"see blue." U Connecting Incoming Wildcats to Campus, Classmates, Community

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LEXINGTON, Ky. (June 22, 2015) — What's it really like to be a Wildcat? Thousands of incoming University of Kentucky students are about to find out. Before fall semester ever begins, the newest members of the Big Blue Family are connecting with current students, exploring campus and registering for classes at "see blue." U.

Beginning June 22 and continuing through July 16, a record number of new students and guests will be welcomed to UK for “see blue.” U Orientation. During each day of orientations, students from 118 Kentucky counties and more than 20 states will be on campus.   

“see blue.” U offers an exclusive experience for incoming Wildcats to learn from current students about expectations in the college classroom, involvement in student organizations and residence hall life.

"The "see blue." U orientations represent one of the most exciting periods of the year," said Don Witt, associate provost for enrollment management. "We are excited to showcase all of the incredible UK academic and extracurricular opportunities."

To enhance their two-day experience, a new "see blue." U app will provide students and guests with easy access to all things orientation, UK and Lexington. The app features a personalized schedule, presentations, campus maps, restaurants, campus contacts and much more on iOS and Android devices.

A self-guided, virtual tour is another feature available on the app connecting students and visitors to campus in a new interactive way. Users can follow along with the tour route, which begins at the university's main entrance on South Limestone, or they can pick and choose their destinations. Once the user has reached a campus building or area, a tour guide appears on the screen with descriptions of each.

This year's "see blue." U will also feature a record number of academic and extracurricular sessions, and a new offering called The Blueprint, a student's guide to building a foundation for success at UK.

Representatives from a number of different on-campus organizations will be on-hand throughout the orientations to promote their role at the university and answer any questions incoming students may have. A number of information sessions will also be held to answer questions on topics such as Greek life, financial aid, parking and transportation, football and basketball tickets, education abroad and much more.

"The success of the orientations is a direct result of the numerous faculty and staff across the campus contributing their time and talent," Witt said.

In addition to exploring campus life, a new partnership with VisitLEX will allow students and their families to discover downtown Lexington and the surrounding community.

“We are very excited about the new addition of partnering with VisitLEX this year," Witt said. "As we welcome the new students and their families to campus, it’s also important to welcome them to their new Kentucky home of Lexington. This is such a great city and truly represents the best of the 'town-gown relationship'…there are so many new restaurants, cultural, and historical opportunities for new students and their parents to explore.”

From navigating Lexington to learning how to use a meal plan, "see blue." U Orientation ensures students transition to life at UK with ease and confidence.  

"There has never been a more exciting time to be a UK Wildcat than now — new residence halls, academic buildings, student success initiatives, etc.!” Witt said.

Are you attending "see blue." U? Watch the short video above for important information regarding your orientation. To get an idea of what to expect during UK's Move-in and K Week in August, explore videos in the playlist below.