Home   >  Admission & Aid   >  Admitted Students   >  Fall Transfer Orientation
Three students sitting on the grass in front of Old Main during the Fall, with Griff II.

Transfer Orientation at Drake University

Fall Transfer Orientation at Drake University supports incoming transfer students with advising, resources, and connections to ensure a smooth transition.

Transfer Orientation at Drake University

Your next chapter starts here

Whether you’re transferring to Drake this fall or spring, our Transfer Orientation is built to help you hit the ground running. In just one day, you’ll connect with key people and resources, learn about Drake’s academics and student life, and begin shaping your next chapter as a Bulldog. 

Orientation is your official welcome—and your chance to get organized, confident, and connected before classes begin. 

What to Expect

From the moment you arrive, you’ll be welcomed into the Drake community. Orientation kicks off with check-in and a morning session introducing you to campus values, services, and tools—from your Drake email and ID setup to how to manage parking, Bulldog Bucks, and academic systems. 

You’ll hear how our True Blue Skills and Career Services team will support you throughout your time here. Then, you’ll break into sessions based on your interests, from study abroad to student involvement, and more. You’ll also meet with faculty and advisors from your major to get answers about your schedule, your transfer credits, and what to expect from your coursework. 

Registration & Upcoming Transfer Orientation Dates

  • Wednesday, August 19

Register for Summer Transfer Orientation

Jump to

New Transfer Student Checklist 

There’s a lot to keep track of when transferring schools—and our Transfer Student Checklist helps make it manageable. This page will guide you through the essentials: setting up your Drake email, reviewing your credit evaluation, registering for orientation, and more. 

  • Submit your official transcripts from all previously attended colleges. 
  • Verify your transfer credit evaluation. You’ll work with your academic advisor to confirm how the credits you have already earned will transfer into your Drake degree. 
  • Apply for financial aid and review your awards. 
  • File your FAFSA using Drake’s code 001860. 
  • Submit your $250 non-refundable tuition deposit to confirm your enrollment at Drake. 

  • Review the Transfer Orientation Schedule {hyperlink to sub page}. 
  • Select which breakout sessions you’d like to attend. 
  • Complete any required placement or diagnostic assessments. 
  • Meet with your academic advisor and register for your first semester’s classes 

 

  • If applicable, review housing options and submit a housing application or confirmation. 
  • Drake University requires all students within two years of high school graduation to live on campus. Students who live within a 45-mile radius to Drake’s campus with a parent/legal guardian may apply for commuter status. Students must receive confirmation that their commuter status was approved to live off-campus. 
  • Arrange any roommate preferences or special accommodations. 
  • Plan your transportation and arrival logistics, including purchasing a parking pass if needed and knowing which lot(s) to park in. 

  • Pay your tuition bill, due on the first day of each semester in full if you do not sign up for a payment plan. 
  • Confirm your course schedule and make adjustments if needed. 
  • Contact the faculty in your classes to introduce yourself and ask any clarifying questions. 
  • Stay engaged by joining student clubs or organizations aligned with your interests. 
  • Schedule time with Access & Success {link to page} early if needed. 
  • Connect regularly with your advisor to ensure you’re still on track to graduate on time. 
  • Explore on-campus job opportunities through Handshake. 
  • Notify our campus dietician of any food allergies or special dietary needs. 

Summer Session Schedule

Time Session
8:30am Check In
9:00am Welcome
9:10am Drake ITS and Student Services Center
Learn how to access and use all of Drake’s technology resources and why they are so important to you. In this session, you will also learn the basic functions of the Student Services Center, such as Drake Card functions, Bulldog Bucks management, and parking pass purchases.
10:00am 5 Things to Know About Career Services
Drake’s Career Services offers career and professional development resources, services, and support for students to help them stand out from the pack. Learn about Drake’s True Blue Skills and all the opportunities students have to begin developing these essential skills for success at Drake and beyond.
10:30am Breakout Sessions
Students can select two of the four sessions below:
  • Recreational Services – Recreational Services provides numerous opportunities for you to stay active and build healthy relationships while on campus or attending virtually. We offer a variety of programs and facilities and will discuss intramural, wellness, group fitness, and recreation facilities. Both in-person and virtual opportunities will be available during the spring semester.
  • Student Involvement – At Drake, there are plenty of ways you can get involved on campus. Learn about the many opportunities to get involved and have fun, from professional organizations to social and academic groups, along with exciting events throughout the year. You can truly DU you.
  • Study Abroad – Have you dreamed of studying abroad? Learn how Drake can help you find an international program that works for you. We offer hundreds of program options, award more than $100,000 in study abroad scholarships each year, and allow courses taken abroad to count toward your Drake degree.
  • Access & Success – Academic achievement is essential to success in college. Learning skills such as time management, effective study habits, and reading strategies can be challenging when starting college. This session helps students understand the importance of academic achievement and provides tools to be proactive at the start of the semester instead of reactive.
11:45am College/School Meetings
An important piece of college is what happens in the classroom. This is your opportunity to learn what you can expect from your college or school and ask any questions you may have.
1:00pm Lunch and Conversation with Drake Staff & Faculty
Representatives from other key offices and departments will join for lunch and conversation, including Professional and Career Development Services, Financial Aid, Student Accounts, and International Programs and Admission.
2:00pm Cowles Library Tour and Campus Tour
Visit Cowles Library to learn about the resources available to you during your time at Drake. This session includes a short tour to help you get oriented to the different library spaces and a brief introduction to the online resources available.

Questions or Concerns?

Looking for more information about an upcoming orientation event that you weren't able to find on this page? Feel free to reach out to the orientation team at: orienation@drake.edu.

Email Us