Written by PFR Think Tank member, Tricia Simpson
The next chapter of an exciting journey is about to begin in Lubbock at Red Raider Orientation. There are hundreds of people in Lubbock preparing to welcome the class of 2029 and their parents and families, orient you to the campus and the dorms, introduce you to the impressive resources available to Texas Tech students, help you register for classes and answer any questions you can possibly think of.
We reached out to students and parents who have attended orientation — and ones who didn’t — to capture some of their tips and recommendations for families who are either traveling to Lubbock in the coming months or supporting their student from afar as they begin their journey as a Red Raider.
First, for our incoming first-year students — most students are required to live on campus during their first year so staying in a residence hall during Red Raider Orientation will give you several advantages both at orientation and when you return home to prepare for move-in in August.
- Day 1 can run long – staying in the residence hall is a convenient option that allows you to participate fully in the evening activities.
- Day 2 starts early – save time, stay close. There’s no fluff in the schedule and morning programming is the foundation for the remainder of the day.
- There’s no substitute for first-hand experience in a residence hall room. You may completely change what you think you need or want to bring when you move in for the Fall semester.
- Get a head-start meeting your new classmates. The more the merrier to share this new adventure! Besides earning a degree at a world-class university, the people you meet will be the highlight of your college experience.
For parents and families accompanying their students — it’s a busy two days. Some helpful tips:
- Dress in light layers so you can add and shed when you go in and out of air-conditioned buildings. You will be walking between buildings for various activities so hats, sunscreen, etc. are recommended if you use them.
- There’s a lot of content available in group sessions, breakouts, and resource fairs. Check the schedule ahead of time and identify your “can’t miss” sessions. If you don’t or can’t make it to one you have a particular interest in, you are encouraged to follow up with staff responsible for that content at orientation or via email.
- Be flexible. Whatever comes up, the staff and volunteers are ready to help. Their mission is to be sure you leave Lubbock prepared for a smooth return in August.
- Step back when it’s appropriate. This is an opportunity for your student to start the transition to becoming a student at Texas Tech. Setting their course schedule with their advisor, making plans with a new classmate, getting to orientation on time on Day 2…all the things they’ll be doing on their own next semester.
- Take it all in. Your student is matriculating at a world-class university with a deep and proud tradition in a community that supports all things Red Raider. Enjoy the time you have and learn about it together!
For parents and families supporting from afar — your student will have lots of support from staff and student volunteers.
- Sign up for all the content available from the Parent & Family Relations team. It’s incredibly thorough and timely so you get what you need right when you need it.
- Encourage your student’s independence. Both professional staff and student employees are there to ensure a successful orientation.
Fun in Lubbock
Before, during, and after orientation, Lubbock has much to offer. Here are a few suggestions from previous attendees (Google is also a helpful resource):
- Museum of Texas Tech University
- Prairie Dog Town
- Mackenzie Park
- Classic Movies at the Stars & Stripes Drive-in Theatre
- Silent Wings Museum
- KK's Corner Mall
- The Family Days Calendar is updated regularly by Parent & Family Relations to help you see some of the many events and activities taking place both on campus and throughout Lubbock all year long.
