As Loyola University Chicago prepares for the arrival of the class of 2028 this fall, incoming students are already getting their first taste of being Ramblers. With orientations kicking off and running through the summer, several key initiatives set the stage for a successful and enriching college experience for new students and their families.
These summer programs provide new students and their families with the information, resources, and community to successfully transition to their new academic life at Loyola. From informative sessions that cover academic expectations and resources to social activities that foster friendships and connections, Loyola’s programs are crafted to address the varied needs of incoming students.
Orientation: Building community from day one
Orientation offers the first major opportunity for new or transferred Ramblers to meet with their future classmates and begin building community at Loyola.
The two-day itinerary offers first-year students an opportunity to navigate campus, eat in the dining hall, mingle with future classmates, and ask questions to prepare for their college experience. Additionally, newly-admitted students can attend drop-in financial aid advising, campus safety presentations, and educational sessions from key campus resources to support their academic and personal wellbeing during their college career. Orientation aims to lay a solid foundation for students as they embark on their academic journey at Loyola.
Welcome Week: Embracing tradition and new friendships
When the summer ends, these fresh faces are invited to move onto campus a week before the rest of the student body. Welcome Week serves as another major community-building opportunity for students to meet one another and participate in first-year traditions, including the annual procession through Cudahy Library’s green doors.
Typically, Welcome Week includes activities such as a Movie on the Quad, Ice Cream with the Jesuits, Hustle to Hoyne, Mass of the Holy Spirit, New Student Convocation, and the Student Organization Fair. This year’s Welcome Week will run August 19-31 and more information about this year’s activities will be available closer to August.
Loyola 360: A retreat for reflection and connection
To further support a positive transition to life at Loyola, the University offers the Loyola 360 retreat to first-year and transfer students.
Held at Loyola’s Retreat and Ecology Campus (LUREC) in Woodstock, IL, the weekend get-away offers a chance for students to escape the city to reflect, build connections with peers, and build a greater understanding of Loyola’s Jesuit mission. The retreat features various social and outdoor activities along with the opportunity to enjoy fresh, locally-sourced meals.
UNIV100: Guiding students through their first year
Back in the classroom, the UNIV100 course forms an integral part of the first-year student experience. Spanning the first two semesters, the interactive course guides new students through sessions that cover Loyola’s mission, the city of Chicago, campus resources, and academic planning to set them up for the upcoming years.
These initiatives collectively ensure that incoming Ramblers are well-supported as they transition into their new academic and social environment.
To learn more about these programs, visit the New Student Experience website.
