Information for First-Year Students

  1. Office & Department Directory
  2. First-Year Program
  3. Information for First-Year Students

Welcome to St. Lawrence!

We are so excited to welcome you to the Laurentian community. We know that the journey to college can come with many questions. That's why we've gathered all the resources you'll need in one place.

Move-In Weekend & Orientation Schedule

We can't wait to finally welcome you home to St. Lawrence!

View the Schedule of Events

Resources for First-Year Students

Follow us on Instagram @stlawu_2027.
Listen to our podcast on Spotify.

We're counting down the days until we welcome you home to St. Lawrence! Here you'll find important dates, deadlines, and items to check off your summer "to-do" list. 

Learn About Dates and Deadlines

Beginning in June, newsletters with key information, resources, and deadline reminders are sent out to help students prepare for their next adventure at St. Lawrence. Keep an eye on your inbox and new postings will be saved here as well.

Read the Newsletter

Students and families are welcome to join us via Zoom on Sundays from 7-8 p.m. (EST) to meet the fabulous folks at St. Lawrence. Drop in when you can and let us answer questions and help you start to make important connections!

Learn More About Sunday Night Campfires

North Country Pre-Orientation Trips are only available for students matriculating in the fall semester.

Students approved for the pre-trips move into their rooms Wednesday, August 16.  Students will receive an email from Residence Life with their arrival time. Pre-Trips 2023 start on Wednesday, August 16 at 5pm and end in the morning on Sunday, August 20.

The Outdoor Program offers a range of pre-orientation excursions on a first-come, first-serve basis. Trip fees follow a sliding scale ($50-$400) based on need as confirmed by the Financial Aid office; the trip fee covers meals, lodging, some equipment, and transportation. Find more information here on the pre-trips, along with a list of Frequently Asked Questions.

Questions? Contact the Outdoor Program at 315-229-5016, the Office of Student Activities & Leadership at 315-229-5757, or the First-Year Program at 315-229-5909.

You will be able to complete the application form as soon as it is released on your Application Status Page in April.

Application/Preference Forms Due: May 30, 2023

Acceptance notifications e-mailed: Mid-June

Participation Confirmation (fee and waiver) Due:  July 15, 2023

Check the links below to learn more about student life at St. Lawrence.

You will find many opportunities as a First-Year student to get engaged on campus, including taking on leadership roles in the first few weeks of the semester.

First-Year Opportunities

  • First-Year Cup 

    • One of the first traditions you’ll take part in as a new member of the Laurentian community is the FYP Cup--a chance to enter into some friendly competition against your fellow first-years over the course of your first semester on campus. There are lawn games, trivia, and the much-anticipated song-writing contest, plus ways to earn points by attending events, readings, and presentations across campus.
  • Bradley R. Evers Outstanding First-Year Student Awards
  • First-Year Council 
    • The First Year Council, in collaboration with SLU’s student government, the Thelomathesian Society, provides leadership within the First Year class. It plans social activities, programs, manages the class social media page, and raises funds for celebrations like Senior Week. Anyone can join First Year Council, and we'll have sign-ups at the club and orientation fair in the second week of the semester; elections for executive positions within the council are in November each year.
  • First-Year Research Exchange
  • William O'Brien First-Year Research Prizes

Residential Programs

  • Your Community Assistant will design several activities in the fall semester to build community and make connections to your FYP course content. 

Student Activities

  • Club and Organization Fair

    • Get involved and connected with the student clubs and organizations that create and host events and activities on campus at our Club and Organization Fair, offered at the end of the second week of each semester. Our 100+ student clubs and organizations are excited to welcome new students! 
  • Intramurals
  • Varsity Sports
  • Volunteer Services
  • Outdoor Program
  • New Clubs and Organizations
    • Don't see what you're looking for? Start a new club or organization! It's not uncommon for first year students and new transfer students to start new clubs, and our Student Activities team has an easy guide to help. 

A St. Lawrence education prepares students to think critically and creatively, to examine and express their ideas and values, to understand those whose beliefs and circumstances may be different from their own, and to pursue an understanding of the natural world and human experience.

To get started on the right path, connect with your academic advisor, who is also your FYP instructor.

Resources to Help Plan Your Education

Explore General Education Requirements

Browsing Guide to Fall 2023 Courses

Learn How To Create a Course Plan

Registering for Fall Courses