College Programming and Orientation
Orientation Week 2024
The College is delighted to welcome the newest class of first-year 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 23-28, 2025 - visit the schedule section below for more details.
Quick Links
Move-In: Tuesday, September 23, 2025
Orientation Week Overview
- 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 24, 2025
- Live Stream Link (coming September 2025)
- 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 25, 2025
- Live Stream Link (coming September 2025)
College Orientation Week: Tuesday, September 23 - Sunday, September 28, 2025
Move-In
Incoming students will select to move-in slot for Tuesday, September 23, 2025. More information about move-in will be provided by Housing and Residence Life. Students selected for pre-arrival and/or Pre-Orientation Programs will have a different move-in date.
O-Week Schedules
The 2025 O-Week and Family Orientation schedules will be released in September, 2025.
Opening Convocation
Aims of Education Address
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.