Starting college is an exciting milestone, and Azusa Pacific University (APU) wants to help you feel prepared from day one. Whether you’re a first-year student, transferring to APU, living on campus, or commuting, orientation is an opportunity to meet new friends, discover campus resources, and become part of APU’s Christ-centered community.
Key Takeaways
- Azusa Pacific University offers two incoming-student experiences: APU Bound Orientation, focused on academic preparation like advising and class registration, and Welcome Weekend, organized by the Office of Campus Life to build community and campus familiarity.
- Incoming first-year and transfer students at Azusa Pacific University are placed in Alpha Groups led by a trained Alpha Leader, who helps new students meet peers, find campus resources, and stay connected through their first semester.
- Azusa Pacific University runs a free trolley between its East and West Campuses during class sessions, and most residence hall beds require twin XL bedding, so students should confirm their housing assignment details before move-in.
To help make your transition easier, we’ve created this APU orientation checklist with everything you need to know before, during, and after Welcome Weekend.
What Is Orientation at Azusa Pacific University?
APU offers orientation experiences that help incoming undergraduate students prepare academically, socially, and personally for university life.
APU Bound Orientation: Designed for incoming undergraduate students preparing for the fall semester, APU Bound helps students connect with university resources, receive academic guidance, and register for classes.
Welcome Weekend: Organized by APU’s Office of Campus Life, Welcome Weekend welcomes incoming first-year and transfer students and their families through activities, informational sessions, and opportunities to connect with the APU community. APU also hosts Spring Welcome for students beginning in the spring semester.
Both experiences are designed to help you feel confident, connected, and ready to begin your APU journey.
Before Orientation: Your APU Preparation Checklist
A little preparation can make your first days at APU much easier. Here’s what to take care of before arriving on campus.
1. Complete Your Enrollment Requirements
Before orientation, review APU’s Admitted Student Checklist and make sure you’ve completed the steps that apply to you.
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Submit your enrollment deposit and complete required forms.
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Set up your APU CougarLock multifactor authentication and access your student portal at home.apu.edu.
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Register for APU Bound Orientation, if applicable, and complete required pre-advising assessments.
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Submit applicable AP, IB, CLEP, or dual-enrollment records.
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Review financial aid, billing, and payment information.
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Submit required immunization records and complete any assigned student training.
Your student portal is an important resource for registration, payments, and other enrollment tasks. Check your APU email regularly for additional instructions and deadlines.
2. Register for Welcome Weekend
Visit APU’s Welcome Weekend website to review current event dates, registration instructions, schedules, and information for students and families.
Be sure to register yourself and any family members or guests who plan to participate, following the instructions for your semester.
Since event activities and schedules may change, use the official website for the latest information.
3. Prepare for Campus Housing or Commuting
If you’re living on campus, review your housing assignment and move-in instructions from APU’s Office of Residence Life.
Before packing:
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Connect with your roommate to coordinate shared items.
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Review the university’s housing packing recommendations.
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Bring bedding, toiletries, clothing, school supplies, and other essentials.
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Check APU’s housing policies before purchasing decorations or appliances.
Most APU residence hall beds require twin XL bedding, so check your assigned room’s specifications before shopping.
Commuting to APU? Plan your route, review parking requirements, and explore resources available through the Office of Commuter Life. Commuter students can participate in orientation activities and connect with fellow students, too.
During Welcome Weekend: Make the Most of Your Experience
Once you arrive, take advantage of opportunities to get comfortable with the campus, connect with others, and learn about university life.
4. Meet Your Alpha Leader and Alpha Group
One of the most important parts of APU’s new-student experience is the Alpha Program.
Incoming first-year and transfer students are assigned to Alpha Groups led by student orientation leaders known as Alpha Leaders.
Your Alpha Leader can help you meet other students, discover campus resources, and navigate your transition into university life. Alpha Groups continue connecting during the first semester, so you’ll have a support system beyond Welcome Weekend.
5. Explore APU’s East and West Campuses
Take time to get familiar with APU’s campus before your first day of classes.
Use the campus maps to identify your classrooms, dining locations, gathering spaces, and other important destinations.
You may also want to explore:
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Student Services Center: Get help with financial aid, billing, and other student services.
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Academic Success Center: Discover academic advising and resources to support your studies.
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Campus Life: Learn about student organizations, activities, and opportunities to build community.
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University Libraries: Find places to study, conduct research, and access academic materials.
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Campus Safety: Familiarize yourself with campus safety resources and contact information.
APU also provides trolley transportation between East and West Campuses during regular class sessions. Learning how to navigate between campuses can make your first week easier.
6. Experience APU’s Campus Community
Orientation is more than completing a checklist. It’s an opportunity to discover what makes APU special.
Attend scheduled welcome activities, introduce yourself to classmates, and explore opportunities to get involved.
Visit APU’s dining locations, learn about chapel and spiritual life, and discover student clubs, recreation, service opportunities, and campus traditions.
Whether you’re interested in academics, leadership, faith, athletics, or student organizations, getting involved can help you build meaningful relationships throughout your college experience.
Before Your First Day of Classes
As Welcome Weekend comes to a close, take care of a few final preparations.
7. Get Ready for Your First Week
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Confirm your class schedule. Sign in to your student portal and double-check classroom locations and meeting times.
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Get your textbooks and course materials. Visit the APU Campus Store after finalizing your schedule.
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Connect to campus Wi-Fi. Make sure your laptop and other devices can connect to APU’s wireless network.
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Review transportation and parking. If you’re bringing a vehicle, check APU’s parking permit requirements.
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Get familiar with student support. Find out where to receive academic, health, counseling, technology, and other assistance.
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Stay connected. Keep in touch with your Alpha Leader, new friends, professors, and university staff.
Most importantly, give yourself time to adjust. You don’t need to know everything during your first weekend. APU’s faculty, staff, and student leaders are here to help you throughout your college journey.
Your APU Journey Starts Here
Your first days at Azusa Pacific University are just the beginning of an exciting new chapter. Welcome Weekend gives you the opportunity to discover new friendships, explore campus, and experience the supportive, Christ-centered community that makes APU unique.
Come ready to ask questions, try something new, and take the first steps toward your higher calling.
Explore APU Welcome Weekend and Get Ready for Campus Life
Apply to APU, California’s Top Ranked Christian University
Frequently Asked Questions About APU Orientation
No. APU Bound Orientation focuses on preparing incoming undergraduate students academically, including advising and class registration for the fall semester. Welcome Weekend focuses on welcoming students into the APU community, helping them build relationships and become familiar with campus life.
Yes. Welcome Weekend includes incoming first-year and transfer students, including those who commute. APU’s Spring Welcome requires all incoming students to attend, including transfer and commuter students. Check your semester’s official event information for current attendance and registration requirements.
Yes. APU provides opportunities for parents and family members to participate in orientation and welcome activities. Family members and guests planning to attend Welcome Weekend or Spring Welcome should review the event’s registration requirements, including any applicable guest fees.
Bring your phone, charger, a water bottle, comfortable walking shoes, and any materials specified in your registration instructions. Students attending an in-person APU Bound academic advising session should bring a laptop for class registration. Residential students should also prepare their belongings according to APU’s housing guidelines.
Visit apu.edu/welcome-weekend for the latest information about upcoming events, schedules, registration, and activities. For additional assistance, contact APU’s Office of Campus Life at (626) 815-2083.