Frequently Asked Questions

Why I Should Come

  • To experience campus life

  • To meet with an academic adviser

  • To schedule and register for fall classes

  • To leave campus with your fall schedule
  • **You must attend both days of the two-day session, or all of the one-day session. The two-day session ends at 12 noon on Day 2; the one-day session ends at 4 p.m.

How I Prepare

  • To make a reservation, log on to our website and select a session by May 14. Select overnight if you wish to spend the night on-campus in Stoke Hall. Most students do.

  • Your parents should indicate if they’ll be attending the Parents Program. If they want to spend the night on campus, they should make their reservation through UNH Conferences.

  • Review the course planning information for your college/school for your college or school. 

Parents

  • Yes, bring your parents. We cannot, however, accommodate friends and pets. For more information about our Parents Program.

Check-in

  • June 3-4, 6-7, 10-11, 17-18
    Students - 11:30 AM-1:15 PM Stoke Hall
    Parents - 12 noon-1 PM Memorial Union

  • June 13 & 20
    Students - 8AM - 9 AM Stoke Hall, Thompson School students should go directly to Barton/Cole
    Parents - 8-9 AM  Memorial Union.

Friends 

  • We cannot accommodate friends and pets at First-Year Orientation. However, your parents are welcome to attend.

Housing for Students

  • As a first-year student, during Orientation you will sleep in Stoke Hall.

  • There is no charge for this accommodation.

  • Please bring your sleeping bag, pillow, towel, toothbrush, and money for snacks.

Housing for Parents

  • Parents may reserve overnight accommodations at cost through UNH Conferences.

Meals

  • For first-year students who attend the overnight program, dinner and breakfast are provided at no charge

  • Inexpensive lunches will be available on campus for parents and freshmen before and after the overnight program

  • First-year students who attend the one-day program will be provided with lunch at no cost

  • An inexpensive lunch is available for parents who attend the one-day program

What to bring

  • Your completed Course Selection Worksheet if your college requires one

  • Your Social Security Card or Driver's license for your photo ID

  • A notebook and pen

  • Sleeping bag, pillow, and towel (if you’re spending the night) and extra cash for late night snacks

Area Accommodations

A partial list of local accommodations:

  • Holiday Inn Express, Durham, (603) 868-1234
  • Hickory Pond Inn, Durham, (603) 659-2227
  • Three Chimneys, Durham, (603) 868-7800
  • Days Inn, Dover, (603) 742-0400
  • Comfort Inn, Portsmouth, (603) 433-3338
  • Fairfield Inn, Portsmouth, (603) 436-6363
  • Holiday Inn, Portsmouth, (603) 431-8000

I have a disability 

  • Disability Services provides services for students with documented physical, psychological, medical and/or learning disabilities. These services may include: accessible classrooms; specialized software; van transportation on campus; classroom accommodations—note takers, extended exam time, interpreters for the deaf—and other appropriate accommodations as requested and supported by documentation. Documentation of your disability is required and should be sent well in advance.
  • Please contact DSS at (603) 862-2607 V/TTY prior to attending Orientation so that we will be aware of your needs and may make the necessary arrangements for you. While you are here for Orientation, we strongly urge you to meet with the Access Office staff to plan and discuss needs for accommodation.

Parking for Orientation in Lot A, not permit needed

Commuters

  • Off Campus and Commuter Services assists off-campus students in problem solving and locating the resources they need. If you aren't sure where to go next, come to the Leadership Center, Memorial Union, suite 122. Or call us at (603) 862-0303.

  • A list of off-campus housing options in the Seacoast area is available on-line at. Printed resources range from sublease agreements and renters’ rights brochures, to where to study on campus and how to get involved. Pickup your UNH and Durham Community Guide for UNH Commuters during the Orientation Resource Fair.

  • In addition, the Information Desk in the Memorial Union is open seven days a week. The desk has jumper cables to loan, and bus and parking information. Lockers are also available for rent on a semester basis

Opportunities for Multicultural Students

The Office of Multicultural Student Affairs (OMSA), located in the Memorial Union Building, is committed to advocating and affirming diversity at the University, providing support services to students of color—African-American, Latino(a), and Native American—and to sexual minorities. 

Preorientation Programs

  • CONNECT is an optional program for first-year and transfer students of color, held just before fall orientation and usually the last week in August. Students of color will have the opportunity to meet upper-class students of color, faculty, staff and become familiar with the UNH campus before the majority population arrives.

  • UNH Proves (PreOrientation Volunteer Experience in Service) is a week long program prior to Wildcat Days.  Student participate in volunteer community activities in the seacoast, develop leadership skills, and get to know the University and the Seacoast area.

  • PAWS is preorientation program through Campus Recreation, just prior to Wildcat Days.

  • The UNH Outing Club runs a series of outdoor adventure trips prior to Wildcat Days.

  • Marine Immersion is a credit-experience at the Isles of Shoals Marine Lab just before Wildcat Days.

Wildcat Days

  • Wildcat Days begins the fall semester for all new studeents. You are expected to participate in all program acitvities.

Opportunities for Multicultural Students

  • The Office of Multicultural Student Affairs (OMSA), located in the Memorial Union Building, is committed to advocating and affirming diversity at the University, providing support services to students of color—African-American, Latino(a), and Native American—and to sexual minorities. 

Veterans

  • The university provides support for veterans and those who are now or have been in miltiary service. E-mail us for more information. 

Still have questions

  • Call or email our First-Year Programs office. You’ll reach us on weekdays from 8:30 – 4:30 (Eastern time) at (603) 862-3488. If you call after hours, leave a message with your name, phone number, and time when you may be reached, and we’ll call you back. Our email address is first.year@unh.edu.