Highlander Orientation

First-Year Student Orientation

A group of incoming students relax outside the UCR campus bookstore with their leader at Highlander Orientation.

Highlander Orientation 2024 Registration Coming Soon!

UC Riverside offers 9 in-person orientation sessions and 3 virtual sessions for incoming first-year students. These fun-filled, high impact sessions are offered at various times in July and August.

  • 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 student portal, talk with academic advisors, schedule your classes for the Fall 2024 quarter, 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.
  • Connect with academic advisors.
  • Discover classes in your major.
  • Pick up new study and time management skills.
  • Register for Fall quarter classes.
  • Sample over 500 student organizations and campus departments.
  • Meet and interact with other new and current UCR students.
  • PREPARE FOR HIGHLANDER ORIENTATION

    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.
    • Pre-Orientation Module
      • You will also need to complete the online Pre-Orientation Module, which will give you information needed for Highlander Orientation. It will also offer helpful class registration tips. The online Pre-Orientation Module is a mandatory requirement, available in June, before attending Highlander Orientation.
  • WHY IS HIGHLANDER ORIENTATION MANDATORY?

    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 register early for Fall quarter classes.

    What if you don't sign up?

    You must attend Highlander Orientation to be admitted to UCR. Orientation is a provision of admission. Not attending will result in the cancellation of your university admission.

    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

    Family Orientation and Spanish Family Orientation will be held in-person for summer 2024.

    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 25, 2024.

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

  • INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

    ALL International Undergraduate First-Year students are required to attend both the Highlander Orientation and the International Student Orientation. 

    All incoming International Graduate Students are required to attend the International Student Orientation in addition to other orientation sessions hosted by their academic department or the Graduate Division. For more information, contact the International Students and Scholars office by email at internationalstudents@ucr.edu or by phone (951) 827–4113. 

  • HOW TO REGISTER

    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:

  • GET TO KNOW YOUR COLLEGE

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

  • WHAT TIME DO SESSIONS START/END

    For each In-person session date,

    Check in Day 1 : 7:45 - 8:45 am 

    End time Day 2 : 4:00 pm