Highlander Orientation

First-Year Student Orientation

First-Year Student Orientation

Highlander Orientation - Sign-ups open May 1st

UC Riverside offers 12 in-person orientation sessions and 2 virtual sessions for incoming first-year students. These fun-filled, high impact sessions are offered at various times in July and August.

Course registration will be separate from your Orientation Session. Please make sure to sign up for Orientation AND register for advising when both links become available.

  • During the two-day mandatory program, you will learn about UCR’s campus and traditions, connect with other first-year students, discover ways to get involved, and learn about campus resources that will support you in your transition to the university.
  • You will also learn about how to navigate UCR's opportunities for student engagement, learn how to be a responsible member of the UCR community and connect with peer leaders that can support your transition to campus.
Orientation Programs and Activities
Tap into UCR's resources such as Housing Services and the Academic Resource Center (ARC).
Learn how to use R'Web, the main site that directs students to essential instructional and communication tools, such as R'Mail and iLearn.
Get introduced to university staff and faculty. 
Participate in an informative session for your academic college. 
Pick up new study and time management skills.
Take an interactive tour around campus.
Sample over 500 student organizations and campus departments.
Meet and interact with other new and current UCR students.

Quick Reference

  • Take the Placement Exams

    • Almost all first-year students need to take placement exams for English and Math. You will need these scores to register for UCR classes.
    • Learn more about placement exams at https://placementtest.ucr.edu/ 

  • In addition to Highlander Orientation, incoming students are required to complete an online Highlander Foundations module. This module is designed to introduce you to academic resources at UCR , and is your gateway to academic advising and course registration for your fall courses. To access this, please log into your R’Mail using your Net ID and password to accept the Canvas module invite or by logging in to http://elearn.ucr.edu. If you do not complete this step, it may delay your eligibility to enroll in your courses.

  • The Purpose of Orientation
    Highlander Orientation gives you an important head start in preparing for your college career. It will provide the opportunity to meet staff from your academic college and learn about life on campus.

    What if you don't sign up?
    You must attend Highlander Orientation to be admitted to UCR. Orientation is a provision of enrollment. Not attending may result in finalizing your fall enrollment.

    What if you don't attend?
    Students who fail to attend their confirmed Orientation session will need to contact the Orientation Office at orientation@ucr.edu to reschedule.

  • Family Orientation and Spanish Family Orientation will be held in-person for summer 2026.

    We have created two programs: Family Orientation and Spanish Language Family Orientation. Both offer informative workshops, presentations and tours that will help your family members to learn about UCR and to better understand what you will be experiencing as a first-year college student. Even though Family Orientation is not mandatory, over half of incoming first-year students have at least one adult family member attend this event. 

    The Spanish Language Family Orientation will be offered on July 29, 2026.

    Please contact our Orientation office at (951) 827-2789, (951) 827-2439 FAX or orientation@ucr.edu if you have any questions.

  •  All international students are required to attend a mandatory International Student Orientation. This includes those with an F-1 or J-1 visa, those who attend high school in the United States and those who have already attended a Highlander Orientation. The International Student Orientation is hosted by the International Students and Scholars (ISS) Office. Details regarding this mandatory Orientation will be sent to via R'Mail in May. For more information, contact ISRC at (951) 827-4113 or internationalstudents@ucr.edu. 

    Students who have a F-1 or J-1 Visa are required to attend Highlander Orientation as well as International Student Orientation, with the option to attend a virtual Highlander Orientation in September.

  • Be sure to have your NetID and password ready. These can be found under the MyID tab on your MyUCR account.

    When you log in to the registration website, you will find the Highlander Orientation sessions specific to your major. The number of registered students will also appear. Please be aware that you should NOT register for Sessions 1 if you do not meet the Priority Population requirements. Students receiving priority registration include the following:

  • Your admissions letter will indicate your major and the college to which you were accepted. 

  • For each In-person session date:

    Check in Day 1: 8:00 - 9:00 a.m. 

    End time Day 2: 3:00 p.m. 

You Belong at UCR

All programs, services, and events offered through Student Affairs are open to everyone, consistent with federal and state law and the University of California’s nondiscrimination policies. Whether you’re seeking support, joining a community, or participating in campus life, every effort is made to ensure your experience is inclusive, respectful, and accessible, regardless of background or identity.

To learn more, visit the UC Nondiscrimination Statement or the Nondiscrimination Policy Statement for University of California Publications Regarding Student-Related Matters.