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As Ramblers return to campus for the beginning of the Fall 2026 semester, the Loyola community is encouraged to review these key reminders, information, and guides to prepare for a smooth and successful transition into a new school year.
Key Dates:
- August 16-30: With more than 40 events planned over 12 days, Welcome Week is an opportunity for new students to have fun, get familiarized with campus, meet fellow Ramblers, and explore programs and resources.
- August 16-20: Move-in to Loyola residence halls, see tips below.
- August 24: Fall semester begins.
View the full Fall 2026 academic calendar here and find more events on across Loyola’s campuses on the University Calendar.
Move-In:
Parking During Move-In
During Move-In 2026, the Main Parking Structure on the Lake Shore Campus will be restricted to students moving onto campus now through Thursday, August 20.
For those with parking permits, the following alternative parking options are available:
- Fordham Garage, located at 6455 N. Sheridan Rd. Note: A Loyola Campus Card will be required to enter Fordham Garage on these days.
- West Loyola Lot, located at 1236 W. Loyola Ave.
- Contractor’s Lot, located at 1227 W. Loyola Ave.
Move-in Instructions for Students
Move-in for students living on campus for the 2026-2027 academic year is happening now through August 20 on Loyola’s Lake Shore and Water Tower campuses. Students should review the information they received over the summer in their Loyola email for their assigned move-in dates and specific instructions.
The Residence Life team will be available to assist students and families during the move-in process. It is important to follow the guidance provided by the Residence Life staff to ensure a smooth process for all Ramblers. Students moving in are reminded to bring a photo ID and any necessary paperwork on move-in day.
Fall 2026 Remaining Move-In Dates
August 18: Bellarmine (½), Regis (½), San Francisco (½), Simpson (½), Mertz (1/3)
August 19: Bellarmine (½), Regis (½), Marquette, Marquette South, Messina, Santa Clara, Spring Hill, Baumhart
August 20: Seattle/Xavier, LeMoyne, Georgetown, Canisius, Farfield, St. Louis, Fordham
Find more information about the move-in process and procedures, visit the Residence Life website.
Start of Semester Reminders:
Parking Tips During the Semester
Water Tower Campus garages that offer discounted parking are making changes to their rates and validation processes. Please check the Transportation website frequently for changes if you utilize the discounted parking rate at Water Tower Campus.
On Lake Shore Campus, keep these tips in mind for quicker exits from the Main Parking Structure once the semester begins:
- Leave the garage during non-peak times when possible
- Pay for daily tickets before reaching the exit
- Use both exit lanes
- Wait for the gate to close between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you before proceeding
- Consider turning left or going straight at the light instead of turning right
- Be patient and courteous to pedestrians and fellow drivers
Transportation:
Intercampus Shuttle
Shuttle service between the Lake Shore Campus and the Water Tower Campus begins Monday, August 24, and runs Mondays through Fridays from 7 a.m. to midnight.
An additional shuttle departs the Water Tower campus at 9:05 p.m. to Union and Ogilvie train stations.
Students, faculty, and staff can track shuttle buses and get real-time alerts via TripShot. Loyola IDs are required to board.
Note:
- On Thursday, August 27, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., the Water Tower Campus stop will be temporarily moved to Pearson St. And Michigan Ave. During the Welcome Week Block Party.
- On Friday, September 4, the last shuttle departs both campuses at 7 p.m.
- There will be no shuttle service on Monday, September 7 in observance of Labor Day. Regular operations resume Tuesday, September 8.
8-Ride Campus Transportation
8-RIDE service resumes on Sunday, August 23, at 7 p.m. On Labor Day, September 7, a reduced number of vans will operate from 7 p.m. to midnight. Regular servce resumes Tuesday, September 8.
Loyola IDs must be shown to board. Riders can book rides and get real-time updates through TripShot or by calling 773.508.7433.
Visit LUC.edu/8Ride for details on service boundaries, hours, and using TripShot.
U-Pass transit cards
Fall U-Pass activation dates vary by program and can be found on the U-Pass website.
- Newly eligible students can visit the site for distribution information and replacement card requests.
- To opt out of U-Pass, complete the waive by Sunday, September 6: U-Pass Opt-Out.
- Health Sciences and other previously non-participating students may no opt in by Sunday, September 6: U-Pass Opt-In.
