Frequently Asked Questions

What is my SUID number?

Your SUID number is a nine digit number located on your Intent To Register Form. If you did not record this number, you can request it from the Office at Admissions via e-mail at orange@syr.edu

When is new student orientation?

Syracuse Welcome 2008: A Slice of SU Life, Syracuse University's new student orientation program officially begins on Thursday, August 21, 2008, and ends on Sunday, August 24, 2008. Additional orientation events and activities continue through the first two weeks of classes.

When can first-year students move into their residence hall rooms?

The official move-in day is Thursday, August 21, 2008. Students may request to move-in early on Wednesday, August 20, 2008. Information on how to select your preferred move-in day will be sent to new students in June. Students can select to move-in either day, depending on what works best for them and their families.

How does the move-in process work?
Is there someone to help me move-in?

When you arrive at your residence hall, you will be able to temporarily park your car while our move-in assistants—the "Goon Squad"—will help you unload your car and move your belongings into your room. Since the 1940s when the Traditions Commission established the Goon Squad, Goons have been helping incoming first-year students adjust to college life and spread school spirit throughout campus. In the early days, squad members would lead cheers at football games and host events such as the annual Goon Show. Goons also used to make sure first-year students wore their beanies, indicating first-year status. Today, Goon Squad members are best known as the friendly group of students who greet first-year students as they arrive on campus and help them move into their residence halls.

How long should parents stay for orientation?
When should parents go home?

We encourage parents to stay for the Chancellor's Convocation for New Students on Friday, August 22, 2008, immediately following is a lunch on the turf. Then it's time to say your goodbyes. We encourage parents to depart after lunch because the remainder of Syracuse Welcome activities are just for the students.

What might an average day be like for me as an SU student?
How busy do you think I will be?

A typical day is different for every student here at SU, it will most likely even vary from day to day. One day, you might have your first class of the day at 8:30 a.m., while another day, you might not start class until 2 p.m. Some days you might be on campus most of the day, leaving you plenty of opportunities to take trips to the bookstore, library, Schine Student Center, dining halls, and many other events.

At night, after your homework is done, there are seemingly endless University sponsored events and programs related to both academic and student life, including concerts, lectures and seminars, art shows, etc. There are also many different activities that you can become involved in such as a religious group, cultural club, intramural or club sport, sorority or fraternity (in your second semester of enrollment), volunteer organization, or other special interest groups.

It is important to recognize that you can be as active and involved at Syracuse University as you choose to be. Depending on if you are working, volunteering, are active in student organizations, establishing new friendships, or more importantly, tending to your academics, you might find that your days can become extremely busy. We encourage you to purchase a student planner as soon as possible.

What is the secret to first-year success?

Learning to manage your time efficiently is one of the hardest and most important secrets to success. Asking for help and advice about time management from your peers, your family, your professors, teaching assistants, academic advisors, etc. may be helpful to you. Also, as time goes on, managing your time will become easier.
It is important to remember that other new students are going through many of the same things that you are. Therefore, be open and willing to reach out to your peers. Be willing to get involved in campus life and engage yourself in the campus culture. Keep in mind that while everything might not happen for you right away, there are plenty of opportunities for you to find your niche.

Is it hard to get around campus?

Syracuse University's campus can seem a little overwhelming at first. However, with accurate maps and helpful people, you will find that our campus is easily navigated. It is also important to remember that the majority of undergraduate classes are located within the same general area, and that you are not alone in worrying about finding your way!

While there may be some exceptions, most classes are not far away from residence halls. It usually won't take you longer than 10-12 minutes to walk to class from your residence hall—though some classes may be much closer. For Skyhall residents, buses run every 10 minutes to/from main campus.

Once you receive your residence hall assignment and compare it to your class locations, you will get a better idea of how much time you will need to give yourself to get to class. We suggest that you map out where your classes are located for the fall semester. Once you are on campus—before classes begin—you might want to walk around and familiarize yourself with where the buildings are for your classes. On the first day of each class, we suggest that you give yourself a few extra minutes before your class begins to find your classroom and get settled in. And a word to the wise…don't feel bad about carrying a campus map with you. Remember, everyone here has been new to the University at one point or another!

Is it safe to walk around campus at night by myself?

No matter where you are, it is always a good idea to walk with someone else, especially at night. Syracuse University offers many services to foster the safety of students, such as blue lights distributed throughout campus, campus escort services, postings of previous incidents, as well as frequent tips on how to stay safe. For more information, visit the Department of Public Safety's web site at http://publicsafety.syr.edu/.

What's the weather like?

Syracuse has four distinct seasons. It can be quite warm when you arrive on campus, but it feels like fall by late September. You can expect to see snow on the ground throughout the winter. Syracuse averages more than 100 inches of snow each year. Spring brings a new energy to campus and the Quad comes alive as students take advantage of the warmer weather. If you stay in Syracuse over the summer, you can expect it to be very warm!