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New Families

As you and your student prepare to arrive on campus in August, we’ve curated some helpful checklists for you. Our Family Engagement team at Biola is here to answer you questions — ask us about everything from move-in day to how to connect with the Financial Aid office. We are here to help you and your student have a great Biola experience.

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Get Ready For Your Biola Journey!

Your student’s first experience at Biola will be our annual New Student Orientation (NSO). Over the summer, your student will be assigned a NSO leader who will serve as a guide and resource to your student beginning in the summer, during orientation and throughout the first months of your student’s semester.

While students attend orientation activities with their NSO leaders, the office of Family Engagement will also be providing curated events and seminars that provide helpful information, encouragement and support for you during our two-day Parent and Family Welcome (Thur/Fri).

Learn More About New Student Orientation

Pro Tips for Parents and Families

  1. Make any travel arrangements necessary for Welcome Weekend in August

  2. Mark your calendar for Family Weekend in October (more details soon)

  3. Mark your calendars for Family Events

  4. Ensure your student is keeping up with their enrollment tasks

  5. Start conversations with your students about:

    Holiday Breaks

    Students who are not able to return home for breaks are encouraged to plan other arrangements with their friends. However, Biola dorms and the Biola Café will remain open.

    Communication

    Create a communication plan with your student including frequency and method of communication.

    Academic Expectations

    Help your student create reasonable expectations when it comes to grades, work and navigating academic and personal responsibilities.

    Health

    Encourage your student to create space for self-care, including making appointments to the health center when necessary, taking time to rest, and making sure they take any regular medications as scheduled.

    Budgeting

    Assist your student in creating a sustainable budget that includes expenses, any financial support they might receive, and if they will need to find on-campus employment.

Summer Tasks for Students

  1. Complete some key steps like confirming your intent to enroll by submitting your deposit, finalizing your financial aid and more. View all the steps on our “What’s Next” page as well as find a great printable check list here!

  2. Register for New Student Orientation.

  3. Review the Incoming Student Registration tasks and timeline.

  4. Complete online modules regarding campus safety and community life on canvas.biola.edu.

  5. Students who are living on-campus are encouraged to connect with their roommates via phone, email or social media.

  6. Make note of important dates on the Academic Calendar, Fall 2024 classes begin Tuesday, September 3.

  7. Grab some Biola gear!

What should I pack?

We’ve created a packing list for you and your student to make sure you get everything they need for a great first semester at Biola!

View Packing List for New Families

Book Recommendations

Explore the curated list of books our office recommends for parents of college students.

A Parent’s Guide to the Christian College

Ream, Herrmann and Trudeau explain college student development from a Christian perspective and how parents play a pivotal role in the continued growth of their son or daughter.

The iConnected Parent

Barbara Hofer and Abigail Sullivan Moore share a thoughtful and timely guide for today’s college parents. In our hyper-connected culture, parents are finding it harder than ever to “let go,” and college students are taking longer to develop autonomy.

You’re On Your Own (But I’m Here If You Need Me)

Marjorie Savage, the Parent Program director at the University of Minnesota for the past 19 years offers tips on how to cope with the changes that will take place in your child’s and your family’s life.

The Campus Cure: A Parent’s Guide to Mental Health and Wellness for College

Marcia Morris, MD. Morris, a seasoned psychiatrist on a large public school campus, shares stories from her work and practical tips for parents on everything from loneliness to drug abuse and suicidal thoughts.

Release My Grip: Hope for a Parent’s Heart as Kids Leave the Nest and Learn to Fly

In this keepsake book, you’ll discover how this time can be fertile ground for deepening your relationship with Jesus. You’ll also gain the practical tools you need to help you pause, reflect, and capture the words on your heart during your own unique journey as a parent of a young adult fledgling — from high school graduation through the years that follow.

GIVE A PRACTICAL GIFT

Prepare for College

Wondering what to get your student in preparation for life at Biola? Here are a few suggestions!