Hello Class of 2021!

On behalf of Medical Student Services and the Orientation team, we are so excited to meet you in just a few short days. The purpose of this article of Vital Signs is to give you a rundown of what you might need to know about Orientation Week, and provide you with info about some last minute things to add to your to do list.

Orientation Week is a FUN time filled with exciting things such as your white coat fitting, a Sorting Ceremony into your Learning Community, and a social calendar that will allow you to explore the best of Birmingham. Most importantly, it is where you will meet your new classmates, who will become your friends, study partners and colleagues in the workplace. These first few weeks before Fundamentals begins is the best time to reach out and form these relationships, and most importantly, enjoy your last few weeks before the studying begins.

As far as next week, I have a few tips that will help ease first day jitters:

• Park in the 16^th Street deck, which is on the corner of 16^th street and 10^th S. This is closest to Volker Hall and we will have signs directing you to check in!
• Attire is business professional on Monday, since we will be taking a quick photo during check in for your identification within the medical school. On Tuesday, we will be having a college colors day, so wear a shirt or jersey from your alma mater!
• Please bring laptops. You will need them for several sessions, but we will instruct you on when to use these.
• Please remember your Social Security card. We will be checking these during check-in, and you will be unable to receive your locker and OneCard if you do not bring it.

As always, please be sure you have completed all things on the Admitted Students check list. Please feel free to contact me with any questions you might have. I am looking forward to a great week!

Best,

Callie
perkinsc@uab.edu