Can a student’s first day on campus determine their future success?
The experience of many practitioners suggests yes. A student’s first impression of university can shape their engagement, confidence and willingness to seek support. Rather than relying only on ceremonial welcomes, institutions should design purposeful, inclusive orientation programmes that foster belonging, clarity and access to help. When planned thoughtfully, Orientation Week becomes a key tool for providing this support.
A structured approach to orientation
As part of the academic advising office team, we dedicate considerable time and effort to prepare for Orientation Week, as the most effective orientation experiences combine logistical preparation, community-building and student-led support.
Below are several initiatives that have proven effective in easing students’ transition into university life:
1. Start before students arrive: pre-orientation materials
Students are often overwhelmed by the amount of information delivered during their first days. Ease this by sending prepared materials ahead of time. A welcome video, for instance, can introduce the advising office and highlight key contacts. Clear written guides on how to use the registration system, along with short tutorials, can make academic planning less stressful.
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Checklists are also valuable tools. On a pre-orientation checklist, include steps like setting up email accounts, activating the student portal and reviewing course requirements. A separate Orientation Week checklist can outline key sessions, deadlines and contacts for support.
2. Build a central website to organise essential materials
One of the most common stressors for new students is navigating university websites and finding reliable information. A single, well-organised orientation webpage should act as a central hub. It can include an overview of the week’s events, links to course catalogues, FAQs, guidance on university systems and information about student services.
This helps reduce confusion and cuts down on duplicated questions to staff, freeing up time for more personalised support.
3. Use mock registration sessions to build confidence
Course registration is one of the first new tasks students face, and mistakes can have real consequences. Offering mock registration sessions allows students to explore the system and train in registering for the courses in a supportive environment. These can be hosted online for wide accessibility or in groups by degree, to offer assistance from academic and peer advisers.
Mock registration sessions are also a good opportunity to share effective course selection strategies and tips, including how to balance core requirements and electives, and avoid timetable clashes.
4. Involve peers as early and often
Students might feel more comfortable asking questions and expressing uncertainty with peers than with staff. Peer-led informal sessions and welcome gatherings create a more relaxed environment and encourage participation.
Orientation Week is also an ideal time to introduce a peer mentorship programme. When new students are paired with trained sophomore and junior students, they can access informal advice and practical tips from experienced students. Grouping students based on their degree or academic interests allows them to meet future classmates and form a social connection with people who share their interests. Weekly meetings help them access information on topics like time management, finding campus resources and research opportunities, reducing the loneliness they may feel and supporting them to succeed.
5. Promote tutoring and academic support early
Many first-year students are hesitant to access academic help. By introducing tutoring sessions in core courses during the first year, you normalise help-seeking and set expectations that learning is collaborative. Tutoring can take the form of group sessions before midterms and final exams, or individual appointments with peer tutors. Attending tutoring sessions helps students to learn how to learn and find answers on their own, and feel more confident during exams.
For the courses in highest demand, offer open peer tutoring sessions. The intermediate level courses can be taught depending on the demand. But recruit a highly qualified team of peer advisers and tutors to cover all disciplines.
6. Offer flexible, real-time support
During Orientation Week, students will have diverse and time-sensitive questions. Offering drop-in sessions (virtual and in person) ensures they can get timely help, especially during course registration. Online open sessions and chat-based support tools, such as bots or monitored social channels, are useful for addressing quick questions without overloading advising staff.
Our office also proactively monitors registration progress and reaches out to students who fall behind, offering support before issues escalate. This model of “intrusive advising” can be particularly effective during the first few weeks of studies.
A warm welcome is not just about making students feel entertained, but about helping them feel capable, connected and supported, by providing practical tools, peer-led guidance and early academic preparation. This equips them to navigate resources and thrive throughout their exciting yet challenging university journey.
Aikerim Daurenbayeva is head of the academic advising office; Aina Nurtanova is lead academic adviser and Aruzhan Yergali is academic adviser, all at Nazarbayev University.
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