New Student Orientation

Spring 2025 Students

We hope you are excited to begin your journey as a UIC Flame. After declaring your Intent to Enroll (ITE) at UIC, you are ready to take the next step by starting your UIC transition, which includes placement testing, online orientation, academic advising, in-person orientation, and more!

Your UIC Orientation Experience consists of three phases:

Phase 1: Online Orientation Modules & Placement Tests

Phase 2: New Student Advising and Registration Session

Phase 3: In-Person Orientation

These three phases are required for all new transfer and first-year students.

For additional updates about our programs, please follow us on Instagram @UICOrientation. We will also send more information about the transition/orientation phases to your UIC email, which ends in "@uic.edu," so please ensure you are actively monitoring that account for additional emails from our office related to registration, orientation logistics, and program reminders.

For details on how to access your UIC email, please visit  it.uic.edu/students/email for more information.

We look forward to seeing you at New Student Orientation, GO FLAMES!

Orientation Phases Heading link

Online Orientation Modules & Placement Tests (Phase 1)

The Online Orientation Modules are an asynchronous way to begin introducing new students (and their families) to the University of Illinois Chicago. These modules can be completed on your own time from anywhere. Log into my.uic.edu and click on the UIC Connect tab. Under the My Progress section, click on the link titled Complete online orientation. You do not need to complete the modules in one sitting, the system records your progress and you can pick back up where you left off in previous logins.

Placement Tests are used to assist your Academic Advisors in placing you into the correct courses. Advisors use these placement results in collaboration with any transcripts, AP/IB credit, etc. to determine the best place to start your UIC academic journey. To complete the Placement Tests, log into my.uic.edu and click on the UIC Connect tab. Under the My Progress section, click on the link titled Determine required placement tests.

New Student Advising and Registration Sessions (Phase 2)

Following the completion of your Online Orientation Modules and Placement Tests, you will then be able to select your New Student Advising and Registration Session. These sessions are led by your Academic College and will include information about your college, academic advising, course recommendations, and class registration support. Each Academic College at UIC has its own identity and facilitates these sessions to meet the unique needs of students within their college. The New Student Advising and Registration sessions will be different for each college. Please click on your Academic College below to find out information about your academic transition and the form for which they are using for these sessions.

To register for your New Student Advising and Registration session, log into my.uic.edu and click on the UIC Connect tab. Under the My Progress section, click on the link titled Sign up for New Student Advising.

*These sessions are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Earlier attendance will ensure a broader selection of courses and availability. We recommend signing up for the earliest available session.

Please note: new students who need accommodations for the New Student Advising and Registration Sessions should work directly with their Academic College. This may include assistance during the sessions, requesting an alternative format for the sessions (online, in-person, hybrid), and any other questions about the session. Additionally, the New Student Advising and Registration Sessions are only for new students. Parents, family members, and guests are not able to attend these sessions with their students. However, students are recommended to discuss the meetings with their families and supporters follow the completion of the session.

In-Person Orientation Sessions (Phase 3)

Following the completion of your Online Orientation Modules and Placement Tests, you will also be able to select your In-Person Orientation Session. You will attend your In-Person Orientation Session after you attend your New Student advising and Registration Session. In-Person Orientation Sessions will include a welcome to UIC, presentations on important topics related to your UIC experience, transition sessions to assist in your acclimation and on-boarding to UIC, a chance to follow up on any academic advising questions/concerns, and a chance to make connections with other new students, staff, and campus administrators.

To register for your In-Person Orientation, log into my.uic.edu and click on the UIC Connect tab. Under the My Progress section, click on the link titled Orientation reservation.

  • Registration for In-Person Orientation sessions is currently open. Dates for In-Person Orientation are opened on a rolling basis. 
  • You can register for your In-Person Orientation following the completion of the Online Orientation and Placement Tests. You do not need to wait until you have completed your New Student Advising and Registration Session in order to select your In-Person Orientation date, so sign up ASAP!

In-Person Orientation Information Heading link

In-Person Orientation is a one-day program for either new first-year or transfer students on the following dates:

Monday, December 16, 2024

Tuesday, December 17, 2024

Wednesday, December 18, 2024

Tuesday, January 7, 2025

Thursday, January 9, 2025

Check-in for your orientation will begin at 9:00 am, and the program will conclude at 5:00 pm.

Student must attend the program in its entirety to have the Orientation Hold removed from their account.

Transportation & Parking

Driving to campus?

  • For those who will be driving to campus, you are encouraged to park in the Halsted/Taylor Parking Structure located at 760 W. Taylor Street Chicago, IL 60607.
    • We encourage you to enter and park on the north side of the structure on Polk Street, so you are closer to the event check-in.
  • Please note: parking costs are not covered for this program. Participants parking in the garage will be required to pay upon departure.
  • For parking rates, please parking services website.
    • Prices can be found under the Variable Rate Parking Facilities section.

Taking CTA, METRA, or being dropped off? 

  • For those taking public transportation or being dropped off for your session, please use 750 S. Halsted St. Chicago, IL 60607 for planning your route.
  • For transportation information and resources visit the Commuter and Off-Campus Life’s website

New students are welcomed and encouraged to bring your parents and family members to your In-Person Orientation. Please register all guests through the my.UIC.edu portal.

  • Guest spaces are limited at orientation. Guests not registered in advance are not guaranteed to be able to attend the program. We will allow walk-in guests, as space permits, the day of the program.
  • There is a $75 fee for each registered guest. Guest fees will be charged to your student account following your orientation session.
    • Please note that the online registration system says the Guest Fee is $50/person. We are working on fixing this issue in the system. If you do not want to pay $75 for each guest, please be sure to cancel their registration at least 7 days prior to your scheduled In-Person Orientation session in order to avoid being charged the fee
  • Students should NOT register yourself as a guest.
  • The Family Orientation Program will run from 9:00am-5:00pm.

Wondering what to bring to Orientation?

Clothing/Apparel

  • Comfortable walking shoes – you will be walking around campus
  • Casual clothing – you’ll get your official UIC Orientation shirt at check in
  • Jacket/Sweatshirt – the rooms we use for orientation can get chilly, so bring layers

Technology

  • Tablet or laptop – if you need assistance with accessing UIC systems, we’ll have staff to help!
  • Cell phone & Charger – be sure to bring the charger with you throughout the day

Important Items

  • State/Government ID – you’ll need it to get your iCard
  • Sunscreen & Bug Spray – you may be outside at times
  • Umbrella/Poncho/Rain coat – it’s not uncommon to have an afternoon rain shower, we recommend bringing something to stay dry
  • Water bottle – stay hydrated!
  • Your Fall 2024 Class Schedule (printed or electronic)

Academic College Information (New Student Advising and Registration Info) Heading link

Click on your academic college to find out more about your process for receiving academic advising, course recommendations, and class registration support!

First Year & Transfer Students

Please check out AHS’s New Students page for more info about your transition to UIC!

First-Year & Transfer Students

Please check out CADA’s New Student Orientation page for more info about your transition to UIC!

First-Year & Transfer Students

Please check out CBA’s New Undergrad Business Students page for more info about your transition to UIC!

First-Year & Transfer Students

Please check out EDU’s Admitted Student page for more info about your transition to UIC!

First-Year & Transfer Students

Please check out COE’s New Student Orientation page for more info about your transition to UIC!

First-Year & Transfer Students

Please check out LAS’s New Student Orientation page for more info about your transition to UIC!

First-Year & Transfer Students

Please check out CUPPA’s Admitted Student Information page for more info about your transition to UIC!

First-Year & Transfer Students

Please check out SPH’s Undergraduate Admitted Students page for more info about your transition to UIC!

First-Year & Transfer Students

Please check out Honor College’s New Student Information page for more info about your transition to UIC!