New Student Orientation

Students beginning their first year on the Atlanta Campus are required to attend a New Student Orientation. Students can register for a New Student Orientation session upon completion of the Start @ State modules.

Students beginning their first year on any of the Perimeter College campuses are required to attend a New Student Orientation. Students can register for a New Student Orientation session upon completion of the Start @ State modules.

Students beginning their first year online are required to attend a New Student Orientation, specific to online-only students.

F-1 Visa-holders for both the Atlanta Campus and Perimeter College campuses must complete the Start @ State online modules. After the I-20 process is complete, F-1 Visa holders MUST complete one of the following options: Attend an online virtual advising event or attend a full in-person New Student Orientation session (if they are already in the United States). Attending either the advising event or a New Student Orientation session will satisfy the NF hold and allow students to register for classes. The week before classes begin, students must attend International Student Orientation and Check-In hosted by International Student & Scholar Services.

Students transferring from another institution are NOT required to attend a New Student Orientation. However, optional Transfer New Student Orientations are available for those who would like to attend.

Students who are accepted to transition from Perimeter College to a bachelor’s degree program at the Atlanta Campus are NOT required to attend a New Student Orientation. However, optional Transition New Student Orientations are available for those who would like to attend.

Postbaccalaureate students are NOT required to attend a New Student Orientation.

Students re-entering Georgia State are NOT required to attend a New Student Orientation.

Dual-enrollment students are NOT required to attend a New Student Orientation. However, there may be other requirements to fulfill. More details can be found under the Dual Enrollment tab.

Graduate students are NOT required to attend a New Student Orientation. However, there may be other requirements to fulfill. More details can be found on The Graduate School’s website and on specific graduate program pages.

The Success Academy program is a three-semester extended learning community. Students receive support and guidance as they begin their collegiate experience. No additional steps are needed. Follow the instructions in your email to complete Start @ State and then register for a New Student Orientation session. More information about the Success Academy can be found here.

High school students enrolled in Georgia State courses are considered dual enrolled. All newly admitted dual-enrollment students are required to complete Start @ State and then complete a Dual Enrollment Orientation hosted through the Dual Enrollment office. More information about dual enrollment can be found here.

International students are required to complete Start @ State, register for an international advising event through the Student Orientation and Family Engagement office and then complete a virtual International Student Orientation hosted through ISSS. After students arrive, in-person events will be hosted and communicated via the students’ email. More information for international students can be found here.

The Panther Excellence Program (PEP) gives you a unique and exciting opportunity to quickly establish yourself at Georgia State and set yourself up for academic and interpersonal success. Through PEP, you will:

• Develop strong study habits and academic skills.
• Begin fulfilling degree requirements.
• Increase your likelihood of attaining or maintaining HOPE Scholarship eligibility. (GA Residents Only)
• Learn about a wealth of resources for support and guidance.
• Make enduring friendships.

More information about PEP can be found here.

Transfer students must complete Start @ State for the OO (Orientation) hold to be removed. It may take 24-48 hours for your hold to be released. Transfer students may complete an optional Transfer Orientation session after completing Start @ State, but it is not required. More information for transfer students can be found here.

Students transitioning to the Atlanta Campus from a Perimeter College campus must complete Start @ State for the OO (Orientation) hold to be removed. It may take 24-48 hours for your hold to be released. Transition students may complete an optional Transition Orientation session after completing Start @ State, but it is not required. More information for transition students can be found here.