On behalf of the Office of Student Belonging, we would like to congratulate and welcome you to Montclair State University!
Orientation Requirements for Incoming Freshman Students
Before you are able to access your Orientation Portal you must claim your NetID and password.
When a student is accepted to Montclair State University and pays their New Student Deposit (if required), they will receive an email from Undergraduate Admissions to their personal email address about how to claim their University NetID.
Access your Montclair Email and check it frequently
Check your Montclair email regularly as important University communications will be sent there. Learn how to setup your Montclair email on your mobile device.
Orientation Portal | Available April 2025.
Students who have claimed their NetID can access the Orientation Portal in NEST.
Students must complete all tasks on their personalized Task List in order to be assigned one of the “Ready to Soar” Orientation dates below:
- Fall 2025 “Ready to Soar” Orientation dates coming soon. New Student Orientation for Fall 2025 students will be held in August 2025.
Tab Group
New to the Nest Orientation Fall 2025 | Available May 2025
An online course designed to provide you with important information on academic life, policies, support services, how to get involved, campus community expectations, and more!
- Log on to Canvas: Access your NEST account and search for the Canvas link to access. Join our Orientation community and complete!
- The completion of this course is mandatory for all new students*
- *Students who are matriculated in a fully online undergraduate program are exempt from this requirement.
What’s New to the NEST and Do I Have to Complete It?
New to the Nest is our Fall 2025 new student Canvas course. It will open in May 2025 and must be completed by prior to Orientation.
Learn all there is to know about becoming a new Red Hawk! This Orientation Canvas course will introduce you to helpful offices like the Dean of Students and Red Hawk Central.
Log on to Canvas. The course is labeled: “New to the Nest Orientation Fall 2025.”
IMPORTANT: If you do not have a NetID yet, you will not be able to access the course. Please visit the Freshman Student Checklist page and follow the instructions for the “Activate your NetID” step.
Revisit the Freshman Student Checklist page and make sure you have either reviewed or completed all the next steps needed to be a successful new Red Hawk!
This may include steps necessary to activating your NetID, obtaining your student ID card, and completing mandatory health requirements.
Your one-day, on-campus welcome to Montclair State University! At Orientation, students will:
- Connect with peers and Orientation Leaders
- Learn from faculty and academic advisors
- Engage with the Montclair community at a resource fair.
More information will be communicated to your Montclair email address.
- Fall 2025 Freshman Orientation will be held on August 20 – 26, 2025.