For the incoming freshman class, getting off on the right foot is important as they begin their college years. The University of Memphis offers a variety of programs designed to ease the transition from high school to college and help new students make friends. It begins with New Student Orientation prior to their arrival and continues into Frosh Camp, held the summer before their freshman year.

Since its beginning in 1994, Frosh Camp has provided thousands of U of M students with the tools and tips to make their journey through college the best years they can be.  Camp Counselors, who are current students, strive to provide new students with a sense of belonging at the U of M and an understanding of what it takes to be a Tiger.

The freshman year begins with Freshman Convocation, an event designed to further build community among the freshman class and teach them about some of the traditions of this great university.

A relatively new program at the U of M is Fresh Connections. Designed for incoming freshmen, Fresh Connections are learning communities that use clusters of courses all built around a common theme. Specially selected faculty then incorporate these into their assignments and activities throughout the semester. Students in these learning communities take the courses together to develop a deeper understanding of the material. Support groups for studying and collaboration in learning usually result from these connections.

Another program for first-year students, Freshman First, is designed for residential students who want to focus on academic excellence. Additionally, many service learning opportunities are available to first-year students.