A Freshman Guide to Bucknell Orientation

Sitting in the packed car with my parents en route to move-in day at Bucknell, I was nervous. I had no idea what to expect, I did not know many other incoming freshman, and I was sad to be leaving my home and the friends I had known forever. However, the butterflies in my stomach quickly vanished as my parents and I pulled onto the beautiful Bucknell campus and were greeted by students decked out in Bucknell gear, jumping up and down with huge pom-poms. My mom leaned back and said exactly what I was thinking: “I love it here already!” Orientation is one of the best weeks of freshman year. The orientation leaders and assistants create an energetic and welcoming atmosphere that makes the transition to Bucknell a smooth one. (They also help you move your piles of bags, mini fridge, and all your other gear up to your room in under five minutes). They are constantly singing, dancing, and “shaking their booties,” and may even wake you up by blasting a boom box throughout your hall and banging on the doors – it is impossible not to join in the fun.

That being said, below is a preview of some of the best activities to expect your first few days at Bucknell.

1. Matriculation Ceremony: Feel welcomed into the campus community by receiving your class pin and walking through the candle-lit Bucknell gates.
2. Playfair: Make tons of new friends through a fun and interactive night of teambuilding and ice breaking conversation.
3. Color Games: Coat your new friends (as well as unfamiliar peers) in a paint war as you run around the fields. Be prepared for a long shower afterwards: it can be hard to wash off all the fun.
4. “The Awkward Dinner”: Enjoy meeting new peers and faculty at your randomly assigned table in the field house. It is nicknamed the awkward dinner for a reason, but it is all part of the fun.
5. Maura Cullen: Hear diversity speaker Maura Cullen; she will make you laugh and cry as she shares her views and personal anecdotes with your class. She is a truly amazing speaker who has a real impact on her listeners.
6. Welcome To Lewisburg Day: Get to know the neighborhood on Lewisburg Day. Explore the restaurants and shops and even receive a gift from a store that has been assigned to you!
7. Activities Unlimited: Enjoy a BBQ and activity fair complete with a moon bounce, inflatable obstacle course, and tie-dye station.
8. ‘Ray for the Orange and the Blue: Get in the Bucknell spirit, dress in all your Bucknell gear, and even paint your face for the pep rally, where you’ll jump up and down and learn the Bucknell fight song.
9. Library Unbound: Experience the library like you never will again by chilling out and listening to Bucknell’s hilarious comedy group We Brake For Nobody.
10. Convocation and Candle Lighting: Mark the official start of the academic year at Bucknell with a traditional candle lighting ceremony in the academic quad. I can assure you that you will feel embedded in the Bucknell community as you establish your unity as a class. You will be fully prepared for the first day of classes the following morning because by the time orientation ends, you will have made so many friends and know your way around campus.

Bucknell’s orientation is a remarkable experience that I wish I could go through again. Though it is the only orientation experience I have encountered, I know that it tops all the rest from hearing student reports from friends at other colleges and universities. Unlike other schools, Bucknell orientation emphasizes community and actually making the incoming freshman class feel welcome. Over the five fabulous days there is never a dull or uncomfortable moment, and the orientation staff is composed of super friendly students who are happy and eager to help you in any sort of way. One of my OAs actually walked me to my very first class!
My final words of advice would be to not be afraid to candidly introduce yourself to people. Every incoming freshman is in the same position as you and wants to meet people. A simple exchange of name, hometown, and dorm is the perfect first conversation. Though you will eat a lot of your meals with your hallmates, there are so many opportunities to strike up conversations with new people. Also, do not be afraid to ask an OA, OL, or any other Bucknell student for help or directions. Bucknell has a reputation for having a super friendly student body because it does!

You will make so many amazing memories and new friends over the course of five days that you’ll wonder why you were ever nervous to move in in the first place. By the end of orientation you will officially be a Bucknell Bison and you will know that you belong forever in the orange and the blue. ‘Ray Bucknell!