New Student Orientation
Welcome, New Students!
Congratulations on your acceptance to Biola! We’re so excited to welcome you into the community during New Student Orientation — a jam-packed, fun-filled weekend when you’ll get connected, build friendships and start to feel at home.
What You Can Expect
Residence Hall Move In
Settle into your new home away from home! Orientation leaders will help direct your move-in experience to your residence hall. Details and times are provided by the Housing and Residence Life office.
Commuter Student Welcome
Local students and their families will be welcomed with a dedicated check-in time and the opportunity to connect with one another.
Family Activities and Sessions
Family welcome sessions, tours and meals are offered to help parents and families support their student’s success and well-being during their college years. Learn how you can volunteer and get involved on campus and in your region.
Student-Only Programming
Get ready to dive into all things Biola as you meet your orientation leader, go to academic orientations, student life orientations, various social events and more. You will be commissioned and officially welcomed as new students in the Community Commissioning & Singspo.
University Welcome and Communion
An official welcome to Biola students and families from President Barry H. Corey and representatives across campus. This prayer-filled, inspirational service is a special service that new students and families cherish.
Commissioning and Singspo
You will be commissioned and officially welcomed as new students in the Biola community
Fall 2024 New Student Orientation
Ready to get started? Get prepared for your transition into the Biola community by participating in New Student Orientation. Registration for NSO opens in early July.
Plan Your Visit
If your family will be staying around Biola, here are some resources including nearby hotels, airports, local eateries and nearby stores for "move-in" purchases.
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Lodging Near Biola
Looking for lodging near Biola? Check out this list of local accommodations near Biola.
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Local Airport Information
View a list of local airports and their distance from Biola.
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Local Eateries
If you're interested in eating off campus, here are some recommended restaurants nearby:
- The Green Olive - Mediterranean
- Tom’s Tailgate - Mexican
- Portillo’s - Hot Dogs & Italian Beef
- Curry Hut - Indian
- Ambrose Pizzeria - Sandwiches & Italian
- In-N-Out - Burgers
- Casteneda’s - Mexican
- Board & Brew - Sandwiches
- Porto’s Bakery & Cafe - Cuban
- Tokyo Town - Sushi
- Golden Wall - Chinese
- Pho 45 - Vietnamese
- The Source OC - Food hall
- Anaheim Packing District - Food hall
- Rodeo 39 Public Market - Food hall
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Nearby Retail Stores
Need to buy some last minute move-in items? Here are some nearby stores:
Welcome to Biola
Get a glimpse into New Student Orientation and Welcome Week — a time when our campus is alive with excitement and anticipation. It's a celebration and commissioning of students stepping into the Biola community with a spirit of faith, unity and joy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is orientation mandatory for incoming students?
Specific orientation events such as Academic Orientation and Student Life Orientation are mandatory for new students, but all parts of orientation are an amazing opportunity to connect you with resources on campus and help you start to build a community that lasts a lifetime.
I’m a transfer student. Am I required to attend Orientation?
All new students – transfers and freshmen alike – should attend. We’ve created special events geared toward the needs and interests of transfer students, and we know that the information we share with you will ensure your success as a new student at Biola.
Can my parents and family come to Orientation?
Yes! Parents and families are welcome to come to New Student Orientation. Look for information about Parent and Family events on biola.edu/parent-relations.
Do I need to purchase a parking permit for Orientation?
All unmarked parking is open without a permit for new students and families throughout Orientation. If you are moving into campus housing, you will follow signs to park temporarily in front of your residence hall to unload, and then park in one of the two parking structures closest to your living area (either structure K or S). Commuters, we recommend you park in the parking structure S.
I have more questions about orientation. How do I get answers?
Email us at orientation@biola.edu. We respond to emails Monday-Friday.
I have a question about on-campus housing. Who do I ask?
If you have a question about housing, such as what items are allowed in my dorm room, you can contact housing at undergrad.housing@biola.edu.
What if I want to bring a bike, scooter or skateboard to campus?
Biola University allows as a privilege to its students the use of skateboards, non-motorized scooters, roller skates and roller blades on campus, but only for the purpose of efficiency of movement around campus and only when operated in accordance with this policy and the safety rules outlined within. If you have have further questions about regulations, reach out to campus.safety@biola.edu.
Contact Us
Phone: (562) 944-0351 ext. 5846
Email: orientation@biola.edu
Location: Student Union Building #205A (Upper Level)