New Student Orientation
Spring 2026 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: Placement Tests
Phase 2: New Student Advising and Registration Session*
*Please check the academic college information below for additional details about your college.
Phase 3: In-Person Orientation
For the latest updates on our programs, follow us on Instagram at @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!
First-Year (Freshman) and Transfer Student In-Person Orientation Information
First-Year (Freshman) and Transfer In-Person Orientation is a one-day experience. Please review the information below.
First-Year & Transfer Orientation Session Dates
January 2026 Dates: January 7th (Wednesday), January 8th (Thursday), January 9th (Friday)
Orientation session reservations open on a rolling basis. Reservations will close 7-days prior to each session date– do not delay in making your reservation!
Check-in for your orientation will begin at 9:00 am, and the program will conclude at 5:00 pm.
Students 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
Check In Location
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 (Harrison) Bus drop-off, or right next to the CTA #60 (Blue Island/26th) Bus drop-off. The CTA #8 (Halsted) Bus also drops off in front of SCE at the Polk stops.
- After entering SCE, make a right and go up the escalators.
- Check-In will take place at the top of the escalators.
Parents/Families/Guests
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
-
We encourage students to bring a guest who will support them throughout their academic journey at UIC, such as a parent or guardian. Guests and students should expect to participate in separate portions of orientation.
- Students should NOT register yourself as a guest
What to Bring with You to Orientation
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 – you may be outside at times
- Umbrella/Poncho/Rain coat – it’s not uncommon to have an afternoon rain shower, so we recommend bringing something to stay dry
- Water bottle – stay hydrated!
- Your Spring 2026 Class Schedule (printed or electronic)
Academic College Information (New Student Advising and Registration Info)
Click on your academic college to find out more about your process for receiving academic advising, course recommendations, and class registration support!
College of Applied Health Sciences
First Year & Transfer Students
Please check out AHS’s New Students page for more info about your transition to UIC!
College of Architecture, Design, and the Arts
First-Year & Transfer Students
Please check out CADA’s New Student Orientation page for more info about your transition to UIC!
College of Business Administration
First-Year & Transfer Students
Please check out CBA’s New Undergrad Business Students page for more info about your transition to UIC!
College of Education
First-Year & Transfer Students
Please check out EDU’s Admitted Student page for more info about your transition to UIC!
College of Engineering
First-Year & Transfer Students
Please check out COE’s New Student Orientation page for more info about your transition to UIC!
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
First-Year & Transfer Students
Please check out LAS’s New Student Orientation page for more info about your transition to UIC!
College of Nursing
First-Year & Transfer Students
Please check out the College of Nursing’s New Student Information page for more info about your transition to UIC.
College of Urban Planning and Public Administration
First-Year & Transfer Students
Please check out CUPPA’s Admitted Student Information page for more info about your transition to UIC!
School of Public Health
First-Year & Transfer Students
Please check out SPH’s Undergraduate Admitted Students page for more info about your transition to UIC!
Honors College
First-Year & Transfer Students
Please check out Honor College’s New Student Information page for more info about your transition to UIC!