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FAQs

What is Orientation?

Orientation is a program for all incoming undergraduate students that will help you prepare - academically, socially, financially, and personally - for all that Loyola has to offer when you arrive on campus this fall. The orientation program differs for first-year and transfer students, but each has a concurrent parent/guest program. 

What will I do at Orientation?

Here's the short list: meet new friends, register for classes, learn about student life and activities, get more familiar with the campus, and find out more about academics and financial aid. Last but not least—you'll have fun!

When is Orientation?

First-Year student Orientation for Summer 2024 is held on the following dates:

  • June 3-4
  • June 6-7
  • June 10-11
  • June 13-14
  • June 17-18
  • June 24-25
  • June 27-28
  • July 1-2

Transfer student Orietnation for Summer 2024 is held on the following dates:

  • June 5
  • July 12

How do I register for an Orientation session?

Registration for Orientation will open at 10:00 AM Central Time on Monday, May 6, 2024 on your Student Portal. If you have problems registering, please contact us at 773.508.7381.

Can my parents or other family members attend?

Yes! Family members, or other guests are welcome to attend orientation with their student at no additional charge (though lodging is not included for parents/guests). Students can register their parents or guests when they register for orientation in their Student Portal. There is a formal, concurrent, parent/guest program at each orientation. More information is available on the Parents page.

How do I get there? Where should I park?

Orientation sessions are held on the Lake Shore Campus in Rogers Park, Chicago. Check-in will be from 8:00-10:00 AM in Damen Student Center for first-year orientation, 8:00-9:00 AM in Sullivan Center for Student Services for transfer orientation. 

How do I get there?

The City of Chicago has a wide variety of transportation options to get you to campus quickly and safely.

  • Public transporation is available through the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA). The Loyola Station on the CTA Red Line of the L train is across the street from campus. 
  • Taxi cab and rideshare options are also available for transportation to campus.

Where do I park?

The parking garage is located on the corner of Sheridan and Winthrop (denoted P1 on the map). Please enter campus at the corner of Sheridan and Kenmore.We recommend parking before heading to check-in. When you enter the garage, please take a ticket. Parking will be validated at check-in. 

More information about visiting campus is available on the Campus Transporation website.

I'm coming from the airport, how do I get to campus?

Please plan your travel so that you do not have to arrive late or leave early. 

Generally speaking, give yourself approximately 2 hours of travel time to or from campus and the Chicago airports (ORD and MDW). Chicago traffic can be unpredictable, so give yourself plenty of time to arrive on campus and make it to check-in!

  • First-Year Orientation check-in begins at 8:00 AM, with the mandatory welcome program beginning at 10:00 AM. Formal programming will conclude at 2:00 PM on day 2. 
  • Transfer Orientation check-in begins at 8:00 AM, with the mandatory welcome program beginning at 9:00AM. Formal programming will conclude at 5:30PM.

Public transportation from the airports to the Lake Shore Campus is available through the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA). The Loyola Station on the CTA Red Line of the L (train) is across the street from campus. 

Taxi cab and rideshare options are also available for transportation to campus from both airports.

What should I bring for Orientation?

Please see our suggested packing list on our First-Year Orientation Program Information page. 

How do I know which placement tests I should take?

For anything related to your placement assessments, visit the Placement Assessments page.

What do I need to do to prepare for Orientation?

Our Before Orientation page will tell you everything you need to complete in order to be prepared for you orientation.

Is there a fee for Orientation?

Yes. Orientation has an associated New Student Programs Fee, which is $370 for first-year students and $130 for transfer students. This fee includes all program materials, meals, up to two guest passes, and for first-year students only, overnight accommodations. 

The First-Year Fee also funds key programs for new students, including the Rambler Read, New Student Convocation, and UNIV 101/201. The New Student Programs Fee is applied directly to the student's tuition account after the student attends Orientation and will be automatically included in your first bill. For more information about finances, please visit the Office of the Bursar's Billing Information page.

Do I need to show proof of immunization before class begins?

Yes, you will need proof of all state of Illinois mandated immunizations before classes begin. All students need to have their immunization forms completed and entered into Loyola Health. You may bring along any completed immunization paperwork to give to the Wellness Center at the Resource Fair at orientation.  However, it must be entered into Loyola Health BEFORE you drop it off at the Fair. Click here for additional information about immunizations