Fourah Bay College Orientation Week Schedule

Making the Most of Orientation Week

The five days of orientation pass quickly, and a little preparation helps new students turn a busy week into a confident start to the academic year. Fourah Bay College sits on Mount Aureol, overlooking Freetown, so the first practical lesson for many newcomers is simply getting there. The hillside road can be slow at peak times, and the rainy season can make journeys longer. Leave early on the first morning and allow extra time until you know your route and how long it takes.

What to bring

• Admission documents: keep your offer letter, identification and any payment receipts together in a folder. Registration offices often ask for copies, so carry a few spares.
• Passport-sized photographs: these are commonly needed for student identity cards and library registration.
• A notebook and pen: advising sessions cover a lot of detail about course codes, credit requirements and deadlines.
• Water and a light rain layer: the campus tour involves walking between buildings spread across the hill.

Getting value from academic advising

Before your advising meeting, read through the outline of your chosen programme on our programs page and note any questions about required and elective courses. Ask how prerequisites work, when registration closes, and who to contact if a timetable clash appears. Writing down your adviser's name and office location saves time later in the semester.

Building your network early

Social events on the final day are more than entertainment. Departmental associations, faith groups, sports teams and student societies often recruit during this period, and joining one or two gives you a ready circle of classmates to study with. Senior students can also be a good source of tips on reading lists, quiet study spots and the best times to use the library.

After orientation

Keep the handouts you receive, as they usually list key dates for the term. Exact schedules can change from year to year, so confirm times with the orientation team or the faculty office rather than relying on last year's information. If you are still completing enrolment, the admissions section explains the general steps, and our campus guide helps you find your way around once classes begin.