Cracking the Research Code: A Student's Guide to Research at NMU

NMU Orientation 101: The Questions You Didn’t Know You Should Ask

If you’re an incoming Northern Michigan University freshman about to attend orientation, you’ll want to read this! Not sure where to start? Use this blog as your jumping-off point for all things NMU orientation—from what questions you should ask during orientation to essential tips that will help you feel prepared and confident.

You can’t do freshman orientation wrong as long as you show up with an open mind and a positive attitude. It might sound cheesy, but NMU orientation is designed to help you get familiar with NMU, including the campus, academics, student life, where you’ll live, and introduce you to what you might want to get involved in. Feeling unsure or overwhelmed is totally normal. The people you meet at orientation, especially your orientation leaders, are there to help and genuinely want to answer your questions. So have fun, be curious, and ask questions!

All About Academics! 

What if I don't know my major/ might want to change it?

During orientation, you will have a chance to meet with advisors who can help with any major or degree-related questions. Your orientation leaders will also have some insight; they are students and all have had different experiences, some might have even changed their majors several times. So, asking questions and hearing their stories could help guide your choice. If you’re unsure about your major or your path, that’s okay! For a little more direction, check out these other blog articles that might be able to help: 

• https://nmu.edu/blog/switching-your-major-its-not-scary-you-think 
• https://nmu.edu/blog/its-ok-not-know-thinking-beyond-your-major 
• https://nmu.edu/blog/undeclared-here-are-5-tips-selecting-college-major 

Do you know anyone who studies [insert major]?

Even if your orientation leader doesn’t share your major, someone else in the group might, or, since NMU has a small-town feel, it’s likely one of your leaders knows someone who does. Asking the question can help you learn a little about NMU students who are actively doing what you might want to do. You’ll never know unless you ask. Orientation is the perfect time to start those conversations and make connections early.

What are the best study spots on or off campus?

Simple but a good one, this question can help get convos started. There are so many different NMU study spaces, but there are also plenty of good spots around Marquette. Everyone studies differently, so asking others can help you find places that match your vibe, whether that’s a quiet campus nook or a local coffee shop. Check out some of our content related to this below. 

• https://www.instagram.com/northernmichiganu/reel/DDKdQhUR3dE/
• https://www.instagram.com/reel/C6RaD1zuVxo/
• https://www.instagram.com/reel/CzZBUoTtcho/
• https://nmu.edu/blog/few-our-favorite-things 

What is Student Life Even Like??! (This is really the most important question.)

Where did you use most of your dining dollars? 

This may not be a surprising answer, it could very well be Starbucks (8 a.m. classes don’t fuel themselves). Dining dollars can be used all over campus at places like Cattrax for late-night chips and salsa or Sundre for organic, gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian snacks. But your orientation leaders likely have some insider suggestions or tips, so ask what they recommend! If you are looking for more dining services FAQs, check out this webpage: https://nmu.edu/dining/faq#:~:text=Dining%20Dollars%20are%20accepted%20at,of%20the%20NMU%20dining%20locations. 

What clubs or orgs should I check out based on my interests? 

There is a student organization fair on your second night of orientation at 7:30 p.m., where you can learn more about on-campus groups. This is a great place to get introduced to something you may not have been interested in before. Whether you’re into frisbee, film, or finance, your orientation leader also might know someone (or be someone) in that club. They’ve been in your shoes and can help you get connected early. College is all about trying new things, and there are 350+ student organizations on campus to choose from to do it!

https://nmu.edu/orientation/home 

How do I stay up to date on what's happening on campus in areas I care about?

The Hub is your go-to online source for finding campus events when you're looking for something to do. It’s where student organizations, departments, and campus groups post upcoming events, meetings, and open positions. You can easily search by keyword to discover and join groups that match your interests. Each group page includes key details, contact information, and everything you need to get involved. You can even join groups right there or favorite them to come back to them later. 

Follow our Instagram, @northernmichiganu! This is a great way to get a feel for campus life. Check out the "Resources" highlight for quick links to important pages. From there, ask around for accounts tied to your interests, such as academic departments, clubs, or sports teams. During the school year, our Instagram also posts biweekly upcoming event carousels to let you know what's going on immediately on campus. 

What do you wish you had asked or known when you were in my shoes?

This is one of the best questions you can ask. Your orientation leaders have lived the NMU experience and might share something that sticks with you throughout college!

WAIT! More Tips to Have a Great Orientation

• Follow @northernmichiganu for updates and reminders, AND check out our other blog with freshman tips before you start your freshman year! https://nmu.edu/blog/how-navigate-your-freshman-year-nmu-someone-who-just-did 
• Write down questions beforehand in your notes app so that you don't have to rely on memory. Taking notes during orientation helps if you want to reference them later, too.
• Dress casually, wear stuff that makes you feel like YOU! You’ll be moving a lot, so be sure to pack clothes that you feel comfortable in. 
• Be curious! Explore campus, meet people, and smile.
• It’s okay to feel uncertain—orientation is just the beginning. Don't worry about trying to remember everything, all the information during orientation is available on our website and around campus. 

As you are preparing for NMU orientation, I hope that this helps you feel more prepared for your orientation experience. Embrace the newness of everything, it will be a whirlwind and fun! And if you need to remember these questions, bookmark this page or take some screenshots. And remember, you never know unless you ask!