Hey Future Bears!
I am back with another blog to help you prepare for SOAR! Today, I am sharing some tips on what to bring to make your orientation experience as smooth and comfortable as possible. These items will help you feel more at home during your time on campus with us. Let’s break it down into three categories: overnight essentials, daytime necessitates, and registration must-haves.
- Overnight Essentials
Since you will be staying overnight, you’ll want to pack a few key items to make your stay comfortable. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- What’s Provided? Your room will come with clean sheets, a blanket, a towel, a washcloth, and a pillow with a pillowcase. However, the rooms can be a bit chilly, so if you like extra warmth, consider bringing your own blanket and your favorite pillow.
- Toiletries & Personal Care: Don’t forget to pack toothpaste, a toothbrush, shampoo, conditioner, soap, deodorant, and any other personal care items you’ll need.
- Entertainment & Comfort Items: You’ll have some free time in the evening, so bring something fun to do! Whether it’s a book, a deck of cards, or a small game to play with your roommate and suite-mates, having a way to unwind and have fun.
- Tech & Chargers: If you plan to use your phone, tablet, or laptop, don’t forget your chargers. Missouri State has Wi-Fi available, so you can stay connected.
*Reminder: Students and family members, if family members are staying in the residence halls, they will be assigned different rooms. With this being said, students should bring a different overnight bag than their family members.
2. Daytime Necessities
SOAR is a busy day filled with exploring campus, attending presentations, and meeting new people, so comfort is key! Here’s what we recommend:
- Comfortable Clothing & Shoes: You will be walking around campus, so wear something breathable and easy to move in. Additionally, there will be a section of the night that you will be able to participate in a variety of activities at the Foster Recreation Center on campus. If you plan on participating in any of the active games, we recommend that you wear clothes that you are comfortable in.
- Light Jacket or Sweater: Some of the rooms where presentations take place can get chilly, so a light layer is a great idea.
- Bag or Backpack: You will receive materials throughout the day, so having a small bag to carry your essentials can be really helpful.
- Water Bottle: Stay hydrated while you are out and about on campus!
3. Registration Must-Haves
One of the biggest parts of SOAR is registering for your first semester of classes! To make sure everything goes smoothly, here’s what you’ll need:
- Copy of Your Transcript: If you have earned dual credit or transfer credit, bring a copy of your transcript. This will help your advisor place you in the right courses.
- BearPass Log-in & Password: You’ll need your Missouri State BearPass information to register for your classes. If you’re unsure of your log-in details, reach out to the Computer Services Help desk before SOAR to get everything sorted.
- Any Questions You Have: This is your time to ask about majors, classes, schedules, and anything else on your mind. Come prepared to make the most of your advising session!
I hope this helps you feel more prepared for SOAR! If you have any questions about what to bring or what to expect, don’t hesitate to reach out to our office. We are here to help make your transition to Missouri State as smooth as possible.
See you soon, Bears- get ready for an amazing SOAR experience! 🐻👆
In the last blog, I shared an important checklist of things you need to complete before attending SOAR so that your experience is as smooth as it possibly can be! If you happened to miss it, check it out below!
What to Expect When You Arrive at SOAR
This week, I am focusing on what you can expect when you arrive at SOAR to help ease any nerves and give you a clearer picture of what your orientation experience will look like. Feeling a little anxious is completely normal- SOAR is one of the first steps in your college journey! But knowing what to expect can help you feel more confident and ready fir this exciting transition.
Arriving on Campus
The first step of SOAR is arriving at Missouri State University! You’ll be directed to the park in lot 15, where SOAR leaders and signs will help guide you to your first stop. Once you have parked, grab your overnight bag and head to Hammons House for check-in.
At check-in, you’ll receive several important items:
- Student handbook with valuable information
- Name tag to wear during your SOAR session
- Personalized schedule outlining the next two days
- Room key for your overnight stay
After checking in and receiving your room key, you’ll go upstairs to drop off your things. Each suite in Hammons House accommodates four people (two rooms per suite), so you’ll be rooming with three other incoming students. This is a great opportunity to start making connections and get a feel for campus living. Want to see what the rooms look like? Check out Hammons House Information .
Exploring the Campus Expo
After check-in and dropping off your bags, you (and your family, if they are attending) will walk over to the Plaster Student Union for the Campus Expo. This is a great opportunity to:
- Meet student organizations
- Connect with campus resources
- Learn about involvement opportunities
Take your time exploring! You’ll get to talk with a campus representative who can help make your transitions to Missouri State even easier.
Official SOAR Kick Off
Once the expo wraps up, we’ll officially start SOAR in the Plaster Student Union Theatre with an opening session. From there, you’ll follow the orientation scheduled provided at check-in.
Throughout SOAR, you’ll participate in:
- Informal sessions about academics, resources, and campus life
- Interactive activities to help connect with other new Bears
- Small group discussions with students who have similar interests and goals
What’s Next?
SOAR is designed to make you feel comfortable, confident, and excited about becoming a Bear! In my next post, I’ll share what to pack for SOAR so you can make the most of your experience.
Look forward to seeing you on campus! As always, bear up! 🐻👆
Hello, New Bears!
Welcome to Missouri State University- congratulations on your acceptance! Starting college is an exciting adventure filled with opportunities to learn, grow, and explore your passions. While your first semester might still be a few months away, the preparation starts now!
By registering for SOAR (Student Orientation, Advisement, and Registration), you’ve already taken a big step forward- way to go! Naturally, you might be wondering: What is SOAR? How do I prepare? What will the experience involve? Should I bring anyone with me? Don’t worry- this blog series is here to help you navigate the process, answer your questions, and ensure you feel confident when you arrive.
Let’s dive into the three essential tasks to complete before attending SOAR. These will help you make the most of your orientation experience.
- Submit Your Housing Application or Commuter Exception Form
First, it’s important to know whether you’re required to live on campus. Students who are under 21, single, and have fewer than 27 credit hours after high school graduation must live on campus. If this applies to you, complete your housing application as soon as possible! Visit the Residence Life website and get started. Taking care of this before SOAR will lift any housing holds and speed up your registration process. Additionally, housing tours are offered during two-day SOAR sessions, so you can see what residence hall you will be living in!
If you qualify but plan to commute, you’ll need to fill out a Commuter Exception Form. You can find this form on the Request for an Exception to University Housing Policy website . Once you are on the webpage, scroll down and select the “Commuter 2025-26″ section, where you’ll find the form and instructions. Remember, the form must be signed in person or notarized.
Questions about housing or commuter forms? Contact Residence life, Housing, and Dining Services via email at residnecelife@missouristate.edu or by phone at (417) 836-5536.
- Send Your Final Transcripts
To make your SOAR experience as seamless as possible, one important step is ensuring your high school and previous college transcripts are sent to Missouri State’s Office of Admissions.
From High School:
Most high schools make this easy- just ask your counselor or another staff member to send them over. To be safe, double-check with your school to confirm they’ve been sent. Pro tip: Send them at least two weeks before your registered SOAR session to avoid delays.
From College (Dual Credit):
If you’ve earned college credit, you’ll need to request those transcripts too. Your dual-credit professor or the advisement office at the college where you earned the credit can guide you through the process
Need Help?
No worries! Missouri State’s Office of Admissions is here for you. Email them at admissions@misosuirstate.edu or call (417) 836-5517.
When in Doubt, Print Them Out!
If you’re cutting it close, bring printed copies of your transcripts to your SOAR session. This way, your academic advisor can see exactly what course you’ve completed and help you register for the right ones.
- Take Placement Exams if needed
If you crushed the ACT or SAT and feel like your scores reflect your knowledge, you can skip this step. But if that doesn’t sound like you, don’t stress. Placement exams are here to help! They’ll pinpoint the right starting level for your math, English, and foreign language classes, so you’re set up for success from day one.
Explore Your Options:
Check out the following links to learn more about each placement exam and decide if you’d like to take them:
Don’t Procrastinate! These exams must be completed at least one week before your SOAR session to ensure your scores are factored into your course registration.
See? Not too bad- just three steps to check off before your SOAR adventure begins. If you have any questions, our team is here to help! Reach out to newbears@missouristate.edu or call us at (417) 836-7641.
Stay tuned for the next post, where I’ll cover what to pack for SOAR and what to expect during the big days. As always, bear up, and get ready to thrive at Missouri State! 🐻