NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION
Our office continues to serve students even though the physical campus itself is closed. We’re currently available to support you via email at orientation@gsu.edu.
Already registered?
Check-in times vary for different types of students. Depending on which you are, double-check the times for freshmen and transfer students. *Note: Check-in generally begins 30 minutes prior to the start of the orientation session.
| Campus | Building | Address |
| (Downtown) Atlanta | Student Center East | 55 Gilmer St., Atlanta, GA 30303 |
| Alpharetta | AB 106 | 3705 Brookside Parkway, Alpharetta, GA 30022 |
| Clarkston | CL 1000 | 555 N. Indian Creek Drive, Clarkston, GA 30021 |
| Decatur | SF 2100 | 3251 Panthersville Road, Decatur, GA 30034 |
| Dunwoody | NC 1100 | 2101 Womack Road, Dunwoody, GA 30338 |
| Newton | 2N 1000 | 239 Cedar Lane, Covington, GA 30014 |
| Orientation | Location / Directions |
| (Downtown) Atlanta Campus | M Deck |
| Perimeter campuses | Student/Visitor lots on each campus |
What to Expect at Orientation
Academic Advisement
At New Student Orientation, students receive academic advisement from representatives of the University Advisement Center. They get an understanding of the curriculum required for specific degree programs and benefit from guidance in planning their schedules for the first semester.
Freshmen and transfer students who do not attend orientation and have accrued fewer than 90 credit hours should contact the University Advisement Center and make an appointment to see an adviser. Freshmen who do not attend orientation must take GSU 1010 in the first semester.
For more information, visit the University Advisement Center at 25 Park Place or call 404-413-2630 (sophomores and juniors) or 404-413-2300 (freshmen).
Freshman Learning Communities
At orientation, freshmen sign up for Freshman Learning Communities (FLCs), each of which pairs together 25 students with similar academic interests. With courses and schedules that are aligned, FLC members have a unique opportunity to connect with peers, form support networks and forge friendships that help them transition smoothly to college and excel academically. Find out more about our various FLCs.
Immunization
Proof of immunization is an essential element of the enrollment process.
Immunization requirements for incoming students have been revised by the Board of Regents to include measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), tetanus and diphtheria, varicella (chickenpox) and hepatitis B (in addition to the meningitis law affecting students who reside in University Housing). For more information, visit or contact the Student Health Clinic. *Note: Students may register for classes at orientation even if their immunization documentation has not yet been received by the Student Health Clinic. Learn more.
Online Pre-Orientation for Transfer Students
Georgia State has designed a mandatory Online Pre-Orientation Session to give transfer students more information about university policies and procedures. Students should complete the Online Pre-Orientation Session before attending New Student Orientation.
Transfer students who do not complete the Online Pre-Orientation Session prior to New Student Orientation will not be able to register for classes until they have done so.
Complete the Online Pre-Orientation Session now. For assistance, contact the Help Desk at 404-413-4357.
Placement Exams
If required, students must register for and complete math and/or music theory placement exams before attending New Student Orientation. For specific questions about placement exams, please call the contact number or visit the website listed in the corresponding testing information section below.
Students are encouraged to complete required placement exams prior to attending orientation. Learn more.
University Housing
Our University Housing communities offer students modern, safe and cozy residences with convenient amenities. Living in the heart of downtown Atlanta provides opportunities for intellectual and social engagement and purposeful interactions between residents and staff. For more information about living on campus, visit University Housing.
FAQs
Have a question? Get an answer before orientation.
Incoming freshmen (except F1 and J1 Visa holders for the Atlanta Campus) are required to attend orientation. Incoming transfer students are not required to attend, but attendance is strongly encouraged. At orientation, all students will receive academic advisement and register for classes as part of the incoming-student transition process.
International Students: F1 and J1 Visa holders for the Atlanta Campus will attend International Student Orientation and Check-In. F1 Visa holders for Perimeter College should complete the online orientation module and also attend the on-campus orientation session and F1 Visa Information Meeting on the Clarkston or Dunwoody campuses. Refer to Perimeter College for more information about New Student Orientation on those campuses.
Does financial aid (for example, the HOPE Scholarship, FAFSA, student loans) cover orientation fees?
The New Student Orientation fee is not covered by any type of scholarship or loan, and there is no fee waiver. To attend New Student Orientation, all fees must be paid in advance.
It’s important that you stay for the entire orientation session. All components of the program are important, and valuable information will be shared throughout the day. In addition, academic advisement and class registration will follow each orientation program.
Registration and academic advisement times cannot be rescheduled to accommodate individual students. Each orientation format follows a specific schedule, and no adjustments can be made.
Registration fees vary by orientation type and are as follows: $56/student, $40/per guest for Atlanta Freshman One-Day Orientation; $26/student, $26/first and second parents or guests for Express Orientation; $15/student for Perimieter Orientation
Orientation Dates
Find a list of the upcoming orientation dates and pick the date that’s best for you.
What do I need to do?
Questions about how to get ready for orientation? Review our pre-orientation checklist.
Have Questions?
View some of the most-asked questions about orientation and get answers right away.
Orientation Dates
Find a list of the upcoming orientation dates and pick the date that’s best for you.
What do I need to do?
Questions about how to get ready for orientation? Review our pre-orientation checklist.
Have Questions?
View some of the most-asked questions about orientation and get answers right away.
Contact Us
Atlanta & Perimeter College Campuses
In Person:
Student Center East, Suite 304
55 Gilmer St. SE
Phone: 404-413-1580
Mailing Address:
New Student Orientation
Georgia State University
P.O. Box 3973
Atlanta, GA 30302-3973
Virtually:
Email: orientation@gsu.edu
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