College Programming and Orientation

International Pre-Orientation

September 17-22, 2025

Inquiries

College Programming and Orientation

Pre-Orientation Website
Half globe / half phoenix international pre-orientation logo.

International Pre-Orientation (IPO) provides a platform for students from around the world to ease into their transition into the University of Chicago. This five-day event allows incoming students the opportunity to explore campus, the neighborhood of Hyde Park, and the city of Chicago while making friends and getting to know upper-class students in the College, all before Orientation even begins.

IPO is an opportunity for international students to meet faculty members, staff, and students who are here to help orient them to Chicago and the College. The program focuses on life in college and getting to know the campus and city of Chicago, while also providing students with some time to recover from travels and relax in preparation for Orientation.

    Dates: September 17-22, 2025

    Spaces Available: 150

    Program Fee: $500. Housing, meals, transportation, and any applicable admissions fees are included in the cost of the program. Students are responsible for incidental/personal expenses and transportation to campus before the start of the program.

    IPO is a need-blind program—financial assistance is available for qualifying students and there is a place to request financial aid on the program application.

    Timeline

    • Applications will open on April 4, 2025
    • Applications close on Monday, June 10 at 10 AM CDT
    • Applicants will hear back by the end of June regarding their application status

    General Information

    • Spots are limited
    • Students may apply to as many Pre-Orientation Programs as interested, but if accepted, will only be offered a spot in one program. 

    All students participating in a Pre-Orientation program will stay in one residence hall for the duration of their program. Upon arriving on campus, students will be given a chance to drop their term-time items into a storage room in their residence hall before checking in for their program at the Pre-Orientation residence hall. 

    If you are participating in a Pre-O program, you may bring all of your belongings for the academic year with you, though you will be responsible for getting those items into your term-time rooms upon arrival, so we recommend limiting how much you bring with you. All items you bring should be labeled with your name and phone number. Students should pack a separate bag for the week to bring to the Pre-Orientation residence hall.

FAQs

    In past years, our schedule has included:

    • A writing workshop with current faculty member
    • A student panel Q&A
    • A presentation on navigating the city of Chicago
    • Visits to local banks and cell phone stores to set up account as needed
    • Social activities in the city like visiting local museums, attending a professional sports game, and more
    • Conversations with offices around campus to understand resources available to students

    International Pre-Orientation was designed in consultation with current international students to address the specific needs of entering international students. The program focuses specifically on cultural and academic issues and will help students prepare for their first year in the College.

    You may still apply without your CNetID. However, you should ensure that you claim your CNet ID submit your UChicago Card ID photo before you come to campus for IPO. You will receive information on both of these processes over the summer.

    Students with questions regarding the International Pre-Orientation should contact College Programming and Orientation at 773.702.8616 or via email at college-programming@uchicago.edu.

Resources for Incoming International Students