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TCU students in small group four posing for a picture at the commons for Orientation

We are thrilled to welcome our newest students to the Horned Frog family this summer! At TCU, we are all about community and making sure all of our students know that there is a place for them here. To make the transition to college easier, we offer two programs, orientation and Frog Camp, that will answer many questions students may have as they prepare to attend TCU in the fall. These experiences also include fun activities, while providing important information about being a Horned Frog!

What to Expect at Orientation

Orientation is a two-day, overnight experience (one-day for transfer students) that gives new undergraduate students the opportunity to connect with their academic advisors, build their schedule for the fall semester, and most importantly, make some of their first friends at TCU! Students are encouraged to bring up to two guests, and will be introduced to a variety of campus resources that will enhance their college experience. Orientation is required for all new undergraduate students and there are multiple sessions to choose from that best fit your schedule. Students can register for an orientation session by visiting their MyTCU portal and clicking on the Admitted Student tile. Students must complete pre-orientation modules in their MyTCU portal before attending orientation. To learn more about what to expect from orientation, visit NewFrog.tcu.edu.

What to Expect at Frog Camp

Frog Camp is celebrating a special milestone this year! For 30 years, this program has provided students the opportunity to build friendships and establish themselves as part of the Horned Frog community. There are several camps to choose from, some offered in Texas, and others in different states or countries. All Texas camps are free to students: All-Stars, Casa Nueva, and Challenge. Each of these camps has something unique to offer students, but regardless of the camp you attend, your experience will include fun activities, small group time, and mentorship from faculty and staff. For more information about the different types of camps offered, visit NewFrog.tcu.edu. Students can also register for Frog Camp under the Admitted Student tile in their MyTCU portal.

We asked a few of our students about their experiences at both orientation and Frog Camp. Here are some of the questions we asked them and their responses:

Q: What's your favorite memory from orientation?
"As an Orientation Leader, my favorite part of every orientation is walking around at lunch or dinner and talking to all of the students and families. I love getting to know our new Horned Frogs and learning what they are looking forward to about the TCU community!" - Ellie G., Orientation Leader, Theatre and Journalism double major, Child Development minor, Thomasville, Georgia

"I met two of my best friends playing sand volleyball! One ended up being my freshman year roommate." - Jake R., Spanish and Political Science double major, General Business minor, Little Rock, Arkansas

Q: Which Frog Camp did you go to and what was your favorite activity/memory?
"I went to Casa, and my favorite memory was hanging out with my small group. I think we understood each other and am happy to say we had a memorable time with each other. I also enjoyed our walk around downtown." - Abigail M., Marketing and Management double major, Community Scholar, Fort Worth, Texas

"I went to Challenge. My favorite memory was the dance party. I remember looking around while everyone was dancing and thinking 'Yeah, this is the place for me'. I think it was that moment I knew I had found a new home and a new family." - Ellie G., Orientation Leader, Theatre and Journalism double major, Child Development minor, Thomasville, Georgia

Q: What do you wish you would have known going to orientation/Frog Camp?
"I was so stressed because I knew no one! But almost everyone was in the same boat, and it was easy to start a conversation with most people because everyone is looking for new friends." - Jake R., Spanish and Political Science double major, General Business minor, Little Rock, Arkansas

"I wish I would have known that orientation and Frog Camp was a time to get out of your comfort zone and explore the activities they offered. It is a place to bond." - Abigail M., Marketing and Management double major, Community Scholar, Fort Worth, Texas

Q: What advice would you give to an incoming first-year student?
"I would say to try and connect with your Orientation Leaders or Frog Camp Leaders. I definitely reached out to them before and after school started with some general questions about classes and such. They are definitely there to make you feel more at ease in your transition to TCU." - Abigail M., Marketing and Management double major, Community Scholar, Fort Worth, Texas

"College is a journey. Always remember that you are the only one who gets to decide where to go and grow. Like Dr. Seuss said, 'Today is your day. Your mountain is waiting, so get on your way'." - Ellie G., Orientation Leader, Theatre and Journalism double major, Child Development minor, Thomasville, Georgia

We can't wait to officially welcome all of our new Horned Frogs to TCU!


Sophia Vargas is a senior Strategic Communication major with a Political Science minor from Northern California. She is a social media intern and operations intern for the Office of Admission. Sophia is also involved with her local church and the Turning Point USA chapter on campus.