Orientation program and adaptation of university students

In this study, the effect of an orientation program on students' adaptation to university life was investigated with 110 students whose ages ranged between 17 and 20 years (M age = 17.5 yr., SD = .6). 55 students in one group were given a 3-wk. program orienting students about the academic, social, and cultural environment, while 55 students were not. The University Adaptation Scale by Akbalik was given. A significantly higher mean indicated better adaptation by the group in the program but not in the other one. Administration of an orientation program to freshmen may ease their adaptation to university life.