Freshman Orientation Information

Bearkat Bound

Freshman Orientation is here to start you on your journey. These sessions help new students become familiar with services and programs vital to their successful transition as full active members of the Sam Houston State University community. Partnering collaboratively with other university offices and departments, these sessions help students gain the skills, information, and meaningful relationships important to successful long-term academic and personal outcome.

To see the most up to date schedule download the SHSU Guidebook app with the white logo and orange SH. Android IOS

  • Who should attend and what is the cost?
    • All 2018 - 2019 high school graduates are REQUIRED to attend (transfer hours do not count).
    • Non-refundable fee of $140 per student (covers lodging in a residence hall, dinner on the first night, breakfast on the second day, and all orientation materials)
    • Parent/Family Orientation is $50 for the first adult guest and $30 for any additional adult guests (covers all orientation materials, dinner on the first night, breakfast on the second day). More information about Family Orientation. This fee does not cover the cost of lodging as families will need to secure their own overnight accommodations.
    • Sibling Orientation is $30 per person (covers all orientation activities, dinner on the first night, breakfast on the second day).
  • What to bring to Orientation?
    • Valid government issued ID (driver's license, state ID card, or passport). Required to obtain your Bearkat OneCard.
    • Sweater or light jacket (Meeting rooms are cold.)
    • Paper and pen or pencil
    • Bedding for an XL twin bed
    • Toiletries (Items needed for an overnight stay)
    • Medication (If needed)
    • Snacks for late night
    • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Where will students stay overnight?
    • Students attending Orientation will be housed in Piney Woods Hall. Staying overnight is MANDATORY.
    • Remember to bring your sheets and pillow.
    • Families will need to secure their own overnight accommodations.
  • Where is check-in?
    • Check-in for Orientation students with last name beginning with A-M is from 8:00-9:00 AM and last name beginning with N-Z is from 9:00-10:30 AM at Piney Woods Hall (2120 Avenue I Huntsville, TX 77340).
    • Students will check-in with the Orientation staff to receive their name tags, orientation folder, and other pertinent information. At this time, students will also receive their room keys and have the opportunity to take their belongings to their rooms. Parking is available at the residence hall. Accessible parking is available throughout campus and the Orientation staff will be happy to provide you with a map of campus parking lots.
  • What happens during orientation?
    • To see the most up to date schedule download the SHSU Guidebook app with the white logo and orange SH.
  • Is there a walk-in fee?
    • Orientation registration closes one week prior to the session start date. Below is the walk-in fee rates:
    • Session 1 & Session 2: $10
    • Session 3 & Session 4: $25
    • Session 5 & Session 6: $40
    • Session 7: $55
    • Our office only accepts cash, checks or Money Orders.