Our First-Year Experience

At Ball State, we roll out the Cardinal red carpet for new students. Our distinctive First-Year Experience for first-time freshmen connects you to a vast community of support and empowers you to excel as soon as you arrive here.

Through robust programs and resources, we will help you navigate our campus, embrace new opportunities, and build positive relationships with peers and professors. You’ll make a successful transition to college and prepare for a bright future.

Best First-Year Experience in Indiana

—U.S. News & World Report

Welcoming Community

The first stop on your journey is our on-campus Orientation program, where you’ll learn more about college life, meet other students, and prepare for your first year at Ball State. After you move to campus, our Weeks of Welcome will connect you to people, places, and resources through special social and academic activities during your first six weeks.

Orientation
Housing Move-In
Weeks of Welcome
Summer Bridge Programs
Summer Bridge Programs

Join your new classmates in some exciting leadership, academic, and recreation activities on and off campus in July and August.

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Academic Support

From day one, we connect your academic journey with your career journey. Professional support will help you explore majors and career options, plan your degree, and develop long-term goals and job skills. You’ll have access to individual academic advising, career coaching, and tutoring and receive a Student Success Kit with practical tools for your studies.

Academic Advising
Career Center
Learning Center
KEY Careers Program
KEY Careers Program

Connect the dots between choosing a major and a future career with this online tool that you’ll explore during Orientation.

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Holistic Success

Everyone in our community—faculty, staff, graduates, and even fellow students—plays a role in ensuring your success both inside and outside the classroom. Special resources such as professional student success coaches, peer mentors, and first-year seminar courses will help you thrive academically and personally during your first year and beyond.

Success Coaching
Commuter Support
Disability Services
Living-Learning Communities
Living-Learning Communities

Live among peers studying similar majors and access special academic resources and experiences right in your residence hall.

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More Resources

Ready to Get Started?

To tap into this powerful first-year support, take the next step to becoming a Ball State Cardinal. Together, We Fly!

Apply for Admission
Confirm Your Enrollment
After You’re Admitted