Pre-O Students

College Programming and Orientation

Pre-Orientation Programs

All incoming first year and transfer students are invited to apply for one of the Summer Experiences or Pre-Orientation Programs, a series of optional opportunities that will help you make the most of your time at UChicago. Each program provides a unique experience that will allow you to meet other members of your class, help you become more familiar with student and community life, and begin exploring areas of interest before the academic year begins.

Below are descriptions of each program. Please visit the individual program’s website for information on applications and the timeline for responses. If you have general questions about any of our summer experience or pre-orientation programs, please feel free to contact the College Programming Office at pre-orientation@uchicago.edu. 

Registration for all pre-orientation programs will open late spring quarter. There are a limited number of spots in each program which will be filled this year on a first come first served basis. 

Additional information regarding the program and move-in logistics will be shared directly with participants later this summer. 

Please click on each individual program website, linked below, to learn more about the program and associated costs.

If you have general questions about any of the pre-orientation programs, please feel free to contact the Pre-Orientation staff at pre-orientation@uchicago.edu.

Summer Experiences

The programs below take place early September. 

Career Exploration Week is an opportunity for incoming students to explore potential career paths before classes begin. During the first week of September, students will travel to cities throughout the U.S. to visit employers, network with UChicago alumni, and meet their new classmates. 

The Chicago Academic Achievement Program (CAAP) is a year-long program that provides early exposure to scholarly and social life at the University of Chicago to a group of academically talented incoming first-year students, many of whom are the first in their family to go to college or are from lower-income backgrounds. CAAP Academy gives students a “head start” by becoming acquainted with the expectations of classes.

Pre-Orientation Programs

The programs below take place the week before Orientation Week.

Chicago Urban Explorers (CUE) program seeks to introduce students to the culture and history of the city of Chicago while also providing a venue for students to build strong personal networks with other members of their incoming class. Through CUE, students find unique opportunities to engage with UChicago and Hyde park, visit important city landmarks and cultural institutions, and partake in the diversity of the city of Chicago. Along the way, students get to know other students in the College, while having fun exploring this world-class city. CUE is sponsored by College Programming and Orientation (CPO) and the Office of the Dean of Students in the College.

International Pre-Orientation (IPO) provides international students with a space to adjust to their new college environment and get to know other international first-year and upper-class students in the College, while learning more about the resources, services, and expectations of the University. Additionally, participants will be introduced to the culture of the city of Chicago by visiting important city landmarks and cultural institutions. IPO is sponsored by College Programming and Orientation. 

The Phoenix Outdoor Program (POP) offers a unique camp based opportunity for students regardless of their level of outdoor exploration experience. All participants will be placed in a small group with upper class student leaders, who will guide them through the program. Along the way, you'll make some new friends, experience the great outdoors, and learn useful information to aid in your transition into UChicago.