For many, it's the people they meet. To help build social confidence, Orientation offers new students activities, both within their house and within their class. Two traditions, one sponsored by the Alumni Association, encourage class identity. The opening convocation is followed by the class picture. Throughout Orientation, there is an emphasis on meeting the students in one's house.
Students usually have their first house meeting the evening of move-in day.
Houses make excursions into the city, often with very specific destinations. Other house activities include trips to the Hancock Observatory and local festivals. While a number of activities are residence-house based, commuter students are not forgotten. No matter how well Orientation is planned, however, students will still have questions.