Orientation Programs

Orientation is an essential part of the new student experience at Smith College. The program provides students with information and resources critical to their overall success in college. The week before the start of classes, all new first-year, transfer, visiting/exchange students, and Ada Comstock Scholars gather to learn about the college and get to know each other. All new students should participate fully in the entire Orientation program.

What to Expect

The Orientation program empowers new students to develop a resilient mindset by teaching them to identify and utilize resources that will improve their college experience. Students become active members of their Orientation teams where they learn to both contribute freely and celebrate the contributions of others. Finally, Orientation provides opportunities for students to find joy, explore their interests, and begin fulfilling and positive relationships in the Smith community.

Students will be introduced to their faculty liberal arts advisers (LAAs) to create a plan for their academic career. They will also have several occasions to meet faculty from all departments in order to learn more about the myriad programs of study available to them.

To help students become respectful and responsible members of the Smith community, Orientation includes discussions about:

  • living in a diverse community
  • supporting health and wellness
  • academic integrity and values
  • student rights and responsibilities

Of course, Orientation also facilitates recreation and social connection. Students can expect plenty of events, both scheduled and impromptu, that allow them to make friends, craft, celebrate, be silly, and settle in at Smith.

Two students holding signs that say "Welcome to Smith College" and "We can help!" on move-in day

Photo by Jim Gipe/Pivot Media

Preparing for Orientation

Packing List

For general guidance on packing for college life, consult the Office of Residence Life’s “For New Students” section of their FAQ. 

Fall Orientation

Temperatures in late August in Western Massachusetts can reach as high as 90°F/32°C and as low as 55°F/13°C, but generally remain around 80°F/ 26°C. August can also see some of the highest rainfall of the year. Please consider this when packing for arrival.

Spring Orientation

Students arriving in January for the spring semester should expect Western Mass's coldest temperatures of the year, with average highs of 34°F/1°C and lows of 18°F/-7°C. Students should be prepared for snowy and icy conditions and should be aware that the sun sets before 5 p.m., meaning afternoons and evenings will be dark.

Fall Orientation

For the Fall Orientation experience, all new students are encouraged to pack at least the following: 

  • Warm weather clothes that allow for movement (walking, running)
  • Comfortable shoes 
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • A reusable water bottle
  • Rain gear (waterproof boots/shoes, rain jacket and/or umbrella)
  • Light layers for evenings/nights (sweater, flannel, etc.)

For Outdoor Adventure (OA) participants, please consult the materials that OA program directors send directly to participants for a detailed packing list.

Spring Orientation

For the Spring Orientation experience (January arrival), all new students are encouraged to pack at least the following:

  • A well-insulated winter coat
  • Warm clothing and thick socks
  • Winter boots
  • Gloves, hats, and scarves
  • Reflective clothing/accessories for use at night

Communications

Communication about Orientation and the First Year Experience will be sent directly to students via their Smith College email address. Students must check this inbox regularly for important information about campus and academic life. When communicating with a Smith College office as an enrolled student, students should use their Smith email address in order to properly identify themselves and avoid their message being marked as spam.

A group of students pick out their first-year plants in the greenhouse.

Pre-Orientation Programs

Pre-orientation programs are available to students starting in the fall. If you’re an international student, a first-generation student, a pre-season athlete, or a student committed to maintaining culturally inclusive communities, you could sign up for one of our pre-orientation programs.

Learn about these helpful programs and how to register.

View the Programs

Additional Information

Family Orientation

Orientation isn’t just for new students! On move-in day—August 29, 2025—parents and families are encouraged to explore the campus and meet some of the staff and faculty who will help to shape their student’s college experience. Families spend the morning with their students as they check in, move into their rooms, eat lunch, and hear the first presidential address of the year. In the afternoon, while students are getting filled in on the essentials of campus and academic life, families can partake in walking tours or one of several sessions tailored to their curiosity or concerns from 2–5:30 p.m. For a full list of events and sessions open to families, please see the Family Orientation schedule below:

The schedule for the fall 2025 parent and family orientation sessions will be posted here in early August. Note that any programming for parents and families will conclude at 7 p.m. on move-in day, August 29, 2025.

Smith Reads

What To Expect

All new students participate in Smith Reads by reading the same assigned text before arriving on campus. This allows students to participate in their first shared academic dialogue at Smith, which happens in the form of informal chats with peers, facilitated small group discussions, and a large-scale speaking engagement with the Smith Reads author.

This Year’s Smith Reads

The fall 2025 Smith Reads text will be announced soon. Check the Smith Reads page for updates this summer.

Contact the Orientation Team

Clark Hall 101
Smith College
Northampton, MA 01063