This paper reviews present trends in the First-Year Experience (FYE) for universities in the U.S. and Japan. Recent increases in the number and ratio of enrollment have led to changes in student characteristics. Today's entering students are diverse in their preparation, ability and motivation to study, and many have difficulty adapting to academic life. This requires new educational systems to support students' adaptation to higher education, which are provided by FYE. Although FYE models and practices based on an institutional commitment are used in the U.S., institutional efforts to support students have not been as extensive in Japan. However, with reference to practices in the U.S., Japanese institutions are now developing their own methods for assisting first-year students. Programs such as freshman orientation camps and first-year seminars provide a wide range of educational content and support. Further investigation and discussion of FYEs is needed to ensure that all students in Japan who wish to receive higher education are able to fully access university resources.