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. 

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!

First-Year and Transfer Orientation sessions are held throughout the summer. Check the respective pages for the 2023 dates. 

Registration for Orientation will open at 10:00AM Central Time on Monday, May 8, 2023 on your Student Portal. If you have problems registering, please contact us at 773.508.7381.

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.

Orientation sessions are held on the Lake Shore Campus in Rogers Park, Chicago. Check-in for first-year orientations will be from 9:30AM-11:00AM in the Cenntenial Forum Student Union. Check-in for transfer orientations will be from 7:00AM-8:45AM in the Sullivan Center. 

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 entrance to campus is on the corner of Sheridan and Kenmore. While the parking garage is located on the corner of Sheridan and Winthrop (denoted P1 on the map), you cannot enter the driveway this way, as it is a one-way entrance at 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.

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 9:30AM, with the mandatory welcome program beginning at 11:30AM. Formal programming will conclude at 12:00PM on day 2. 
• Transfer Orientation check-in begins at 7:00AM, 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.

First-Year Orientation is a two-day event with a mandatory overnight component for all students (including fall semester commuters). This is a great opportunity to see what it is like to live in a Residence Hall and to meet other new students. There will be plenty of time for socializing that evening, which will help you meet new people and start building community with your fellow classmates. Overnight accommodations are not provided for parents/guests. More information for parent/guest lodging can be found here.

Transfer Orientation is a one-day event without an overnight component. 

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

At check-in, we will receive a pen, water bottle, personalized schedule, folder, and a cinch bag to keep all of your orientation materials together. We recommend wearing comfortable clothing (many people prefer to bring along a sweatshirt since the buildings get cool in the summer!) and comfortable shoes.

You can also bring along any immunization paperwork to give to the Wellness Center at the Resource Fair; All students need to have their immunization forms completed and entered into LOCUS.  You may bring along any completed immunization paperwork to give to the Wellness Center during your orientation.  However, it must be entered into LOCUS before you drop it off.

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

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

Yes. Orientation has an associated First-Year Program Fee, which is $360 for first-year students and $125 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 First-Year Text, New Student Convocation, and UNIV 101/201. The First-Year Program 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.

Yes, you will need proof of all state of Illinois mandated immunizations (including COVID-19) before classes begin, but not necessarily before your orientation. All students need to have their immunization forms completed and entered into LOCUS by August 1. 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 LOCUS BEFORE you drop it off at the Fair. Click here for additional information about immunizations