1. Office of Orientation
  2. Students
  3. Freshman Orientation
  4. Fall Orientation

Fall Orientation

Fall Orientation is designed for new students beginning their studies at UL Lafayette during the Fall Semester. 

During Orientation, you'll have the opportunity to meet other incoming students, learn about university resources, discuss important tips for a successful transition to college life, meet with an academic advisor in your area of study, and register for classes. Members of our Student Orientation Staff will help you understand what it means to be a student on our campus and will guide you through the experience.

Orientation Dates

Early Orientation (View eligibility requirements)May 26-27, 2026
Fall Session 1June 3-4, 2026
Fall Session 2June 15-16, 2026
Fall Session 3June 17-18, 2026
Fall Session 4June 24-25, 2026
Fall Session 5July 13-14. 2026
Fall Session 6July 15-16, 2026
Fall Session 7July 27-28, 2026

Please note: Students who register for Fall Semester classes after the Fall Tuition & Fees Payment Deadline of August 24, 2026, will incur a $50 late course registration fee that will be applied to their tuition and fees. Students are encouraged to register for classes before the payment deadline to avoid this late fee.

Fall Orientation Details

Freshman Orientation registration for Fall 2026, will open on March 1, 2026. Orientation registration instructions will be mailed to admitted students in late February 2026. 

If you have not received those instructions by March 5, 2026, please send an email to orientation@louisiana.edu. Include your full name and ULID in your email.

Students admitted after March 5, should expect to receive registration instructions within two weeks of admission. If you do not receive registration instructions in the mail within two weeks of admission, please send an email to orientation@louisiana.edu. Include your full name and ULID in your email.

The Freshman Orientation fee is $125 and includes parking, program implementation, program materials, food, a Ragin’ Cajuns spirit shirt, lanyard, pen, and bag. Your Orientation fee must be paid online via ULink when you register for Orientation. 

Orientation students have the option to stay overnight in a UL Lafayette residence hall on the first evening of their Orientation session. 

If you'd like to stay overnight, you must pre-register for overnight housing during Orientation registration. There is no additional fee to stay overnight, but students must bring their own bedding, pillow, toiletries, towels, and other personal items needed for their overnight stay. 

When you arrive at overnight housing check-in, you will be paired with another student attending Orientation. If you wish to room with a student of the same gender, who is also registered to attend the same orientation, please check in to overnight housing at the same time. The Student Orientation Staff will be present with fun activities to help you get to know more about campus and meet your peers.

Important note: Overnight housing is NOT available for family and friends. Please view our list of local hotels for recommended accommodations. 

Students are NOT required to stay overnight in the residence hall for Orientation but it is recommended, especially for students who will be living on campus. 

The schedule at a glance for Fall Sessions 1-7 is below. 

View the Early Orientation schedule at a glance here.

Day 1 | 12:30 PM - 8:00 PM

  • Student Check-In (12:30 PM-1:10 PM)
  • University Welcome
  • Academic College Town Hall
  • Discussion Groups
  • Student Success Sessions
  • Dinner (provided)
  • Campus Tour
  • Student Organization Expo

Day 2 | 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

  • Breakfast (provided)
  • Dean of Students Session
  • Academic Boot Camp & First Year Experience
  • Discussion Groups
  • Lunch (provided)
  • TOPS & Financial Aid Session
  • Academic Advising
  • Course Registration
  • Check out after course registration (between 2:00 PM-5:00 PM)

*Schedule subject to change

*Students are REQUIRED to participate in the full duration of Orientation activities. Those arriving late or leaving early must reschedule another Orientation session.

Questions?

We're here to help