Discover the Excitement of UIC Orientation
Orientation at UIC is a fun experience for new first-year, transfer, and international students. Orientation offers a chance to explore the vibrant campus, register for classes, and learn about the wealth of resources available at UIC. It's also an opportunity to meet orientation leaders (OLs) and fellow classmates, creating new friendships that can last a lifetime. Here is a glimpse into the orientation experience, as shared by both OLs and new students.
Your Guide to Life at UIC
Orientation leaders play a vital role in welcoming students to the UIC campus. As students enter Student Center East (SCE), they are greeted by OLs who direct them to the second floor to collect badges, grab swag, and seek guidance. Returning OL Fernandez Mantilla describes the team as a diverse group of students dedicated to fostering a supportive environment for a smooth transition into UIC life. Emily Nelson, another experienced OL, highlights the personal growth she witnesses in students and the strong bonds formed during orientation. Emily states “Being an OL brings out the best versions of ourselves. Seeing the students grow makes it special. New students transform from quiet, shy, and nervous to comfortable as they build lasting relationships.”
New Friendships and Exciting Discoveries
It didn’t take long to see what Emily meant. At orientation, new students are surrounded by a community eager to help and connect. Incoming Freshmen and Applied Science majors Zarah Kamal and Katherine Valdes, met at orientation and quickly became friends. Zarah shared that her relatives had good experiences at UIC, and she was excited to be here. Katherine was also surprised by the number of clubs and programs available.
Business major Lucelvy Velazquez and Marketing major Ethan Ehrenhofer appreciated the unique blend of campus greenery and the urban cityscape, a defining characteristic of UIC. Each chose UIC to be in the vibrant city of Chicago to take advantage of the opportunities during their college experience.
Making a Difference
For students like Elle Alvarez, being an OL is a chance to give back and create the orientation experience she didn't have. Starting her UIC journey during the pandemic, Elle's experience was virtual. Determined to support incoming students, she used the opportunity to become an OL. Elle added, “I wanted to create the orientation experience I never got.” She understands the importance of OLs and explains “It's okay to be lost and unsure. Don’t stress out. Make friends with your orientation leader. We are students too and are there to help.”
Advice from Orientation Leaders
New Students: Embrace the opportunity to make connections with your peers during orientation. Priyanshi Kansara shares that getting to know her OL led to discovering the opportunity to become an OL herself, leading to an on-campus job and paid position. Look around, meet new people, and build relationships that can enhance your college experience. If you don’t remember your OL, check out the current student staff.
International Students: Reach out to the Office of International Services and ensure all required documents are uploaded before orientation to avoid any holds on your account. Throughout your time at UIC, seek additional support and get acquainted with staff and professors.
Transfer Students: Take an active role in communicating your transfer credits to advisors before orientation. This proactive approach will streamline the registration process and ensure a smooth transition. Visit Transfer FAQ for more helpful advice.
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As orientation sessions come to a close, your connections and memories will resonate throughout your UIC journey. Reach out to the people you met, and remember the support you received. Follow @UICorientation to keep up with their latest activities. Maybe you will consider becoming an Orientation Leader one day. We hope you are excited to begin your adventure. Go Flames!