New Student Orientation

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. Programs will begin in mid-June and will go until August. If you do not see a date that works for you, please check back regularly as new dates will be added as earlier sessions fill up.
• 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!
  • It is recommended to select an In-Person Orientation date that is at least 7 days after your New Student Advising Session.

• Participants staying in Campus Housing overnight will be staying in the Commons West Residence Hall in a double (shared) room.
• Students who did not opt out of the overnight portion of orientation will be required to stay on campus overnight.
• If you would like to room with someone who is attending the same orientation as you (and has the same gender identity) you should plan to check in together the morning of the program in order to be assigned your preferred roommate.
  • Students who do not have a preferred roommate will be assigned a roommate of the same gender who is also attending orientation.
• Participants should bring their own bedding and towels to orientation.
  • All beds in Commons West are extra-long twin beds.
  • We encourage students bring sheets, pillows, pillowcases, comforter/blanket/sleeping bag, towels, toiletries, and anything else you need for a night’s stay.
• Participants staying overnight should plan to bring their luggage and supplies with them to check in.
  • You will be assigned your room and will drop off your items prior to the start of the orientation program.
• Students are responsible for keeping track of the keys to your overnight accommodations. Keys MUST be returned by 9:00am on Day 2 of the orientation program.
  • Students who fail to return their keys will be charged a replacement fee to their student accounts.
• Students must stay in the Commons West Residence Hall during the overnight portion on In-Person Orientation.
  • Students are not permitted to leave the building from 9:30pm-7:00am.
• Students are responsible for any damage caused to their room, furniture, or the building while attending the overnight orientation.
  • Any fees for damages will be charged to the student’s university account by Campus Housing
• No guests are permitted in Campus Housing. Students are not able to bring any guests into their residence hall room during orientation.
  • Only students attending orientation and staying overnight are permitted in Campus Housing
  • There are no overnight accommodations for parents/families/guests during Orientation.
    • If guests attending orientation need assistance with overnight accommodations, please contact orhelp@uic.edu.

• Students who opted out of the overnight component of orientation for religious, health/safety, or cultural reasons are required to remain on campus until 8 p.m. on Day 1.
• All students not staying overnight MUST check out of the program at 8 p.m.
  • A check out table will be located in the Student Recreation Facility (Rec Center) from 8pm-9pm for students to check out with UIC Orientation Staff.
• Students will need to check back into the program at 8 a.m. on Day 2.
  • The check in table for Day 2 will be located in the same location as Day 1.
• Students who do not stay until 8 p.m., do not check out with UIC Orientation Staff before leaving campus, or who do not return for Day 2 will be required to attend another orientation session.

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

Where to go once you get to campus

• To navigate to the program check-in location, you should plan to enter Student Center East (SCE) using the East Plaza Entrance (located at the intersection of Halsted Street and Polk Street).
  • Please watch for signage and orientation leaders (dressed in red polos) that will help direct you to the check-in for the program.
• The SCE East Plaza is located across the street from the Halsted/Taylor Street Parking Structure, a half block walk south of the Blue Line UIC-Halsted stop (on the Halsted Street exit side) or the CTA #7 Bus drop-off, or right next to the CTA #60 Bus drop-off.
  • After entering SCE, make a right and go up the escalators.
  • Check-In will take place at the top of the escalators.

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 will run from 8:00am-6:00pm on Day 1 and 9:00am-12:00pm on Day 2.

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 to wear on Day 2
• Jacket/Sweatshirt – the rooms we use for orientation can get chilly, so bring layers
• Workout/athletic clothes – you’ll have access to the Recreation Center
• Swimsuit – the Recreation Center does have an indoor lazy river to relax in, you’ll have time on Day 1
• Pajamas (for overnight participants)

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)

Overnight Housing Items

• Bedding
  • Pillows
  • Blankets
  • Sheets/Sleeping Bag (beds are Twin XL)
• Toiletries
  • Toothbrush & Toothpaste
  • Deodorant
  • Shower shoes/flip flops
  • Towel
  • Wash cloth/louffa
  • Shampoo/conditioner/body wash

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

Where to go once you get to campus

• To navigate to the program check-in location, you should plan to enter Student Center East (SCE) using the East Plaza Entrance (located at the intersection of Halsted Street and Polk Street).
  • Please watch for signage and orientation leaders (dressed in red polos) that will help direct you to the check-in for the program.
• The SCE East Plaza is located across the street from the Halsted/Taylor Street Parking Structure, a half block walk south of the Blue Line UIC-Halsted stop (on the Halsted Street exit side) or the CTA #7 Bus drop-off, or right next to the CTA #60 Bus drop-off.
  • After entering SCE, make a right and go up the escalators.
  • Check-In will take place at the top of the escalators.

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)

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!