First-Year Orientation
Introduction
Welcome, New Flames to UIC! We are excited that you have chosen to begin your college journey with us. First-Year Orientation is your first step in building connections, exploring opportunities, and starting strong at UIC.
Welcome
Orientation is designed to help you feel prepared, connected, and confident as you start your experience at UIC. During your program, you will:
- Learn what you need to succeed academically
- Navigate campus and become familiar with key spaces
- Explore campus resources and involvement opportunities
- Connect with other new students and begin finding your place at UIC
Your UIC Orientation Experience
Starting at UIC is a journey, and each step is designed to help you feel prepared and confident. From completing placement tests and exploring key campus resources to meeting with an advisor and attending Orientation, these phases will guide you toward a successful start.
Phase 1: Placement Tests and Explore Flames 101
Complete required placement testing to ensure appropriate course placement and engage with Flames 101, which introduces key resources, campus expectations, and important next steps.
Phase 2: New Student Advising and Registration (NSAR)
Meet with an academic advisor and build your first-semester schedule.
Please check your academic college for specific details and requirements.
Phase 3: In-Person Orientation
Attend Orientation and connect with campus resources, staff, and other new students.
First-Year Orientation Dates
Fall 2026 Admitted Students
- Orientation registration opens April 21 (via your my.UIC.edu portal)
- Registration is first-come, first-served, and sessions will close once capacity is reached
- Reservations close 7 days prior to each session date. Plan to register early
- Check-in begins at 9:00 AM, the program starts at 9:45 AM, and the program concludes at 5:30 PM
- Students must attend the full program to have their Orientation Hold removed
Summer 2026 Orientation Dates
June dates: June 16, June 18, June 23*, June 25
July dates: July 7, July 9*, July 14, July 16, July 21, July 23, July 28, July 30*
August dates: August 3, August 4, August 11, August 13, August 22
*These sessions will include specific information for students participating in the Honors College. Honors College students must attend one of these sessions. Registration for the June 23rd session is available only to students participating in the Honors College.
Academic Advising & Class Registration
For first-year students, we recommend meeting with an academic advisor and registering for classes before attending Orientation.
This allows you to:
- Arrive at Orientation with your schedule already in place
- Focus on connecting, exploring campus, and getting your questions answered
We’re Excited to Welcome You
First-Year Orientation is your first step in building connections, exploring opportunities, and starting strong at UIC.
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!