Editor’s Note: This story was originally published in June 2022. It was last updated in June 2024.
Orientation is the initial step in the First Year Experience — TCU programming designed to support students as they transition from high school to college. With a focus on relationship building, TCU’s on-campus, two-day orientation introduces the newest Horned Frogs to the basics of university life. Incoming students learn about campus resources, connect with peers, eat in Market Square, stay in a residence hall, get a taste of student activities and register for classes.
TCU’s First Year Experience also includes Frog Camp, a beloved summer program that immerses students in university traditions, and Frogs First, a series of welcome events at the start of the academic year. Together with orientation, these experiences help incoming students find their home at TCU and become part of the Horned Frog family, which is why the university’s A-plus retention rate is among the highest in the nation.
Take a peek into TCU’s exceptional, fun-filled orientation to see how it positions students for a successful college experience.
The first day of orientation starts bright and early at check in, where incoming students pick up their orientation schedule and other important paperwork.
After settling into a residence hall for an overnight stay, students and their families meet their orientation leaders, who introduce them to special TCU traditions like the Riff Ram chant, spirit groups and SuperFrog.
TCU’s orientation leaders keep things running smoothly as students and families break into small groups across campus. They lead these groups in personalized discussions that offer incoming students greater opportunities to ask questions and get answers from current students and faculty.
“Small group programming is designed to foster a sense of belonging and connect incoming students with each other and upperclassmen,” says Emily Ivey, Ph.D., director of New Student & Family Programs.
“Relationships are at the forefront of TCU’s orientation,” Ivey says.
In small groups, students cover the best parts of the TCU experience: residence life, football games, student organizations, concerts, Frog Bucks, free food, fireworks and so much more.
“Additionally, we introduce them to services and resources available to support them inside and outside the classroom,” Ivey says.
When it’s time for lunch, Market Square is the place to be. First-generation college students and their families are invited to break bread with other first-gen students, faculty and staff, who share their experiences and make connections to important programs.
“We focus on community building by introducing incoming students to a network of individuals who can help guide them along their path to graduation,” Ivey says.
Many incoming students bring their support systems with them to orientation. Whether they’re parents, grandparents or siblings, families and guests may attend an orientation of their own to discover how they can help their new Horned Frog during their college experience.
The FROGS Ceremony is a time for incoming students to dig deeper as they prepare for independence on a college campus. Orientation leaders share personal stories from their first-year experience on topics that correspond to each letter in FROGS — freedom, responsibility, opportunity, generosity and spirit — to encourage dialogue with new students.
It’s all fun and games once the sun sets on orientation day one. Incoming students are encouraged to socialize and enjoy on-campus entertainment, which offers a look at the good times that await when the school year officially starts in August.
Orientation day two is all about registering for classes. Faculty and academic advisors from each school and college are on hand to help students build a schedule for their first semester.
Students also have the opportunity to tour residence halls and take their ID photo before packing up to return home.
But the summer of TCU fun isn’t over yet.
“Orientation is just the starting point for incoming students to build their TCU community and learn about the many ways we support our students,” Ivey says.
Next up: Frog Camp!
Get dates, schedules and more information for this summer’s first-year and transfer orientation sessions.
© 2026 Texas Christian University
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