Orientation. It marks the beginning of college and is the perfect time to explore your school and your city, all while meeting classmates from every corner of the globe. For those already confirmed as a member of the JHU Class of 2016 it is time to get pumped as Orientation marks the beginning of your Blue Jay experience. For those still deciding Why Hopkins, then hopefully this look at the epic first week of the JHU experience will persuade you to become a Blue Jay.
Pre-Orientation/Pre-O:
To kick start the orientation festivities is Pre-Orientation (or Pre-O as the natives call it), an optional outdoors program led by Hopkins’ Outdoor Pursuits club. It starts in the week before orientation (in case you didn’t get that from the name) where you get to participate in fun outdoor activities along the Appalachian Trail and other scenic spots on the east coast and do some major bonding with your classmates!
Pre-O Bonding
Here’s how it works:
1. Choose your adventure: Canoeing/Hiking, Backpacking, Climbing, Whitewater Kayaking, or Multi-Element (a combination excursion)
2. Get a physical, do the paperwork, get your shots, and send it all the waivers.
3. Pack your bags and head to Hopkins!
4. Get outside and have a blast!
Each trip is unique and completely dependent upon your tastes. If you are adventurous and don’t mind getting wet, go whitewater kayaking. If you are more of a pensive, relaxed, “enjoy nature calmly” type, go backpacking. If heights get your blood pumping, climbing is for you. And, if you can never make up your mind, do Multi-Element; it’s a buffet of outdoor delights!
JHU Pre-Orientation
Moving into the Dorms
We know that one of the biggest sources of anxiety for people is the move-in process at college. Worry not because move-in at Hopkins is easy! After carefully packing everything into your car (or suitcases) and driving (or flying) to Hopkins, pull up to your dorm (AMR’s, Wolman, Buildings A&B, or McCoy). The rest is easy; just let students empty your car and take all of your stuff to your room. Even though you have to unpack all of your belongings, at least you don’t have to carry them!
JHU Move-In
Current students unload and transport all of your belongings.
You may even get President Daniels to help unload your belongings into your dorm!
Some of our favorite O-Week events:
Students Meeting: Alcohol & Making Informed Decisions
Dr. Linda Gorman, Associate Director of Undergraduate Studies of the Neuroscience Program, will discuss some facts about alcohol, your brain, and the issues that arise in college when you mix the two. This isn’t your average alcohol awareness speech, though. Dr. Gorman prides herself on being innovative and fun, and she definitely succeeds. This will be one talk you won’t want to miss!
New Student Convocation on Decker Quad
President Daniels and the Homewood Deans will address the Class of 2016 at this traditional academic welcome to the Johns Hopkins University. Your whole class gets dressed up, and comes together as one for the first time. After the ceremony, make sure to mingle with faculty and look out for President Daniels at the reception. (The desserts are also amazing at the reception!) Here’s a peek at the Class of 2015’s Convocation ceremony:
Freshmen all dressed up for Convocation
President Daniels presides over Convocation
Convocation ceremonies welcome the JHU Class of 2015
Sexcapades at Shriver Hall
Sexcapades is a comedy show you don’t want to miss! Come follow Ernest, a pubescent freshman, who learns about the birds and the bees during his interactions with a female classmate. Learn about contraception, STIs, campus health services, and the best place to have sex on campus! Get there early to make sure you get a seat because the house is sure to be packed. Even upperclassmen try to sneak in; it’s that funny!
Class Photo on Keyser Quad
After the Cultural Competency program, head to the Upper Quad to take your official JHU 2016 class photo. It’s definitely a memory you’ll appreciate! Here is last year’s class photo:
JHU 2015
Playfair
We don’t want to ruin the surprise of Playfair, but try to imagine your whole class in the Recreation Center running around and having a great time. Make sure you attend this event because it always ends up being one of the most memorable experiences of Orientation!
Playfair
Playfair: The highlight of JHU Orientation Week
Tom DeLuca Hypnotist Show
Prepare to be hypnotized (literally) by Tom DeLuca as he explores the imagination like no one else in the world. This program is sponsored by the HOP (Hopkins Organization for Programming) and is definitely a favorite.
Dorm Wars
Come join in the fun as Hopkins’ Residence Halls square off against one another in a (mostly) friendly competition ranging from tug-of-war to ultimate Frisbee. Donations at the event can help your team win. All proceeds go to the Lymphoma Research Foundation and all competitors receive a free T-shirt specific to their floor. Come out to help your floor and dorm win campus superiority!
Preparing for Dorm Wars
Battles of Dorm Wars
Dorm Wars: Who Will Win?
After Orientation:
As you can see there’s plenty of activities and opportunities to meet your classmates the first week of school, and Orientation events keep going even after classes start. Orientation makes the process of settling into Hopkins an easy transition and you’ll make incredible memories. Get excited for move-in and orientation because your Hopkins experience is about to begin.
