FAQs

  1. How do I register for International Orientation?
  2. How long is the program?
  3. What is "New Student Orientation"?
  4. Does it matter what day I attend Orientation?
  5. Is it mandatory for me to attend International Orientation?
  6. Do I have to pay to attend International Orientation?
  7. Will I get academic advisement or be able to register for my classes during my Orientation day?
  8. Where do I park during Orientation?
  9. What should I bring to New Student Orientation?
  10. Where can I obtain my CSUN ID # and E-Mail?
  11. Can family and friends attend Orientation with me?
  12. What can family and friends do while I am at Orientation?
  13. What is the EPT and ELM?
  14. What is the WPE?

How do I register for International Orientation?
Registration for International Orientation will take place when you attend one of the mandatory advisement sessions with a Foreign Student Advisor. Please remember to bring a personal check, cashier's check or money order for $25, payable to CSU Northridge or CSUN (cash WILL NOT be accepted). This fee will be used to cover the cost of your orientation registration. If you have not signed up to attend one of the mandatory international advisement sessions please contact International Programs at 818-677-3053.

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How long is the program?
Check-in begins at 8:45am and the entire program will end at 2:30pm. Each component of the program is important and will help you in becoming acquainted with the CSUN campus. For more information on the components please click on Orientation at a glance.

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What is "New Student Orientation"?
New Student Orientation is an event that the University offers to prepare all of its new students for the academic, social, and cultural change into California State University, Northridge. Throughout the Orientation Day, new students will be advised on appropriate steps to take in order to achieve academic success. Students will also get a chance to meet their peers, both fellow new students and continuing CSUN students, who will offer help and suggestions to ensure a smooth transition into CSUN.

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Does it matter what day I attend Orientation?
Yes. It is very important that you attend the day of International Orientation. This day is designed to meet your specific needs as an international student.

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Is it mandatory for me to attend International Orientation?
Yes-- it is expected that you will attend International Orientation. By attending on your assigned date you will benefit greatly because it will allow you to familiarize yourself with the specific requirements of international students, you will have the chance to ask questions to people who work within International Programs, and you will have the opportunity to meet other international students.

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Do I have to pay to attend International Orientation?
A $25 Orientation Fee is required and there will be no refunds for no-shows or cancellations. International Orientation registration materials will be filled out at the mandatory group advisement session you have signed up for and your $25 check will also be collected at this time. Personal check, cashier's check or money order must be made payable to: CSU Northridge or CSUN (cash WILL NOT be accepted).

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Will I get academic advisement or be able to register for my classes during my Orientation day?
No. Academic advisement and University Registration are separate events and will not occur at Orientation. For more information please contact your advisor. Click here to get a listing of department academic advisors.

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Where do I park during Orientation?
Parking is available in Parking lot G4, located on Zelzah Avenue. Follow the signs posted. They will direct you to the parking lot. Students will be given a courtesy parking pass for the day of their Orientation and will be required to park in lot G4. The parking permit will only work for the day of Orientation; all other days will require a CSUN parking permit that can be obtained at one of the parking booths. Should you misplace your parking permit an Orientation Leader will be in the parking lot to provide you with another one. View the location of Parking lot G4.

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What should I bring to New Student Orientation?

  • Class Schedule: Orientation leaders will be able to point out the location of your classes.
  • Good and Positive Attitude: to make the most out your Orientation experience.
  • Courtesy Parking Pass: you will need to display this in your vehicle when parking in Parking Lot G4.

*Also keep in mind the warm Northridge climate when choosing your wardrobe.

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Where can I obtain my CSUN ID # and E-Mail?
Your CSUN Student ID # is issued to you by The Office of Admissions and Records when you are admitted to CSUN. You may sign up for your CSUN e-mail address by going to https://www.csun.edu/webmail. Click on How to Obtain a Campus Account and follow the instructions to complete the process.

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Can family and friends attend Orientation with me?
Orientation is designed as one of the first experiences that a new student has in understanding what the independent college experience is like. Therefore, family and friends are not permitted to attend. The day is designed specifically to assist the students in learning about the responsibilities and challenges that they might expect as a new student attending CSUN. Orientation provides information and resources to assist students with specific issues. Students will also benefit by having an opportunity to connect with other students who can relate to similar issues or feelings that are typical of international students transitioning into this university.

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What can family and friends do while I am at Orientation?
There are several things that family and friends can do in the Northridge Area, while you are attending Orientation. There are Malls, Movie Theatres, Bowling Alleys, Miniature Golf Parks, and Bookstores that your friends and family members can check out. A more detailed list with directions will be available for distribution on the day of Orientation.

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What is the EPT and ELM?
The EPT and the ELM are English and Math Placement Tests that most incoming freshmen take in order for the University to place the students into the appropriate English and Math level. To find out more information on testing call 818-677-2369 or go to http://www.csun.edu/testing.

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What is the WPE?
The Writing Proficiency Exam (WPE) is an exam that every student must pass to demonstrate his or her writing skills. This test should be taken as soon as you have earned 56 units, fulfilled the lower division writing requirement, and certainly before you have earned 90 units. You will be able to find more information on this test by going to the WPE website: http://www.csun.edu/testing or call 818-677-3303.

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If you have any further questions about orientation please contact the Orientation Staff either via e-mail at NewStudentOrientation@csun.edu or call one of the New Student Orientation Coordinators at 818-677-4100.

If you have any questions about your immigration status please contact your International Student Advisor at the Office of International Programs at 818-677-3053.