Orientation information and Important steps for all new students

Beginning May 10th, as you embark on your academic journey it is important that we find out about you, and your previous educational experience. The placement exams in Mathematics, Foreign Languages, and Chemistry are currently open. These exams will be used as a guide and will need to be completed prior to selecting your course preferences beginning May 13th. 

Math Placement: As a Lafayette student you are required to complete a placement exam in Mathematics. 

Foreign Languages Placement: If you plan to take Chinese (Mandarin), French, German, or Spanish at Lafayette and you have prior knowledge of the subject (that is, you are not a true beginner), you are required to complete this exam. (Note: Lafayette uses an outside testing service, and there is a $10 fee. Alternatively, you may send an official AP, SAT II or IB-HL subject test score to the Registrar’s Office.)

Chemistry Placement: If you plan to take General Chemistry during your time at Lafayette you are required to complete a Chemistry Placement exam. 

Placement exams can be found here. Please be sure to read the directions carefully and if you have any questions you may contact the department regarding the exam

This is your time to explore! Take time to carefully review the Majors & Programs offered at Lafayette College. Next, review the First Year Seminar offerings. Finally, review the Fall course offerings. Take notes. Pay special attention to what inspires you or really raises your curiosity. This will help you to identify the four courses you will take in the fall semester. 

As a First Year student you will be emailed an individualized Course Preferences Survey link to your Lafayette email on Friday, May 13th. 

• The survey is not first come first served, but it is highly encouraged that you adhere to the June 12th deadline (11:59PM). (The course selection preferences survey will remain open for those who have missed the June 12th deadline.)
• Please monitor your Lafayette email and submit the survey as soon as you can.

Again selections are not first come first served. Please take advantage of the resources available to you in order to select your preferences. If you have any questions or concerns, please send an email to the Office of Advising at deanofadvising@lafayette.edu.

It is very important for the College to have your most up-to-date emergency contact information, you are required to enter this information into Banner by August 19th.

The Dietary Information Form is required for all students. Please complete this form through the MyHousing website by July 1.

• Beginning June 1st, you will have access to the First-year Housing Application through your MyHousing dashboard. Your application preferences will be used to make your room and roommate assignment.  Expect an email around June 1st  with instructions.  For general information regarding housing for incoming students, please visit https://reslife.lafayette.edu/information-for-new-students/

Staff at the Bailey Health Center knows how difficult it can be to make decisions, including ones about health and wellness. Staff members are always willing to answer all your questions, and to make this process even more simple, they’ve answered many common questions on their website. The Center requires much of the same documentation that may be asked for by your family health provider. It is important that you complete all the required Bailey Health Center forms by July 15 to make using Lafayette’s health services seamless. Please also review Bailey Health Center’s information about immunizations that are required for matriculation. You can contact the Center at (610) 330-5001 with any questions about this step and the required forms.

Click here to review information about mandatory health insurance for all students.

The Lafayette Leopard Alerts Service is a notification system that enables Lafayette students, faculty, parents, and staff to receive alerts on their cell phones in the event of an emergency on or close to campus.

When you register for Leopard Alerts, you will receive a short text message that will describe the situation and indicate suggested action. Because the messages must be brief, you will be directed to go to the College’s website (www.lafayette.edu), where details will be available.

Register here

You should follow these instructions to electronically submit a photo for your Lafayette ID card. This is an important piece of identification that you will need for obtaining meals, and for other important uses as a Lafayette student. IDs will be distributed as part of the move-in process.

You can view room, roommate, and meal plan assignment information in the MyHousing website in late July.

Each year the Office of Advising and Co-curricular Programs records each incoming student’s name as a reference throughout their time on campus. Most notably the recording is reviewed before your name is announced at commencement in the Spring of 2026!

Please use the link to log into your Spaces account and find “First Year Name Recording” and your class section. Follow the directions and submit before August 1, 2022.

Please direct any questions to deanofadvising@lafayette.edu

First-year move-in is scheduled for Friday, August 26th.  Specific information will be emailed from the Office of Residence Life in July.  General information about move-in can be found on the Office of Residence Life website! Please note that International Student Move-in is August 21st.

As part of our comprehensive prevention program, first-year students and transfer students are required to complete a student awareness training.  This training will empower you to make well-informed decisions about issues that affect your time at Lafayette as well as after graduation. Students will receive communication directly from the College regarding registration.

Students who do not complete this course are unable to register for spring classes.

There are a number of ways to submit a tuition payment. Information on tuition payments can be found on the Admissions and Aid website.

To support your success this fall, please review some of the general academic resources available to you as a Lafayette student.

Review the Getting Started page to learn more about the process of requesting services and/or accommodations through Accessibility Services.

Below are suggested timelines for non-housing requests:
Fall Semester: Submit Request by July 15
Spring Semester: Submit Request by January 15

Reference the Housing Accommodations webpage for deadlines regarding housing accommodation requests.

The waiver is required to use the Recreation Center (includes fitness center, jogging track, swimming pool, dance rooms, basketball and racquet courts) plus all programs that occur inside the facility (e.g., group fitness classes, climbing wall, intramural sports). Upon completion, your ID will be programmed to allow access to the Kirby Sports Center.

Visit the Recreation Services website to get the waiver.

Fall 2022 Orientation will be held in person the weekend of August 26 – 28. More information can be found on the Orientation site.

Orientation provides new students with the opportunity to meet faculty, staff, current student leaders, and fellow new students at Lafayette. It familiarizes you with our shared community and academic values and expectations, encourages understanding the importance of operating in Lafayette’s pluralistic and inclusive community, introduces resources that can assist in making a successful transition to college life, and instills an appreciation for the value of liberal arts and academically rigorous and diverse community.

Your official Lafayette academic career is about to begin, so take advantage of all the College will be offering to you! Visit the Office of Advising and Co-Curricular Programs website for some useful resources, campus links, academic enrichment resources, general college transition advice, and much more.