New Student Orientation
New Student Orientation
We’re so excited that you’ve decided to become a Blue Hen at the 91Ô´´! To ease your transition to 91Ô´´, we require that all new students participate in New Student Orientation (NSO), an experience designed to introduce you and your family to the 91Ô´´ community, help you learn everything you need to know to be successful and welcome you to 91Ô´´!
2026 NSO Dates:
June 22–July 17, 2026
Your NSO Experience Includes:
Live Orientation Program
As part of your New Student Orientation (NSO) experience, you and your family are invited to attend a live NSO program to learn about your Blue Hen community.
Live NSO programs feature a welcome from 91Ô´´ administrators plus opportunities to learn more about academic life, campus involvement, wellbeing and family engagement. You will meet other new students and our Orientation Leaders (OLs), become familiar with campus and ask questions before classes begin.
First-year students and family members will choose to attend a live program either virtually or in person on 91Ô´´â€™s Newark campus.
Transfer and Flex Pathway students transitioning to Newark can choose to attend a live in-person program designed for their specific needs.
In-Person Orientation Program
The in-person New Student Orientation (NSO) program will be in the . Students and registered guests will receive details about program logistics, including health and safety guidelines, parking and check-in location at the email addresses provided on the program registration form.
Check-in begins in Trabant 45 minutes prior to the program start time.
Students can register up to two adult family members or guests (16 years or older) to attend with them. The cost for each family member or guest is $50 in advance, or $55 on site.
NSO generally runs from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. It begins with a welcome from 91Ô´´ administrators and a session about academic success and expectations, which students and families attend together.
Students then attend separate sessions led by the Orientation Leaders (OLs) for the remainder of the program. They begin to connect with other new Blue Hens as they tour campus (so be sure to wear comfortable shoes!).
While students meet with the OLs, families learn about campus involvement, wellbeing, safety and family engagement from 91Ô´´ staff and administrators, in addition to hearing from student leaders about their experiences as Blue Hens.
Students and families reconnect to enjoy lunch in Caesar Rodney Fresh Food Company.
For students starting in the fall semester, NSO is offered from mid-June to late July. For those starting in the spring semester, NSO occurs in late January, the week before spring semester begins.
Parking for NSO is available in the , adjacent to the Trabant University Center at 17 West Main Street, Newark, DE, 19716.
Parking costs are covered by event fees.
Virtual Orientation Program
Registration for the virtual New Student Orientation (NSO) program is only available to students who reside more than 45 miles from the 91Ô´´; students living within this radius are not eligible to register and are encouraged to attend in-person.
The virtual program will take place via Zoom. Students and registered family members will receive the Zoom webinar link at the email addresses provided on the program registration form.
Students, plan to log into your 91Ô´´ Zoom account with your 91Ô´´ credentials. We recommend you review the in advance to learn how to connect to Zoom.
There is no guest fee or limit for family members or guests attending the virtual program.
Virtual NSO is a three-hour program. It begins with a welcome from 91Ô´´ administrators and a session about academic success and expectations, which students and families attend together.
Students then attend a session led by Orientation Leaders (OLs). They begin to connect with other new Blue Hens and learn the ins and outs of being a 91Ô´´ student.
While students meet with the OLs, families learn about campus involvement, wellbeing, safety and family engagement from 91Ô´´ staff and administrators, in addition to hearing from student leaders about their experiences as Blue Hens.
Because students and families will attend separate sessions for part of the virtual program, you should use different devices to participate. Students should use a laptop or desktop computer, if possible, as OL-led sessions are interactive.
Students who miss an in-person NSO may attend virtual NSO on Wednesday, August 12.
New Student Orientation Fee
Each new student is billed a mandatory, one-time $260* fee for the NSO experience, regardless of in-person or virtual participation. The fee also includes the math placement program and new student programming in the fall semester. This fee will appear on your first semester bill.
*Current rates are for the 2026–2027 academic year. Rates are subject to change, will be announced each summer and accurately reflected on student bills.
Rescheduling Your NSO Program
Space is very limited and rescheduling may not be possible. We strongly encourage you to choose the NSO session you can be sure to attend.
If you do need to reschedule, use the Edit Registration link in your program confirmation email. To switch from an in-person to a virtual program, you must first cancel your in-person selection, then register for the virtual program.
Flex Pathway students transitioning to Newark who have already registered for NSO will need to contact otp@udel.edu to change their registration.
Academic Advising Appointment
One of the major components of NSO is academic advising. You will meet virtually through Zoom with an advisor in your college to discuss your courses for the upcoming semester.
Advising appointments last 15–60 minutes, depending on your major, and you should plan to sign on with a laptop or desktop computer.
Schedule Your Appointment
You will receive an email to your 91Ô´´ email with instructions for scheduling.
Questions about your college or major? Visit for your college's contact information.
Meet Your College
In addition to academic advising, your college offers a live, virtual Meet Your College session. Registration for this session is within the NSO portal on your My Blue Hen Home.
From your college's academic advisors, you and other incoming students will learn about your college, general degree requirements, how advising works and what to expect at your advising appointment.
Virtual Webinar Recordings
Explore supplemental webinar recordings to help you prepare for a successful transition to the 91Ô´´. These virtual sessions covered topics such as finances, dining, housing, academics and campus involvement.
Dining on Campus and Meal Plans 101 Webinar: youtube.com/watch?v=xts_5n_rT1I
Dining On Campus and Meal Plans 101
Originally presented Tuesday, July 14, 2026
Dining Services introduced students and families to on‑campus dining during this virtual session. The session highlighted dining locations, hours and what to expect day to day. Meal plan options were reviewed in detail to help students choose the best fit for their lifestyle. Attendees also had the opportunity to ask questions and learn tips for making the most of their dining experience.
Disability Accommodations: What Students & Families Need to Know Webinar: youtube.com/watch?v=YrTx-BeTsuo
Disability Accommodations: What Students & Families Need to Know
Originally presented Tuesday, July 7, 2026
This session provided an overview of Disability Support Services (DSS), including the key differences between high school and college accommodations, the DSS registration process, and tips for students and families.
Transition of Care: Managing Chronic Health Conditions During College Webinar: youtube.com/watch?v=wBwl1vIhyTM
Transition of Care: Managing Chronic Health Conditions during College
Originally presented Monday, July 20, 2026
Hear from Student Wellbeing and Disability Support Services about resources to support students with chronic health conditions as they transition to 91Ô´´.
Moving Onto Campus Webinar: youtube.com/watch?v=cFnHMVVr6ko
Moving Onto Campus
Originally presented Tuesday, July 21, 2026
The 91Ô´´ will welcome first-year students during a one-day move-in on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026. This year includes several new move-in options. Watch this webinar to learn about the first-year move-in process and stay up to date on what to expect.
Dietary Restrictions: youtube.com/watch?v=c8efCsI0RUo
Dietary Restrictions
Originally presented Wednesday, July 22, 2026
91Ô´´ Dining Service's Registered Dietitian hosted a virtual session focused on navigating dietary restrictions on campus. The session covered how to find allergen-friendly options, utilize campus resources and safely dine at 91Ô´´ with confidence. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances or specific dietary needs, Dining Services is here to support you.
Course Materials 101: youtube.com/watch?v=XLpVtroudGU
Course Materials 101
Originally presented Thursday, July 23, 2026
Hosted by the 91Ô´´ Bookstore, this session covered everything you need to know about course materials and how to prepare for the 2026 fall semester.