By Meira Berkowitz, Staff Writer
For many first-year students at Yeshiva University, orientation week is a whirlwind of new faces, campus tours and information sessions. Between navigating dorms, learning the shuttle system and figuring out where to grab a coffee, orientation is a real first taste of what the semester ahead will bring. But beyond the schedules and procedures, orientation serves as a soft landing, helping students feel at home in a completely new environment.
Miri Hochberg (SCW ‘28) felt that the orientation experience was reassuring. “It’s been really well run,” she told the YU Observer. “Staff and students are available if you have any questions or need guidance.” Several orientation leaders, resident advisors and faculty members were around every day to lead information sessions and assist new students throughout the week.
That sense of structure and stability is supporting many FTOC students in their transition to college life. Daniel Nelson (YC ‘28) found that peer-led sessions provided comfort within the new environment. “How2@YU felt really homey,” referring to the practical and dynamic infosessions that help students set up logins, connect to wifi, and navigate all campus life processes. “It was nice to hear from older students, and they were genuinely entertaining,” Nelson told the YU Observer.
Along with daily information sessions, the many icebreakers, group activities and informal campus tours gave students a chance to form initial connections and lay the groundwork for friendships that will continue to develop throughout the school year. “Orientation really helps you meet new people,” Ayelet Ostrin (SCW ‘28) told the YU Observer. While the social energy could be overwhelming at times, students appreciated the intentional efforts to help them feel part of a community.
Orientation also introduced students to the Beren and Wilf campuses. “The classrooms in Belfer are a quiet place to do work,” Nelson said. Gavi Tropper (YC ‘29) enjoyed discovering places both on and off the Wilf campus. “I really liked Sky Cafe and the activities,” Tropper told the YU Observer. “Orientation helped me explore the campus and the city, and I’m excited to live in New York.”
While the orientation programming offered a lot, students also noted areas needing improvement. Tropper wished there had been more discussion about extracurriculars and clubs. “I’m most excited for all the clubs,” he said. “I just wish they had been explained a bit more during orientation.”
For many students, joining YU’s various clubs and sports teams is one of the main ways to feel included and connected on campus. A stronger emphasis on extracurricular life during orientation can help bridge the gap between orientation week and the daily rhythm of being a YU student.
From peer-led panels to campus tours, orientation events not only introduced students to academics and logistics but also fostered a sense of belonging. The sessions and activities helped students leave with confidence, connections and a strong sense of possibility. Orientation is only the beginning — it is a launchpad into the full YU experience. From supportive classroom environments to social spaces, at orientation, FTOC students can start to imagine the kinds of experiences that will define the next four years.
Editor’s Note: Since this article was written, the Office of Student Life has announced that all clubs at Yeshiva University have been canceled for the time being.
Picture Caption: Wilf Orientation.
Picture Credit: Yeshiva University