What to Know Before you arrive...

First Year AARO Sessions

As you prepare for your AARO session, we have some important information for you to review. In early June you will receive an AARO Information Brochure and an Owner's Manual which is your academic guide to your first year at SMU.  Please make sure to review both thoroughly before coming to campus.  It is also important to bring both with you to your AARO session. 

What to Bring

  • AARO Information Brochure
  • AARO Parking Pass
  • Peruna Passport
  • University Advising Center Bio Sheet
  • AARO Liability Form
  • Mustang Corral Medical Form
  • Medical Health History form (if not yet submitted to the SMU Health Center)
  • Alarm Clock
  • SMU ID#
  • Copies of AP and IB testing scores
  • College transcripts for any dual credit courses
  • Disability documentation if seeking accommodations
  • License plate number and make/model of car if registering vehicle for the fall semester
  • Casual clothing for 90° to 100° weather
  • Comfortable shoes
  • Sweater (for air-conditioned rooms)
  • Toiletries
  • No. 2 pencil for placement tests
  • Cash or check for testing, souvenirs, textbooks, and post office box rental if a non-resident
  • Appropriate clothing for Rotunda yearbook photograph

Parking for AARO

You will receive a parking pass in early June that you will need to display on your rearview mirror during AARO.  You may park your car in the Binkley Garage at the corner of Airline and Binkley.  Please enter the garage through the visitor lane from Binkley Avenue.  Enter the access code 6258 on the keypad to gain entry to the garage.  It will not be necessary to take a visitor's entry ticket when using the keypad.  Upon exit use the visitor lane keypad to enter the access code 6258.  You do not need to use the pay station to exit. 

Campus Map

Meals at AARO

SMU Catering will prepare five meals for AARO participants:
Day 1: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 2: Breakfast and Lunch

There will be a wide variety of entrees and side orders at each meal. Vegetarian options will be available to those who indicate that preference when registering for orientation.  If you have other dietary needs, please not these in the accommodations section of your registration.  

Health Center Requirements

Your acceptance packet from the Division of Enrollment Services included a Medical Health History form that must be completed.  A physical examination is not required, but immunizations documented by your physician are required. This must be on file with SMU’s Health Center before you can register at AARO.  If you still need immunizations, the Health Center can administer the following: Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR), Tuberculosis (TB) Skin Test, Diphtheria or Tetanus (DT), Meningococcal, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and HPV.  Please contact the Health Center at 214-768-2141 for vaccine pricing information or to obtain another copy of the health form.

Disability Concerns

If you have a documented disability and would like more information about obtaining accommodations suitable for one with a disability during AARO, or addressing other concerns that may be applicable in the fall, review the information about the Disability Accommodations & Success Strategies. Please contact their office at  at 214-768-1470 for any additional questions or concerns.