Program Hours

All first-year students are required to attend the entire orientation session. 

Summer 2024 Orientation:

Two-day sessions: The two-day, first-year orientation sessions throughout June and July will begin with a Welcome Session for both students and families/guests at 10:30 AM. Student programming will continue until 10:30 PM on Day 1. Programming for families/guests will end by 6:30 PM on the first day. Student programming will continue into Day 2 and will end formal programming around 2:30 PM. 

One-day sessions (commuter students only): The one-day, first-year orientation sessions (June 21 and July 10) will begin with a Welcome Session for both students and families/guests at 9:00 AM. Student and family/guest will have different, parallel programming that will continue until the conclusion of the session at 4:30 PM. Please note: these one-day sessions for commuter students do NOT have an overight component. 

Required Packing List: 

• Bedding items and toiletries - Bring bedding items such as pillows, sheets, towels, and toiletries for your overnight stay (excluding 1-day commuter student sessions) in the orientation residence hall. These items will NOT be provided to you. 
• 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.
• Comfortable clothing, socks, shoes - There will be walking outside to and from different buildings on Lakeshore campus so plan to dress appropriately for summer in Chicago. Summer in Chicago brings a variety of weather conditions and temperatures. Activities will take place indoors and outdoors. Evening activities outdoors may require a sweatshirt or light jacket. 

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 at the end of the day. 

Check-In Time & Location

Check-in is available from 8:00 - 10:00 AM in the Damen Student Center on the Lake Shore Campus. The orientation program will begin promptly at 10:30 AM in Rooney Hall in the Mundelein Center. Meals will be provided to all participants during the program. Students will receive their personalized schedules and parking validation (if required) at check-in. 

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). Loyola University Chicago is served and can be accessed by two Red Line stations. The Loyola Station on the CTA Red Line of the 'L' train is across the street from campus and a 10-15 minute walk to Sullivan Center for Student Services. The Granville Station on the CTA Red Line is near the corner of Granville Ave. and Winthrop St. It is also approximately at 10 minute walk to Sullivan Center for Student Services. 

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 between 8:00 - 10:00 AM. when check-in begins. 

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

First-Year Orientation check-in begins at 8:00AM, with the mandatory welcome program beginning at 10:30 AM. Formal programming will conclude at 5:00PM for family members and guests. Students will end formal programming on Day 2 around 2:30 PM. Please plan your travel accordingly - we recommend that orientation attendees do not book flights out of Chicago before 5:00 PM on Day 2 to account for Chicago traffic.