Students at Orientation

Freshman Orientation

Congratulations freshmen admitted students! We are excited to welcome you to our campus through orientation. It's a great way to meet future classmates, faculty, and staff and learn about: getting involved, classes and academic advising, setting yourself up for academic success, & meeting other new students.

 

Have you been admitted for Fall 2026? We'll see you August 12-14 for your orientation!

We will be welcoming all freshmen students in one big session.

As a freshman student, expect to join us on campus Wednesday-Friday the week before classes start. We will have housing available for students interested, and students who will be residing on campus for the academic term will be able to move in early! Students will have the opportunity to meet other students, connect with on-campus resources, live in our residence halls, and so much more! Free orientation housing will be available for 300 students who register for the overnight experience (note -  students who will be living on campus for the academic year will be required to register for the overnight experience). Once overnight registration is full, all students will need to register for the non-overnight session but will still need to attend all 3 days of orientation.

Have questions? See below for FAQs.

  • I'm moving in on August 11. Where do I go?
    • You'll go to Pioneer Heights to check in for move in. If you're coming up Harder Rd., you'll see signs for move in after the first stop sign on campus. If you're coming through Carlos Bee Blvd., you'll make a right at West Loop Rd. (at the stop sign with the big digital sign) and continue on until you hit Harder Rd. (till you see the next big digital sign). At that stop sign, you'll make a left and see signs for move in. You'll be able to leave your car there for your stay.
  • What should I bring for move in?
    • If you're an incoming resident, you should bring all the things you'll need for your room during your stay. This will be your home for the next academic year, so bring what will help you be comfortable!
    • If you're staying overnight for our orientation only, you can check out our to see what to bring overnight.
  • I'm not moving in on August 11. What do I do?
    • If you are not staying overnight, you'll join us starting August 12 for the program. Check in will begin at 8 AM with the program starting at 9 AM.
  • Where do I park?
    • Students should park in Lot A on orientation days. Coming up Harder Rd. you'll make a left at the stop sign. The entrance to Lot A will be the first parking lot entrance on your right (across the North Union). Coming up Carlos Bee Blvd., you'll make a right at the stop sign and enter through the second parking lot entrance to get to Lot A.
  • Where do I check in for orientation?
    • Students will check in at the Agora Stone area between our University Unions. Take the elevator up from the street or the stairs next to the elevator. You'll see the check in area once you get to the top of the steps/elevator.
  • Do I need to attend all three days?
    • Yes! We've built a 3 day long program and urge students to attend all 3 days. Missing portions of the program will result in missing information that can help you be successful while you're here. If you must miss portions of the orientation, you are doing so willingly.
  • How long is orientation?
    • The program times are as follows:
      • Wednesday, August 12
        • 8 AM - Check In & breakfast
        • 9 AM - Program Starts
        • 12 PM - EB Photo
        • 12:30 PM - Lunch & Resource Fair
        • 1:30 PM - Program Continues
        • 4 PM - Student Break
        • 4:30 PM - Residents Meeting
        • 4:30 PM - Students Explore Campus
        • 6 PM - Dinner 
        • 7:30 PM - Playfair
        • 9 PM - Program Closes
      • Thursday, August 13
        • 9 AM - Check In & Breakfast
        • 10 AM - Program Starts
        • 12:30 PM - Lunch & Resource Fair
        • 2 PM - Program Continues
        • 4:30 PM - Big Group Activity
        • 6 PM - Dinner
        • 7 PM - Campus Socials
        • 9 PM - Program Closes
      • Friday, August 14
        • 9 AM - Check In & Breakfast
        • 10 AM - Program Starts (Big Group Activity)
        • 12 PM - Campus BBQ
        • 2 PM - 7 PM - (Optional) Affinity Welcomes
  • Do I have to stay the whole day at orientation?
    • Students are required to attend the full program all three days. Students who are not staying overnight may leave at dinner, but should stay until then.
  • I'm lost. Where do I go?
    • On an orientation day, if you're unsure where to go next or missed your group, feel free to visit us at the Reservations Desk in the first floor of the South University Union. We'll have students there able to assist on orientation days.

Orientation Programs

 

What does an in person Freshman Orientation session look like?


Our Freshman Pioneer Launch is a three-day experience at the Hayward Campus where students will be able to get connected to campus resources, build a support system amongst peers, and get to know the campus more through engaging activities.

Each day students will go through a 2 rounds of themed breakout sessions that focus on finding/building community, wellness, and academic success. Through interactive sessions, students will get to know the different resources on campus that focus on supporting students through each of the themes, play some exciting activities in the evening, and just have fun.

As part of our pilot year, free on campus housing is available for the first 300 students who register for overnight orientation. Students who will be living on campus during the academic year will be able to move in early into their housing space on August 11. Those who decide to stay overnight for the orientation but will not be residents during the academic term will still be able to experience on-campus living and sharing a building with other orientation attendees. Students who decide not to stay overnight during the orientation will still be required to attend all days of the orientation program.


Pioneer Overnight Experience (only available in the summer)

The Pioneer Overnight Experience is a chance to meet other Pioneers in a smaller setting. If you want to maximize your orientation experience, get a feel for campus life, and have the opportunity to stay overnight in the residence halls, join us for our Pioneer Overnight Experience. The evening will be filled with exciting and engaging activities, chances to connect with your fellow incoming classmates, and an overnight stay in our Pioneer Heights housing.

Join us for this exciting opportunity! The overnight experience is a valuable opportunity for students who may be traveling from out of the area, as overnight lodging is provided. It's also a valuable opportunity for local Pioneers who will not have a chance to experience on-campus housing any other time! Space is limited and reservations will be granted on a first-come-first-served basis, so register quickly!

What to bring for overnight sessions:
  • Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, body wash, shampoo, conditioner, etc.)
  • Linen (bed sheets, pillows, blanket, towel)
  • change of clothes for the next day
  • closed toed shoes for evening activities

 

 

Questions? Contact orientation@csueastbay.edu or (510) 885-3872.

 

Thanks,
Orientation Programs

 

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Orientation program details and reminders will be emailed to incoming students via Horizon email. Please check your frequently. After you register for orientation, visit our Next Steps webpage for information on how to prepare for orientation and this upcoming semester. 
Throughout all the orientation events, you will also have the opportunity to connect with our Orientation Team Leaders, who are eager to assist you and ensure you have a smooth transition to the University. They will be available throughout the summer to answer questions you may have!
Orientation Home Page