The New Student Orientation is compulsory for all entering students. International students should plan to arrive in time for it. The Orientation is held in July the week before Semester I. The students are briefed on various aspects of SBC by academic, student and administrative personnel. Informal sessions with deans, faculty and staff are included to provide opportunities to get to know one another.

Various tests are conducted during orientation. All entering students are required to take a personality inventory using the TJTA (Taylor-Johnson Temperament Analysis) to help assess if they need special guidance in their preparation for ministry. Students meet individually with a College-appointed counsellor for a follow-up session. The TJTA is administered at separate times by the different schools, either at Orientation or during the initial phase of their first semester.