Frequently Asked Questions
Orientation FAQs
How do I register for Orientation?
You can register for Orientation through your online applicant portal. Instructions on how to complete your registration.
You can also follow this link to be directed to the applicant portal.
I'm having trouble registering for Orientation. What should I do?
First, make sure Suffolk has received your admission deposit; you can’t register for Orientation until you've made this deposit. If you’ve recently made your payment, please note that it takes 3 to 5 business days to process your deposit and set you up in our system. It’s a good idea to wait at least 4 days after making your deposit before trying to register for Orientation.
If you are having any issues regarding your login credentials please contact the IT Service Desk. You can email them at [email protected] or call them at 617-557-2000.
Where and when do I report for Orientation?
Please see your orientation registration confirmation email for details about your session.
What do I need to bring?
We recommend that you have a notebook and pen handy during your orientation process.
We also recommend bringing your own linens, like sheets, pillows, and some toiletries.
What if I can't attend Orientation?
Orientation is mandatory for all new first-year and transfer students. This is your only opportunity to attend Orientation and confirm your registration for the upcoming semester's classes. If you cannot attend, please contact us to discuss alternate arrangements.
Is there an Orientation program for parents and family members?
We encourage all incoming students to bring family members! There will be specific sessions for family to participate in during orientation that run concurrent to the students programming. Interested families can register for family orientation through their student’s account on the Admission portal.
Can I bring a guest to Orientation?
Guests who are not pre-registered won’t be permitted. Please keep in mind that family members are invited to participate in family Orientation.
Can I move in early if I plan to live in University housing?
New students with confirmed housing assignment for the upcoming semester will be able to move into their residence hall prior to the start of orientation, this is particular to students who are attending the last orientation in August. If you have questions or would like more information about University housing, please contact Residence Life & Housing at [email protected] or call them at 617-305-2500.
Will I meet with an advisor and finalize my class schedule during Orientation?
Yes! After attending all mandatory events at Orientation, you will have your course schedule finalized after meeting with an academic advisor individually.
How can I declare or change my major?
If you want to change your major, please contact the Office of the Registrar before orientation, you can email them at [email protected] or call them at 617-557-2010. This will help us pair you with an advisor who can address your interests and field of study. You can also fill out a change of major form online here.
Why do I have to take math and writing placement exams?
All first-year students must take these exams. Placing you in the right courses helps ensure that you will have a positive experience in the classroom. Both of these exams must be completed prior to registering for courses and attending orientation. You can find steps on where and how to take the exams here.
I have taken Advanced Placement exams (or IB, dual enrollment, etc.). Will I receive academic credit for them?
Suffolk awards credit for AP, IB, and other comparable examinations. Official results must be sent to the Office of Undergraduate Admission. If you have taken courses through a dual enrollment program, please have the college or university send your official transcript directly to Suffolk. Upon receiving your official results or transcripts, admission staff will review them and notify you of credits awarded. If your results are not received before Orientation, please bring a copy of the exams and/or courses you have taken with you.
How can I check my transfer credits to be sure Suffolk has received my transcripts?
To check your transcripts online, log on to your MySuffolk portal and follow the steps below:
- Click on "My Applications"
- Click on "New Admitted Students"
- Click on "My Decision Letter"
- There will be links on the screen for "My Transfer Credits" and "My Transfer Equivalency Report"
Before orientation, you must submit all transcripts and other records for previous credits earned at all previous institutions. This may include AP courses taken in high school, courses taken at the college level at any institution, and courses in which you are currently enrolled. If you have questions about transcripts, please contact Undergraduate Admission by email or 617-573-8460.
Tuition & Financial Aid FAQs
Do I need to bring my tuition payment?
If you plan to attend Suffolk, you must submit your admission deposit before registering for or attending orientation. You can make this payment online. If you still have questions about your deposit, tuition, or bill, please contact Student Account Services.
Tuition is due August 1.
After my financial aid is subtracted, I'll still have a balance. My family plans to take out a loan to cover it. When should we apply for loans?
I was awarded work-study. How do I get a job?
You'll be mailed an information packet containing details on finding a job, required paperwork and forms, how you'll be paid, a listing of all campus departments hiring student workers, and more. Students are typically hired during the first three weeks of each semester. You can also reach out to departments individually and ask whether they are hiring for positions if you have a particular place you would like to work.
International Orientation FAQs
How do I register for Orientation?
You can register for Orientation through your online applicant portal. There, you can check out our instructions for completing your registration.
When is Orientation?
Incoming International students starting Suffolk in the fall will participate in Orientation in August.
What is expected of me during Orientation?
All students are required to participate in and complete Orientation.
Can my family members come to Orientation with me?
Starting at a new institution in a new country is an exciting adventure, not only for you, the student, but for your entire family! While it is not mandatory for family members to attend orientation, it is strongly encouraged. Orientation provides an opportunity for family members to learn about your academic program and requirements, get answers to financial questions, policies, and deadlines, understand academic and co-curricular resources, gain details about health, wellness, and safety, and more. We hope to see you there!
Suffolk's international family orientation program runs at the same time as, but separately from student orientation. For family members, orientation offers an exciting opportunity to interact with skilled faculty and staff members who are committed to achieving excellence on campus.
Family Orientation FAQs
How do I register for Orientation?
Your student can register you to attend Orientation through their applicant portal when they register themselves. If your student has already registered for Orientation and would like to add you as a guest, they can contact us to update their registration.
How much does family orientation cost?
Orientation registration is free for family members.
How long is Summer Orientation for families?
Summer Orientation in June is two days for family members of incoming first year students and one day for families of incoming transfer students. It is required that students participate in the full program and will not be permitted to leave the program early.
Freshman (First Year) Students
Summer Orientation will take place over two days. Family and student orientation programs run concurrently but separately from each other. Families will check into orientation with their student (check-in information and information about hotels can be found in the confirmation email). Family members and students will be apart for most of the program.
Please note, there is an optional Sunset Reception for families on Day One.
Transfer Students
Summer Orientation will take place over one day. Family and student orientation programs run concurrently but separately from each other. Families will check into orientation with their student on day one (check-in information can be found in the confirmation email). Family members and students will be apart for most of the program.
What if I have to cancel?
Please contact Orientation & New Student Programs if you've already registered but cannot attend. You can also make changes to your registration up to 48 hours before your session by returning to the registration form or contacting us.
What should I bring?
For Orientation we encourage you to have a note pad and a pen handy.
Where do I check in?
Please see your orientation registration confirmation email for details about your session.