Program Hours

All first-year students are required to attend the entire two-day, overnight program. 

Day 1: Check-in begins at 9:30AM with the formal program beginning at 11:30AM 
Day 2: The formal program ends, and check-out and the closing picnic begin at 11:30AM 

Required Packing List: 

• Bedding items such as pillow, sheets, and a towel - these items will not be provided.
• A reusable water bottle - many activities will take place outdoors so having a water bottle to stay hydrated is important! Plastic water bottles will not be provided. Learn more about Loyola University Chicago's single-use plastic Bottled Water Ban.
• Toiletries - please bring your own as these will not be provided.
• Comfortable clothing, socks, shoes - there will be free time in the recreation center, as well as a
• Long sleeve shirt or sweatshirt - Some buildings can get cool in the summer.

At check-in, students will receive their nametag containing the orientation schedule, a folder, pen, and small drawstring backpack to carry around their orientation materials. You can also bring your immunization paperwork to give to the Wellness Center at check-in or the resource fair on day 2.

Check-In Time & Location

Check-in is available from 9:30AM - 11:00AM in the Damen Student Center. An optional brunch in the dining hall will be available for interested participants. The orientation program will begin promptly at 11:30AM in the Mundelein Center Auditorium. Students will receive their personalized schedules, the key to their overnight room, and parking validation (if required) at check-in. Once students are checked in, they can put their suitcases in their overnight room and meet their Orientation roommate!

How do I get there?

Orientation sessions are held on the Lake Shore Campus in Rogers Park, Chicago. The City of Chicago has a wide variety of transportation options at your disposal that will get you to our campus quickly and safely.

Parking

Orientation participants can park in the Main Parking Structure (P1), which is accessible from the main campus entrance at the corner of W Sheridan Rd and N Kenmore Ave. Please pull a ticket to enter the garage. You will receive parking validation at check-in. Please park before attempting to check-in for orientation. The Orientation Leader team will be there to direct you from the parking garge to check-in.  Complimentary parking, without validation, is available in the Main Parking Structure when parking for less than 30 minutes.

For overnight parking, you must print and display this Parking Placard on the dashboard of you vehicle.

Public Transportation

Public transportation 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 and a 5-10 minutes walk to Mertz Hall. 

Taxi or Rideshare

Taxi and rideshare options are also available for transportation to campus. You can get dropped-off  at 6333 N Winthrop Ave, Chicago, IL 60660. 

Airports

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 by 9:30AM when check-in begins. 

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

First-Year Orientation check-in begins at 9:30AM, with the mandatory welcome program beginning at 11:30AM on Day 1. Formal programming will conclude at 12:00PM on day 2. Please plan your travel accordingly so that you do not have to arrive late or leave early.