Orientation

Your Jaguar journey starts now

Choosing your classes. Making that first new friend. Discovering all the opportunities at your fingertips for the next few years. At orientation, you’ll experience those moments you’ve been waiting for: those moments where you’ll know, you’ve made it.

Undergraduate orientation is a one-day session on campus that prepares you for your academic journey at IU Indianapolis. Through orientation, you’ll gain confidence in navigating campus and starting your classes, making the transition to college seamless. Get started by signing up for orientation.

Reserve your spot

Additional information for international students

In addition to the tasks listed under “Prepare for orientation,” all international students must follow these additional steps before attending orientation. More details are available through the Office of International Affairs.

All undergraduate international students must also take the English for Academic Purposes (EAP) placement test. This assessment tests students’ abilities in academic English.

Arrive prior to the orientation start date and bring the appropriate travel documents with you. Review the Office of International Affairs website for a list of documents you’ll need and other important travel information to note before you arrive in the United States. If you will not be in the United States for orientation, please refer to this late arrival information.

Prepare for orientation

Set yourself up for a productive orientation: complete these steps before you attend orientation.

First thing first: reserve your spot at undergraduate orientation. The earlier you attend orientation, the more options you'll have for scheduling your classes.

Reserve your spot

Placement tests assess your knowledge in certain subjects to ensure you enroll in the classes where you can be most successful when you start at IU Indianapolis. Complete all required placement tests online at least three days before orientation so your scores will be available in time. Most students will have to take placement tests in math and English. You may also need to take tests in world languages and chemistry depending on your intended academic plan. Determine which tests you should take.

Take your placement tests

Your CrimsonCard is your university student ID card that will gain you access to buildings, events, and resources on campus. Submit a photo and verify your identity before orientation to pick up your CrimsonCard at orientation.

Submit your photo

Jaguar Launch is an interactive online module system that teaches you what you’ll need to know about college life, such as how to view your financial aid, how to change your major, what campus safety looks like, what your housing options are, and more. It also introduces you to many of the resources and offices on campus. The modules will take about an hour to complete.

Watch your email for more details on Jaguar Launch.

Indiana state law requires all IU Indianapolis students to prove that their immunizations are up-to-date. Help keep our campus community healthy, and submit your immunization records.

Learn more about this requirement

Contact your high school and any other institution through which you took college courses, including dual credit courses, to have your final transcripts sent to IU Indianapolis. If you were previously enrolled at another college or university after high school, please also contact that institution to send your transcripts.

Electronic transcripts may be sent to mycredit@iu.edu. Physical transcripts may be mailed to:

IU Indianapolis Office of Undergraduate Admissions
Cavanaugh Hall 147
425 University Boulevard
Indianapolis, IN 46202

If you are an international student, please either submit electronic transcripts via Atlas or have your former institution(s) mail physical copies to:

IU Indianapolis Office of International Admissions
902 West New York Street, ES 2126
Indianapolis, IN 46202 USA

Questions? Contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions or visit one of the following links:

What to know for the day of orientation

Where it is

Campus Center
420 University Boulevard
Indianapolis, IN 46202

Where to park

Vermont Street Parking Garage
1004 West Vermont Street

Take a ticket at the gate and park in any spot that isn’t marked “reserved.” You will receive a QR code when you check into orientation to scan upon leaving the garage.

What to bring

  • IU Indianapolis username and passphrase
  • Government-issued photo ID (e.g., driver’s license, state ID card)
  • Mobile device (DUO enabled)
  • Laptop or tablet
  • Chargers

Get a feel for what the day might look like

Below are sample schedules. These are just examples, as orientation schedules are tailored so that they’re relevant to you and your academic goals. All orientations allow students to meet with an academic advisor, learn more about the resources available at IU Indianapolis, and register for classes. You will also have time for optional activities, such as taking a campus housing tour or meeting with a financial aid advisor.

Keep in mind: the earlier you attend orientation, the better your chances of enrolling in the classes you need at the times you want, as these fill up quickly!

For incoming students who haven’t previously attended college

Time Event
8:30–9 a.m.Program check-in
9–9:30 a.m.Welcome
9:45–10:45 a.m.Resource fair/optional housing tours
11–11:30 a.m.Academic school information session
11:45 a.m.–12:30 p.m.Student tour/small group
12:30–1:15 p.m.Student lunch
1:30–5 p.m.Academic planning/advising/registration

For the guests of students entering college for the first time

Time Event
8:30–9 a.m.Program check-in
9–9:30 a.m.Welcome
9:45–10:45 a.m.Resource fair/optional housing tours
11–11:30 a.m.Academic school information session
11:45 a.m.–12:30 p.m.Family/guest lunch
12:45–1 p.m.Guests receive spirit items
1–2 p.m.Division of Student Affairs talk: Student and Family Connections
2–2:30 p.m.Career development talk
2:45–3:45 p.m.Campus partner presentations/optional meetings
3:45–5 p.m.Break service/reception

For students who are transferring from another college or university

Time Event
8:30–9 a.m.Program check-in
9–9:30 a.m.Welcome
9:45–10:15 a.m.Academic school information session
10:30–11:15 a.m.Academic planning
11:30 a.m.–1:15 p.m.Lunch and What It Means to Be a Jaguar talk
1:30–3:30 p.m.Optional activities:
  • Campus resource fair
  • Campus presentations
  • Campus/housing tours
1:30–4:30 p.m.Registration assistance and advising

Still have questions?

Contact Orientation Services at welcome@iu.edu or by calling 317-274-4240.

After orientation

We hope you enjoyed orientation! There are just a few more steps to take before you begin classes.

  • Attend Bridge Week! This first official week of school for all beginning first-year undergraduate students is full of socializing, fun, and activities to get you acclimated to IU Indianapolis’s campus. This year’s Bridge Week will take place August 19–23. Bridge Week is mandatory for all undergraduate students, including international students in F-1 or J-1 status.
  • Visit Student Central to take care of the business of being a student. From there, you can pay your bill, explore your financial aid options, update your personal information, and more.
  • Talk to your advisor if you have any questions about your academic plans.
  • All first-year undergraduate international students must also attend International Welcome Week from August 14 to 16 in addition to Bridge Week. Visit the Office of International Affairs website for more information.
  • All transfer, exchange, and graduate international students must also attend International Welcome Week. You can visit the Office of International Affairs website for more information.

Contact Information

Orientation Call Center

Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (closed during campus holidays)
Phone: 317-274-4240
Email: welcome@iu.edu