Welcome to the University of Maryland and the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources!
In order to have a successful and stress-free orientation, be sure to read this page carefully and follow the instructions given. Please note that all registration and advising for new students occurs at the required orientation program.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the University has decided to move all orientations for students. For more details on the response to COVID-19 and its impact on new student orientation, visit the orientation website.
Attend a Terp Visit Day in addition to your online orientation! Terp Visit Days are optional in-person campus visits for incoming new students. You can learn more and register here.
Once you have confirmed your admission to UMD through the Coalition Portal and set up your directory ID and password, you should do the following:
Steps for a Successful Orientation Experience
1. Register for Orientation
All newly admitted students must register for an Orientation program by visiting the Orientation Office website.
International Students must also register for orientation with the Office of International Student and Scholar Services
2. Prepare Items to Bring With You - Transfer and AP/IB Credits
Bring your AP or IB test scores. Bring an updated copy of your AP or IB scores. Advisors can use the score report for advising purposes, but you will need to have your official scores sent to UMD from the College Board in order for the credits to appear on your official record.
Bring your transcripts. If you are currently taking courses at another institution, please bring an updated transcript with you to orientation. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable for orientation and advising purposes, but please make sure that you have an official transcript sent to the Office of the Registrar once you have completed the semester.
If you have already been admitted and are currently enrolled at the University of Maryland need to have a final official transcript sent to the Office of the Registrar upon completion of all courses and any degrees from the previous institution.
If you have earned a previous degree, such as an Associate or Bachelor’s, you must have it verified by the Transfer Credit Services.
University of Maryland
Office of the Registrar
1101 Mitchell Building
College Park, MD 20742
3. Take Math Placement Test
The math placement test gives a measure of a student's mathematical skills at the time it is taken, and the results are used to advise students on which math course they can and should enroll in.
All students without prior math credit, whether through AP/IB or college credit, should take the placement exam prior to coming to orientation.
4. Understand Requirements for Special Programs
If you are in a living and learning program or other first-year experience program, such as College Park Scholars, FIRE, Honors College, CIVICUS, Global Communities or the Carrilon Communities, make sure you are aware of the courses that you should register for. Be sure to visit the program’s website for more information.
Note that some orientations are reserved for students in one of these programs-- if you're in that program you can register for the specific indicated session OR any other session open to all students.
Additional Orientation Information
Orientation Checklists
International Students
There are many resources available for International Students. Please visit the Office of International Student and Scholar Services for information about visa requirements, working in the U.S., health insurance and more.