A large group of students sit in the pews of a chapel listening to a speaker. Flags for The College and the Class of '22 are displayed.

College Programming and Orientation

Orientation Week 2024

The College is delighted to welcome the Class of 2028 and incoming transfer students to the University. Orientation Week, or O-Week, began in 1934 as a way to introduce a new class of students to the traditions and community that has made the University of Chicago a unique destination for students from around the world. This multi-day series of events, programs, and meetings provides new students with an in-depth overview of how the College works. Save the date: September 24-29, 2024 - visit the schedule section below for more details. 

Quick Links

Orientation Week Overview

    College Orientation Week: Tuesday, September 24 - Sunday, September 29, 2024

    Move-In

    Incoming students will select to move-in on either Tuesday, September 24 or the morning of Wednesday, September 25.  More information about move-in will be provided by Housing and Residence Life. Students selected for Pre-Orientation Programs will have a different move-in date. 

    O-Week Schedule

    The full schedule of events will be released in September via the Guidebook App. O-Week includes a mix of mandatory, signature, and social programs for incoming students. Check out the SAMPLE 2024 Student Schedule.

    Family Programming

    Programming for families and guests will take place on Tuesday, September, 24 and Wednesday, September 25. To learn more, check out the SAMPLE Family Schedule 2024. 

    Opening Convocation

    • Opening Convocation is the College's official welcome that includes the presentation of the class and an address about liberal education. Following the program, incoming students process through main campus, while being cheered on by parents, families, and other students. 
    • Date: Wednesday, September 25, 2024
    • Live Stream Link (coming September, 2024)

    Aims of Education Address

    • The Aims of Education Address is a celebrated tradition where a faculty member addressing the incoming class on the unique aims of a liberal arts education at the University of Chicago. Learn more at the Aims of Education website. 
    • Date: Thursday, September 26, 2024
    • Live Stream Link  (coming September, 2024)

     

    Religious Observances During Orientation

    It often happens that religious holidays occur during Orientation. It is our goal that students will be able to fully observe their holiday without missing important information. The College makes every effort to offer multiple sessions and provide information in a variety of formats to meet students' needs. 

    The Office of Spiritual Life offers connections with a wide variety of religious organizations on campus, in Hyde Park and throughout the city of Chicago. Many students who are observant take advantage of the programs offered by UChicago Hillel and Rohr Chabad Center for Jewish Life & Learning during these times.

    There are dedicated Kosher and Halal options available in Bartlett Dining Commons, Arley D. Cathey Dining Commons, and Baker Dining Commons. The Kosher stations are closed each week for the Sabbath and on all high holidays.