College Programming and Orientation

International Pre-Orientation

2023 Dates To Be Announced

Inquiries

Samuel Shallenberger

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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 upperclass 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: 2023 Dates TBA

    Spaces Available: 150

    Program Fee: 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 and there is a place to request financial aid on the program application.

    Please note that students may apply for multiple Pre-Orientation or Summer Experience programs, but can only participate in a total of one Pre-Orientation program.
    • 2023 Dates TBA

    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 briefly put their term-time items into their permanent room 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

    - Information session on getting a new phone number and bank account

    - 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

    The Office of International Affairs has many resources and support services available for international students. Feel free to stop by the OIA Virtual Office to explore more resources.

    Student visa-eligibility documents will be issued once international students have met the requirements detailed on the College Admissions website. If you are unable to find the information that you need or if you have more specific questions, please contact the International Admissions Team.

    For Autumn 2021, please visit the Housing and Residence Life website for more details. 

    If you unable to fly home over College breaks, students may have the opportunity to stay on campus in one designated residence hall which will remain open during the interim. In order to do so, students must fill out a request form with Housing & Residence Life. For more information, please contact Housing & Residence Life directly.