The New Student Orientation team is eager to welcome incoming Fall 2024 students and their families to campus. NSO is designed to equip you for a successful start as you transition to Biola as well as connect you and family to campus resources and the Biola community. Attendance is mandatory for all students. Please make plans to attend on these dates:
- Friday, August 30: Programming for new students and families/supporters. It is requested that families say their goodbyes following the last event on Friday.
- Saturday, August 31 and Sunday, September 1: Programming for new students only.
Please note:
- Residence Hall move-in is August 30. You will receive communication from Housing and Residence Life regarding that process.
- You will receive more information about NSO in July and all new students will be assigned an Orientation Student Leader.
- Torrey Students — Please see Torrientation
- Global Students — Please see Global Orientation
- FirstGen Students — please see Summer Bridge
- Athletes — Please connect with your coach about early arrival
View the Fall 2024 Orientation Schedule.
Questions?
Contact Campus Engagement at:
orientation@biola.edu
Friday, August 30: Move In and Family Programming
| Time | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 9 a.m.-3 p.m. | Clearance Party (Residential) / NSO Check In Once you have been directed to your initial parking destination, orientation staff will welcome you to take your final steps toward becoming a student. You will be directed to register for orientation, make sure you are cleared for classes and receive info on making your way to your new residence! Yummy snacks and Biola swag will be provided! |
Chase Way |
| 9 a.m.-3 p.m. | Residence Hall Move In / NSO Check In
New students planning to move into a Biola Residence Hall will be wholeheartedly welcomed from the moment they arrive on campus. The Housing and Residence Life Department will provide all necessary details about a fully supported move-in experience. |
All Residence Halls |
| 12-1 p.m. | Lunch on Your Own | |
| 2-3:30 p.m. | Clearance Party (Commuters) / NSO Check In Once you have been directed to your initial parking destination, orientation staff will welcome you to take your final steps toward becoming a student. You will be directed to register for orientation, make sure you are cleared for classes and receive info about the rest of the day! Yummy snacks and Biola swag will be provided! |
Chase Way |
| 1:30-3:30 p.m. | Class Tours / Resource Fair Visit our Resource Fair, go on a guided tour, finish any task you are needing to complete or relax with an iced beverage! Tours leave every 30 minutes (Families welcome). |
Fluor Fountain |
| 3:30-5 p.m. | Orientation Group Connect |
Meet at Metzger Lawn |
| 3:30-5 p.m. | Family Welcome Session Option | Ethel Lee (Sutherland) Auditorium |
| 5:30-7 p.m. | Biola President's BBQ Dr. Barry Corey invites all new students and their families and supporters to attend this dinner to enjoy a restful evening of wonderful conversation and delicious food. Your NSO Registration covers the cost for your family to attend the Biola BBQ. Grab the delicious buffet BBQ meal and find a place to sit in the many offered spaces. |
Biola Cafe |
| 5:30-7 p.m. | Snyder School of Cinema & Media Arts Welcome Dinner
Snyder School incoming students and their guests are invited to our annual welcome dinner event! At the dinner, you’ll meet and hear from our Founding Dean, Tom Halleen, and members of our faculty and staff. You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with CMA peers for a night of excitement, fellowship, and community. Incoming students are free. $15 per guest. | Tent/Lot F |
| 6-7:15 p.m. | Crowell School of Business Open House Business majors and families are invited to drop in and meet Dean Dr. Michael Arena, Business Faculty, Academic Advisors, Career Specialists, and current students. Feel free to explore areas of interest, including the new AI Lab, at your own pace. | Business Building |
| 6:15-7 p.m. | Biblical and Theological Studies Division Majors Dessert & Information Talbot School of Theology invites students to a dessert following the President’s BBQ to hear more information about your field of study. | Andrews Banquet Room |
| 7:30–9 p.m. | University Welcome / Communion Service A beloved Biola event that families cherish for years to come — join us for worship and communion on the lawn with your family, and be fully welcomed to the Biola community. Following this prayer filled event is the perfect time to say goodbye to your student. |
Metzger Lawn |
| 9:30-11 p.m. | Res Hall Welcome Event Students who moved into a residence hall will be officially welcomed and experience the excitement of living on campus with their Biola community. | Residence Halls |
Saturday, August 31: Student-Only Programming
| Time | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 8:30-9 a.m. | NSO Check In | Fluor Fountain |
| 9:15-10:30 a.m. | Student Life Orientation | Freshmen: Ethel Lee (Sutherland) Auditorium Transfers: Calvary Chapel |
| 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. | Orientation Group Connect Meet and connect with fellow new students and enjoy significant interactions that will remain important as you start your time at Biola. | Various — Across Campus |
| 12-1 p.m. | Lunch with Leaders Join your orientation group for lunch in the Caf. Note: Commuters will receive complimentary meal tickets |
Biola Caf / Various |
| 12-1 p.m. | Transfer Student Lunch All transfer students are invited to attend a catered lunch. Come with your orientation leader and learn more about being a transfer student at Biola! | KDR |
| 1:30-3 p.m. | Academic Orientation New students will have the unique opportunity to meet with leadership and peers from their schools to connect, receive academic inspiration, and timely academic resources ensuring you have the tools needed to successfully begin classes. Find your school based on your major.
| Various |
| 3-5 p.m. | Ice Cream & Chill Enjoy some down time & cool off with cold snacks & drinks. Meet some friends, enjoy some ice cream, activities and take a breather. | SUB |
| 5-6 p.m. | Community Orientation Each Residence Hall will host a discussion on what it means to thrive in the dorms and manage roommate expectations. Commuters will meet for a discussion about how to get involved as a commuter on campus and resources that are available for commuters. | Various |
| 6-7 p.m. | Dinner on your own (Commuter)
Commuter meal tickets will be available for commuter students. | |
| 6-7 p.m. | Dinner with Residence Halls | Biola Caf |
| 7 p.m. | Residence Hall Mandatory Meetings All students living in Sigma, Hart, Alpha or Blackstone are required to attend this meeting to hear important information about living in your residence hall.
|
Various |
| 7-8:30 p.m. | Ice Cream & Chill Pt. II If you do not live in Sigma, Hart or Alpha for the mandatory meetings, come backto the SUB for ice cream, fun and relaxation. | SUB |
| 8 p.m. | New Student Student Glow Roll - hosted by HRL
Don’t miss this epic event of neon roller skating! Bring your own skates, or use the ones provided at the event. |
Parking Lot S |
Sunday, September 1
| Time | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 10–11 a.m. | Campus Worship A formal time of Sunday morning worship happens just once a year on campus. Come join this special event to sing praise to the Lord and hear a message from Biola’s Spiritual Development team. |
Ethel Lee (Sutherland) Auditorium |
| 1-4 p.m. | CLUB SUB — Connection Event An amazing time of lawn games, video games, bracelet making, hammock naps, music, food and more! Bring a new friend or two and soak in the college campus life! | SUB |
| 7:30–9 p.m. | Community Commissioning and Singspo Be officially commissioned as a Biola student with this special ceremony, made more significant as you are joined by returning students for a night of connection and appreciation. |
Metzger Lawn |
Monday, September 2
Enjoy your final day of summer by exploring our corner of Southern California! We will provide a list of area student favorites: coffee shops, donut shops, beaches, museums and so much more!
Residence Halls: Enjoy a Luau Dinner in the Biola Cafe! After a day of exploring Southern California you can look forward to a delicious Hawaiian themed meal and vibes!
Tuesday, September 3
Classes Begin! Pro tip: Take a class tour during NSO to help locate all your classes.
Wednesday, September 4
| Time | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 9:30–10:20 a.m. | Convocation Kick off the academic year and meet new students. |
Chase Gym |
See you soon!
Incoming students will receive emails from your Orientation Leader this summer! Email us with any questions at orientation@biola.edu.
Note: Students may need to arrive early for orientation if they are involved in these various programs:
- Athletics: athletics@biola.edu
- Global Students: gse@biola.edu
- Torrey Honors: torrientation@biola.edu
- FirstGen: Explore the Summer Bridge Program