group of students in a lecture hall

Orientation Experience FAQs’

How can I register for Orientation?

An email with instructions from the Orientation Team will be sent to your Montclair State University email address. You will be required to log into your NEST Account to access your Orientation Registration account.

After successfully logging into the Orientation Registration account, a task list will appear with instructions to verify your personal information before selecting your mandatory Orientation sessions.

How do I know which Orientation I need to attend?

You Will Need to Select an Orientation Session for Each of the Mandatory Fall Orientation Programs

  • University Life: Day One
  • College Connection: Day Two

You Will Be Shown Available Dates Based On

  • Your Major
    • A limited number of Orientation sessions are available per college and major.
    • Planning on changing your major? Contact Undergraduate Admissions at msuadm@montclair.edu before registering for Fall Orientation.
  • Your Move-In Day (residential students only)
    • If you are planning to live on campus for the Fall 2022 semester, a housing deposit must be paid before registering for Fall Orientation.
    • If you plan to commute to campus, please proceed with your registration.

If you run into trouble with Orientation Registration, please contact Orientation Programs at orientation@montclair.edu or call 973-655-4162.

When is Orientation?

Fall Orientation is held from Wednesday, August 24 – Wednesday, August 31.

The Mandatory Fall Orientation Sessions Include

  • University Life: Day One
  • College Connection: Day Two

All Orientation Session Dates Are Based on Availability

  • Residents: You will move into your assigned residence hall prior to the date of your Orientation session!
  • Commuters: Check-in, pick up your University ID and join us for your Orientation! All commuting students are welcome to attend any social program during Orientation, whether it be day or night!
Is Orientation Mandatory?

Yes. Fall Orientation is a mandatory with three specific requirements:

  1. New to the Nest: An online orientation course in Canvas
  2. Fall Orientation Day One: University Life
  3. Fall Orientation Day Two: College Connection
What Should I Do if the Major Listed on My Orientation Reservation Does Not Match My Intended Major for Fall 2022?

Newly admitted first-semester students should contact Undergraduate Admissions to change their degree, major, minor and/or concentration prior to the first semester. Non-degree-seeking students must also contact Undergraduate Admissions if they wish to become degree-seeking students.

Contact Undergraduate Admissions by email msuadm@montclair.edu or call 973-655-4444.

In order to see the correct dates available for your specific major, contact Orientation Programs at orientation@montclair.edu or call 973-655-4162.

What Should I Do if I Plan to Live On-Campus for Fall 2022, but I Am Listed as a Commuting Student on My Orientation Reservation?

Students are listed as a “Commuter” unless they have completed a Housing Application and paid their Housing Application Fee.

Pay the $300.00 Housing Application Fee online through NEST or in person at the Office of Student Accounts. Learn More About Payment Information.

Contact Residence Life by email at reslife@montclair.edu or call 973-655-5188.

In order to see the correct dates available for residential students, contact Orientation Programs at orientation@montclair.edu or call 973-655-4162.

Are Residents Required to Remain on Campus Until Classes Start?

Residents are expected to remain on-campus from their Move-In Day up until Red Hawk Day on Thursday, September 1. The fall 2022 semester begins Friday, September 2.

We have a week filled with performances, fun activities and social events that will support your transition to the University!

If I Am a Commuter, Can I Attend the Late Night and Weekend Events at Fall Orientation?

Yes! Commuters are expected to attend any and all events they wish to attend during Fall Orientation. This includes our late night events (performances, game nights and more) and our weekend activities.

There will also be events specifically for commuting students – so be on the lookout for more fun!

Can My Family Members Attend Orientation?

Your family members are a welcome addition to the Red Hawk community! While Fall Orientation is designed for students only, family members are encouraged to participate in the following Family Orientation activities.

  • Family Orientation Summer Webinars: July – August 2022
  • Family Day at Fall Orientation: Saturday, August 27
Learn More About Family Orientation
How Do I Register a Family Member for Family Day?

Log in to NEST and access your Orientation Registration Portal.

Enter your family member information into the Guest Information field. Before completing your registration, add the total number of guests attending Family Day.

The Family Orientation fee for Family Day is $35.00 per guest. Students are eligible to register up to two guests for Family Day. Space is limited.

Questions? Contact the Orientation Programs at orientation@montclair.edu or call 973-655-4162.