What is the difference between Summer Orientation programs and Fall Orientation?
Rollins offers two orientation programs for students entering the College in August. Summer Orientation is an optional (but highly recommended) interactive web-based program in June and July. Explore Rollins is an optional (but highly recommended!), two day experience offered in June, while Fall Orientation includes move-in and students’ formal entrance into the Rollins. Fall Orientation is required for all incoming students.
Summer Orientation is a great interactive web-series providing all incoming students and their families with valueable information on student success coaching, residential life (housing), campus life, and student on-campus employment. Sessions will allow students to create meaningful connections to their peers, staff, and faculty.
Explore Rollins is a chance for new students to come to campus for two days (parents are welcome too). You will have the opportunity to meet other incoming students, spend a night in the residence halls, get to know your way around campus, start exploring Rollins' Liberal Arts curriculum, become familiar with campus life, and meet some of the best and brightest student leaders on campus. Summer Orientation is tons of fun. A great way to meet people, and just begin to feel more comfortable at Rollins before you arrive in the fall. Students who come to Summer O always say that it helps alleviate their anxieties about coming to college, and they always leave excited for school to start! The even better part is that it will mean you have friends on campus before you even arrive in the fall!
Fall Orientation kicks off the Wednesday before classes, which is August 21 this year. It involves a weekend of activities to help you transition to campus. You will move into your residence hall, meet your RA, participate in campus traditions such as Convocation and Candlewish, meet your Peer Mentors and your RCC faculty, participate in SPARC day, and more. It is really an opportunity for you to begin your life here at Rollins for the next four years. It is also a chance for us to really welcome you!
Both Orientations are designed to be fun and help you adjust to a new school and new friends. They are almost 100% student created and run, which means that students have identified what was important to them and what the new student experience should be like.
If I attend Summer O and/or Explore Rollins, do I still need to attend Fall Orientation?
Yes, Fall Orientation is mandatory for all incoming students.
Can I move in early?
Only athletes who play specific fall sports and international students can move-in early. Please contact our office if you have questions about early move-in.
Are there activities for parents during orientation programs?
Student Success plans parents’ activities for both days of Explore Rollins and the first and second day of Fall Orientation. There is a shorter, one day program for parents during Spring Orientation.
Where can families and friends stay during orientation programs?
Best Western Mt. Vernon Inn** 110 South Orlando Avenue Winter Park, FL 32789 407-647-1166
Comfort Suites ** 2416 North Orange Avenue Orlando, FL 32804 407-228-4007
Grand Bohemian ** 325 South Orange Avenue Orlando, FL 32801 407-313-9000
JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes * 4040 Central Florida Parkway Orlando, FL 32837
407-206-2300
Hilton Orlando/Altamonte Springs**
350 North Lake Boulevard Altamonte Springs, FL 32701
407-830-1985
Homewood Suites ** 290 Southall Lane Maitland, FL 32751 407-875-8777
Park Plaza Hotel 307 Park Avenue South Winter Park, FL 32789 407-647-1072
Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes* 4012 Central Florida Parkway Orlando, FL 32837 407-206-2400
* These properties are approximately 45 minutes from Campus.
** These properties usually give a discount for Rollins students and families
Can I ship packages to my student before Orientation begins?
Yes. Items can be sent to the following address within ten days of move-in
Student Name- Class of 2016
Rollins College
1000 Holt Avenue
Winter Park, FL 32789
There should be no other information on the label. It will be at the warehouse when you arrive to campus.
