation and enrollment experience. You will choose between an overnight program, which gives you more time to process information and make enrollment decisions, or a one-day program where you will have to make decisions more quickly.

Overnight | Recommended Experience

This recommended program is a two-day experience that provides you with an opportunity to meet your advisor, enroll, take the Math Placement exam (if you haven't already) and begin to experience life on campus in a residence hall.

Learn more about the overnight orientation program. View the overnight program dates.

One Day | Alternate Option

The one-day program is an alternative for students and families with limited time to enroll. This program is fast-paced and does not include all of the material covered in an overnight experience.

Learn more about our one-day orientation program. View the one-day program dates.

Absentee Orientation

If you live outside a 12-hour drive from Stillwater and cannot attend orientation, serve in the military, are out of the country, have a financial hardship or family emergency, we offer an online enrollment process as a last resort. We strongly recommend you attend an overnight program so you can be the most prepared for your first year at OSU.

Contact our office to make absentee arrangements.

Camp Cowboy

Camp Cowboy is three fun-filled days that help you begin to build friendships and prepare you for life as an OSU Cowboy! Camp Cowboy is optional and offer three program options including an on-campus, off-campus and true camping experience. This program does not substitute for your orientation and enrollment program.

You will spend quality time with current OSU students (counselors) and fellow new students and learn OSU traditions. Camp Cowboy is an optional addition to orientation and enrollment and requires an additional fee. (Fee waivers are available for students who qualify.)LEARN ABOUT CAMP COWBOY

Family Members or Guests at Orientation?

We hope they will join you! Attendance for family members is optional. However, more than 75% of students bring family members to orientation and enrollment, and we believe they are joining the Cowboy family too. We strongly encourage a family member to attend if possible so that you have someone else to gather important information. Cost for family members or guests is $20 each (charged for up to three or $60). This fee covers parking, meal(s), staffing, facilities and materials during the program, and must be paid in advance via the application portal.

Next Steps

Things to do before, during and after orientation and enrollment.

See our checklist to make sure you've accomplished all the tasks you need for a smooth transition to OSU.

View the Next Steps checklist

Financial Planning Coaches

Meet with a coach for individual assistance.

We know college is an investment, we want you to be financially well. During an overnight orientation, there is optional time to meet with a coach to look at your specific scholarships, costs and budgeting options to make sure you're on the right track.

Learn about our counselors

Orientation Leaders

Your guides during orientation.

As members of our Connection Crew, the orientation leaders will welcome you and your family and serve as mentors during your orientation experience. They will help you learn all you need to know about OSU and can answer any and all your questions related to life as an OSU Cowboy.

Meet the Orientation Leaders

Welcome Week

Make the most of your first days on campus.

Welcome Week provides a variety of activities for you based on your interests in the week leading up to the first day of classes. Most notably, our Key Signature Events are recommended for all students.

Learn about Welcome Week