<p>So I didn't attend any pre-orientation programs this year because I didn't have any extra money. I really wanted to attend to get a head start on making friends and getting to know the campus... Is it going to be a major setback?? I'm worried!</p>
<p>You’ll be fine.</p>
<p>I didn’t go to one, while my best friend from high school did. It was a little weird since it seemed as if when I arrived on campus, there were little gelling groups based on pre-O’s that had already formed. But the majority of those tentative first acquaintanceships tend to dissolve over the first few weeks to months, as stronger floor bonds and bonds through common interests and activities form (ie. the people you will see often through out the year), leaving only a few of those first friendships in particular. So really, you’re not that behind, even though for me I felt as if I was at the time, and there are plenty of people who did not do pre-O’s. I don’t feel as if most core social circles are formed during pre-O’s anyways, except maybe ones which extend activities throughout the year.</p>