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Orientation

All new, incoming first-year and transfer students are required to complete a series of “next steps” in order to successfully enroll at SUNY Oswego.

The "Next Steps" tab of the Applicant Portal is the command center for all new students. There, you can fill out academic information sheets, register for orientation, complete health information forms, and more.

Applicant Portal

Academic Information Sheet

As a new student, you will be pre-registered for courses by an academic advisor. Your Academic Information Sheet gives your advisor vital information on what should be included in your first-semester schedule. 

You will be required to complete this form prior to meeting with your advisor and receiving a schedule. Your submission of the Academic Information Sheet will also unlock your access to New Student Orientation registration dates!

Photo ID Upload

Go to your Applicant Portal to submit a photo for your official SUNY Oswego student ID card. Be sure it is a recent photo of you looking straight at the camera, and not too close, nor too far away. It must be on a plain, light-colored, neutral background. If you have any questions or issues uploading a photo, please email [email protected].

Supported file formats: JPEG, GIF, PNG
(HEIC file format used by Apple is not supported.)
View examples and review all requirements ›

Register for Orientation

Spend the day with our Laker Leaders and campus partners to learn more about your new home! With sessions and resources to set you up for success, SUNY Oswego's New Student Orientation Program has been developed to assist new Lakers and their Family Supporters transition successfully to SUNY Oswego.

The Academic Information Sheet must be completed before you can register and attend Orientation.

Housing Application

The residence life experience is an important facet of your college journey, and we are proud of the unique and supportive environment cultivated by our students.

Our 10 residential communities and Village Townhouses are designed to provide you with a memorable and inclusive home-away-from-home experience. All of our residential communities, and our campus as a whole, are rich with traditions that unify us--and are cherished for a lifetime. If you have any questions or issues, please email [email protected].

Student Immunization Requirements

Immunization information is required by the NYS law and may be obtained from the student's health care provider, high school, or previously attended college health services office. The law requires college students born on or after January 1, 1957, to provide proof of immunity against measles, mumps and rubella.

Read More about Required Immunizations >

Registering for Orientation

After completing the steps in the Applicant Portal, incoming Lakers are able to register for New Student Orientation! You must register for orientation before attending.

At Orientation, Lakers will learn about their new home by developing interpersonal connections, learning new Oswego traditions, connecting with offices on campus to help them be successful, and more! Even our Laker Supporters get their own experience to feel at home.

Spring Orientation 2025: January 24, 2025

Common Campus Connections

Financial Aid Residence Life & Housing Advisement Mary Walker Health Services
Registrar Campus Technology Services Accessibility Resources Counseling Services

The orientation was super great. I feel so much more comfortable with the transition to college, all the mentors and staff were so friendly and kind! An amazing experience for me."

Incoming Laker, 2023

"The SUNY Oswego community is just full of nice, lovely people that seem to be waiting for an ask for help. That above anything is the most important takeaway [from Orientation] for me because above all I want to be feel welcomed and feel like I belong."

Incoming Laker, 2023

"...Whenever I'm unsure about somethings, there is plenty of people that are willing to help me."

Incoming Laker, 2023

"I really enjoyed just meeting new people and learning that I am not alone in this journey and adventure that is going to [be] college. I met some amazing people, learned a good amount about the offices and my major, and was able to be independent of my parents."

Incoming Laker, 2023

Laker Launch

The week before classes begin, first-year students are welcomed on campus to help become more acquainted with campus life. Sessions about campus partners are offered, all while providing fun-filled opportunities for Lakers to experience why they get to call Oswego “home.” Past years have involved Campus Picnics, carnival activities, and more!

Summer Orientation

In June and July, we offer a hands-on experience for getting used to student life at Oswego! Topics discussed include:

  • Understanding your bill
  • Registering for classes
  • Staying connected as a commuter student
  • And more!


 

Outside the SUNY Global Center in Manhattan, NY

Downstate Orientation

SUNY Oswego is excited to announce our inaugural Downstate Orientation Program this Summer! Available to students in the Long Island and New York City area, these abbreviated programs are designed to give students a chance to experience SUNY Oswego. Students who live in this area will be able to register through the "Next Steps" tab of the Applicant Portal, and should reach out to our staff if they have any questions.

Sheldon Hall near a blossoming tree.

Spring Orientation

New students are welcomed to campus before the Spring semester starts with a day full of informational presentations by campus offices. This orientation experience helps students get the most out of their time at SUNY Oswego, from advising help to getting involved on campus!

Contact Us

315-312-5522
[email protected] 

About SOFE