Frequently Asked Questions
As we approach New Student Orientation Sessions, we understand this a very exciting time for students, families, and supporters. During this time you may have several questions and we wanted to ease your mind as we both embark on this journey. We have provided below the most Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) that will help your student navigate uncharted waters! This serves as a resource for students, families, and supporters. We have compiled essential details regarding new student orientation and links to several resources to Prepare You to Dominate! Please check back often as this will be updated frequently!
Yes. New Student Orientation is required for all students, as it prepares them for becoming an NSU Shark!
All incoming undergraduate students must attend New Student Orientation, including transfer students, who will be attending classes on the Fort Lauderdale/Davie Campus.
Students who are considered Nursing Students, they have their own orientation. Please check out the Nursing Students tab.
Students who attended Shark Preview are encouraged to select Session 5 which is reserved for these students. However, Shark Preview students may attend any session that fits their preferences.
Yes, students who are approved to attend session 5 will be moving into their residence hall for the Fall semester. If you are a commuter student, who is approved to attend session 5, you will not be moving in but will attend orientation on the second day.
While we appreciate your concern for your student, any requests must come directly from the student via their NSU email.
- For Orientation Sessions 1-4 (taking place in June and July), our students will begin the first day at 7:00 a.m. and will continue until 12:00 a.m. The second day will begin at 7:00 a.m. and end at 1:00 p.m., with a couple hours to address any unfinished business and check out of the residence hall at 3:00 p.m. Students will meet and talk with student orientation team members, learn about campus resources, meet clubs and organizations on campus and engage in fun activities to foster relationships.
- For Session 5 (taking place in August) and specifically reserved for Shark Preview & International students, our students will move into their residence hall for the Fall semester on the first day. The second day will begin at 8:30 a.m. and will continue until 8:00 p.m. Students will meet and talk with student orientation team members, learn about campus resources, and engage in fun activities to foster relationships.
As an international student, please select Session 5 on August 8th and 9th as this session is reserved specifically for international students. For more resources for international students, please visit their website HERE and also visit the International Student Orientation tab.
Orientation is two days; all day Thursday and half day on Friday for Sessions 1-4. Session 5 is also two days, with Day 1 focused on officially moving into your assigned Fall residential hall and an all-day Orientation session on Friday.
Yes, our team has prepared a suggested packing list that can be found here: packing list. Also don't forget your bathing suit, if you like to swim!
Yes, you can begin to ship packages on July 8, 2024. There should also be no more than 6 boxes per student to be sent prior to move-in. Please use the address format, listed below, on each box when shipping.
Your Legal Name
Nova Southeastern University
3600 S University Drive
Res Hall – Room Number (see Room Number format)
Davie, FL 33328-2709
Room Number Format:
- COM-XXXX (The Commons)
- GDW-XXXX (Leo Goodwin)
- CLC-XXXX (Cultural Living Center)
- FAR-XXXX (Farquhar)
- FOU-XXXX (Founders)
- VET-XXXX (Vettel)
Yes, it is a requirement for all students to stay overnight during orientation. Students will check into the residence hall on Thursday and be assigned a room. Check-out will begin at 3:00 p.m. on Friday.
No, unfortunately only students are allowed to stay in the residence hall.
Parents and/or Guest can find accommodations during sessions at nearby hotels outlined in the confirmation email sent to the student.
We have listed a couple options below:
Sheraton Suites Fort LauderdaleCourtyard Fort Lauderdale Plantation
Renaissance Fort Lauderdale West Hotel
Yes, students regardless of their permanent address are encouraged to stay on campus overnight for orientation except those approved for Session 5.
Yes, this will simulate the housing experience in the Fall semester, to get students better prepared for living with roommates. However, for orientation, you will be assigned your roommate at random, based on residential housing standards.
Any student that requires disability-related accommodations, please contact disabilityservices@nova.edu.
Confirmation emails are sent to each student on a weekly to bi-weekly basis to your official NSU student email.
Yes, students who have identified that they are traveling alone on their registration will be sent a "travel accommodations form" in which we will provide shuttles from the FLL airport only.
During Sessions 1-4, parking is available at The Commons Residence Hall Parking Garage. During Session 5, parking will also be available in The Commons Residence Hall Parking Garage (please note that the open lot will be blocked off and not available for parking during the Check-In Hours).
- Go to: https://www.nova.edu/nsucard/apply/index.html and click “Login” and enter your SharkLink credentials (NSU Email and Password).
- Fill out the information requested and use the university address (3300 S. University Drive-Orientation, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33328). Please make sure to include the “-Orientation” in the address.
- Please select “new card” for card type. Once submitted, you will receive a confirmation email noting the application was received. Within 24-48 hours, you will receive an email with a link to upload your photo.
*If you have already completed these steps, we will have your Shark Card available at check-in.
Yes, your Shark Card will be needed during your orientation sessions, please do not forget to bring it.
You can request to replace your shark card, however, please note there is a replacement fee of $25.00.
No. There is no registration fee for orientation.
Transfer students can attend any session EXCEPT session 5, which is reserved for international students and those who have attended Shark Preview in Winter 2024.
Registration for classes should be completed prior to your orientation session. However, if you want to meet with your Edge Advisor, you can schedule an appointment during Day 2 of Orientation. For more information on how to register for classes please click here.
No animals are allowed; only certified service animals will be admitted. For more information, please click here.
Any student who has not received their confirmation email within two weeks, we would first encourage you to check your NSU official student email and then email orientation@nova.edu.
If your registration says submission in progress, this means that you have started your registration, but have not officially submitted it. Please finish your registration and press submit, so that it is received by the orientation team.
Students can revisit their submission on SharkHub, click on their profile picture in the top right-hand corner, and select "My Submissions". This is where you will be able to confirm if your submission was received.
Students who would like to change their orientation date would need to email orientation@nova.edu from their official NSU student email. If approved, you will receive another confirmation with your new date.
At this time, all communication for orientation is through email at orientation@nova.edu, to ensure accuracy. Once Orientation officially begins, a contact phone number will be published for all parties.
Students may bring up to two guests for orientation sessions. Please note that guests will not be allowed into the residence hall.
For Sessions 1-4, check-in will begin at 7:00 a.m. on the Thursdays of each orientation session and check-out will begin at 3:00 p.m. on the Fridays. For Session 5, check-in for your orientation session (Day 2) will begin at 8:30 a.m.
NSU will be hosting numerous amounts of events and activities for all incoming students until the first day of classes.
Orientation Campus Partners:
Have additional questions? Email orientation@nova.edu. Please provide your NSU ID number in all email correspondence.