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 one of the following summer orientation dates. Students, and their guests, will begin the day together, and then transition to separate and specialized schedules.

  • Session 1: Tuesday, June 16, 2026
  • Session 2: Wednesday, June 17, 2026
  • Session 3: Tuesday, July 14, 2026
  • Session 4: Wednesday, July 15, 2026
  • Session 5: Tuesday, August 11, 2026 (Transfer Student Orientation)

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

To reserve your date, please access your NSO task list.

Academic Consultation & Course Scheduling

One of the key parts of New Student Orientation (NSO) is meeting with an academic adviser and scheduling your first-semester courses—this is called Academic Consultation and Course Scheduling.

This process has two parts:

  • Academic Consultation (meeting with your adviser) 
  • Course Scheduling (building your class schedule) 

1. Select Your Scheduling Window: When you register for NSO, you’ll also choose your Academic Consultation & Course Scheduling window (completed online before your in-person NSO).

  • Set aside at least 2 hours to complete this process 
  • One week before your window, you’ll schedule your 1:1 advising appointment 
  • Choose a time that fits your schedule (school, work, activities, etc.) 
  • Watch your Penn State email for scheduling instructions 

2. Academic Consultation (Virtual Meeting): You’ll meet one-on-one with an academic adviser to:

  • Discuss your interests and academic goals 
  • Review major requirements and options 
  • Plan your first-semester courses

Important Notes:

  • This is a student-only meeting (FERPA privacy guidelines apply) 
  • Join from a quiet, distraction-free space 
  • Use a laptop or desktop (preferred over phone) 
  • Be ready to have your camera on 

3. Prepare for Your Consultation

  • Confirm your appointment (sent via Penn State email from Starfish Solutions) 
  • Complete all required items on your NSO task list 
  • Be ready to discuss your academic and career interests 
  • Prepare questions about your major or academic college 
  • Add courses to your Schedule Builder in advance 
  • Bring something to take notes 

Note: Incomplete pre-tasks may limit your adviser’s ability to assist you.

4. Course Scheduling

  • You will register for classes during your consultation 
  • You can continue making changes once your scheduling window opens 
  • Visit the Course Scheduling Resources page for additional help

Once again, students (and up to two guests) will join us on one of the following dates.

  • Session 1: Tuesday, June 16, 2026
  • Session 2: Wednesday, June 17, 2026
  • Session 3: Tuesday, July 14, 2026
  • Session 4: Wednesday, July 15, 2026
  • Session 5: Tuesday, August 11, 2026 (Transfer Student Orientation)

Topics and Activities for the Day

  • Meet the Orientation Leader Team and connect with fellow classmates
  • Learn about Penn State campus policies, resources, and facilities
  • Meet with the Advising Team to review or finalize your classes for the fall semester
  • Complete your Penn State ID card process (if not already done online)
  • Families and guests will join the fun by attending their own Parent and Family program

Your Penn State Brandywine journey is about to begin—and we’re ready to welcome you. Fall Orientation is more than just a program; it’s your official introduction to campus life, your first opportunity to build connections, and the starting point for your experience as a Penn Stater. From move-in day to your first class, each moment is designed to help you feel prepared, supported, and excited for what’s ahead.

Mark your calendar and get ready—your transition to Penn State Brandywine starts here:

  • First-Year Student Move-In: Thursday, August 20, 2026 
  • Fall New Student Orientation: Friday, August 21 – Saturday, August 22, 2026  
  • First Day of Fall Classes: Monday, August 24, 2026 

We can’t wait to welcome you to campus—your next chapter starts now.