New Student Orientation

Welcome to Penn State Brandywine! We're glad you’re here. 🦁

From the moment you're admitted to the first day of classes, there's a lot to take in—people, places, and all the things you need to prepare for success. That's why we offer several orientation programs, each one designed to help you gradually acclimate to every aspect of life at Penn State Brandywine.

WHAT IS THE NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION (NSO) PROGRAM, YOU ASK?

Our Orientation program series is a two-part orientation pathway designed to welcome you, connect you, and prepare you for success—whether you’re a first-year or transfer student. Each step builds on the last, helping you feel confident, connected, and ready to roar.

New Student Orientation (NSO) is required for all first-year and transfer students to attend.

AWESOME. WHAT’S NEXT?

To prepare for a successful transition to Penn State, we've developed an NSO task list to help you navigate your next steps. Your NSO task list will generally be available one business day after you accept your offer of admission to Penn State.

 

Here are some helpful tips for you as you plan to access your NSO task list:

  • You will receive an email when the task list opens for you. This email is sent to the address that you provided on your application to Penn State. Once that email is received, please access and complete your NSO task list in a timely manner.
  • You will use your Penn State Account User ID (followed by @psu.edu) and password (e.g., [email protected]) to access this task list.
  • You will use your NSO task list to make a reservation to participate in an NSO program.
  • Your task list is personalized to you and will walk you through each step of your orientation.
  • Please pay attention to all posted due dates as they are unique to you, your Penn State campus, and when you will attend NSO.

CLICK HERE TO ACCESS YOUR NSO TASKLIST

New students, and up to two guests, are welcome to attend our virtual spring orientation program on Friday, January 8, 2027, at 10:00 a.m. Please RSVP by accessing your new student checklist and selecting the appropriate task. An RSVP is required.

For additional information about your reservation, the agenda or completing any pre-orientation tasks please contact the Office of Student Affairs by emailing [email protected].

Meet Your Adviser & Schedule Your Classes

Before your virtual New Student Orientation (NSO), you’ll meet online with an academic adviser and register for your first-semester classes.

1. Choose your scheduling window

  • When you register for NSO, select a window that works with your school, work, and other commitments. Set aside at least two hours for advising and course scheduling.
  • One week before your window, you’ll schedule your individual advising appointment. Check your Penn State email for instructions.

2. Get ready for your appointment

  • Confirm your appointment using the email from Starfish Solutions.
  • Complete your required NSO tasks.
  • Add courses you’re considering to Schedule Builder.
  • Prepare questions about your major, interests, and goals.

3. Meet your adviser & register

Your adviser will help you explore your interests, review major requirements, and choose your first-semester courses. You’ll register for classes during your appointment.

For your virtual meeting:

  • Join on your own—this appointment is for students only.
  • Find a quiet space and plan to turn your camera on.
  • Use a laptop or desktop if possible and have something ready for notes.

You can continue adjusting your classes once your scheduling window opens.

Need help? Visit the Course Scheduling Resources page.

Your Penn State Brandywine journey is about to begin—and we’re ready to welcome you. There are two parts including in your spring orientation experience. 

PART 1: VIRTUAL SPRING ORIENTATION PROGRAM

Date: Friday, January 8, 2027

Time: 10:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.

Location: Please access your task list to RSVP and receive your meeting link.

Program Description: Welcome aboard! Begin your Penn State Brandywine journey during your virtual Spring Orientation on Friday, January 8 from 10:00–11:15 a.m. Discover campus resources, learn strategies for success, and prepare for a strong start to the spring semester. This program is Part 1 of a two-part series. Join us for Part 2: an in-person welcome reception on Wednesday, January 13 at 12:15 p.m. in room 202 in the Student Union Building. You’ll have a chance to connect names with faces, meet your Orientation Leader, and tour the campus to help find your way. WE ARE!

PART 2: FIND YOUR PRIDE: A BRANDYWINE WELCOME

Date: Wednesday, January 13, 2027

Time: 1215 – 1:15 p.m.

Location: 202 Student Union (Access your task list to RSVP)

Program Description: Welcome to Penn State Brandywine! Let’s continue your Penn State journey during our Find Your Pride: A Brandywine Welcome reception held in-person on Wednesday, January 13 at 12:15 p.m. in room 202 in the Student Union Building. As part 2 of our Spring Orientation program, this in-person gathering brings the connections from your virtual orientation to life. Connect names with faces, meet your Orientation Leader and fellow students, and tour campus to help find your way and build your confidence this semester. Light refreshments will be provided. WE ARE!