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Prepare for Your First Semester at SLU

SLU 101 Summer Orientation

SLU 101 orientation is your first opportunity to live life as a Billiken and all incoming students are expected to attend. During SLU 101, you'll connect with other students, be introduced to Saint Louis University resources and get to know key spots on campus.

Summer SLU 101 sessions for incoming freshmen are two-day overnight campus visits filled with everything you need to prepare for your first semester. Our one-day summer transfer SLU 101 sessions are designed with your previous college experience in mind. 

See SLU 101 sample schedules for freshmen, transfer students and for parents and families

Specifically designed to support and equip you with the knowledge and tools you need to achieve success in your educational career, SLU 101 also guides your guardians and families to coach and empower you in your development as an adult learner.

Hear from SLU 101 leaders why Saint Louis University's orientation program is an experience you'll never forget.

What to Expect

SLU 101 sets you up for success from the start. We’ve packed SLU's orientation experience with all the information you’ll need to prepare for your first semester at SLU. SLU 101 starts with a welcome session. There you will meet our SLU 101 leaders — upperclassmen who will be your guides during summer orientation at SLU. Throughout summer orientation at SLU you will:

  • Learn about academic expectations and available support services at SLU.
  • Explore ways to get involved with campus resources and activities.
  • Get your questions answered to help you prepare for your first semester. 
  • Meet new friends.
Students take a selfie in Bicentennial Plaza as part of a SLU 101 scavenger hunt. 

Launch SlideshowStudents take a selfie in Bicentennial Plaza as part of a SLU 101 scavenger hunt.

With SLU 101 leaders and SLU staff as your guides, you’ll feel welcome among your fellow Billikens. You'll get excited about what lies ahead. And most importantly, you’ll kick off your life at SLU with confidence. 

Learn About SLU 101's Goals and Outcomes

Sample SLU 101 Schedules

Two-Day Overnight SLU 101 Freshman Orientation

You’ll receive a folder of information when you check in for SLU 101. In your folder, you'll find your orientation schedule and a checklist of tasks we suggest you complete during some of the free time built into the program. 

About a week before your SLU 101 session, you will receive an email with more information to prepare for SLU 101, along with tasks to complete prior to your session. Please keep up on emails from SLU and make sure to check for communication sent to the email address you used when you registered for SLU 101.

Below is a sample of what students can expect from the two-day overnight SLU 101 Freshman Orientation program. 

Day One
  • 8 a.m.
    Check-in at Grand residence hall, then head to Busch Student Center to start the day’s events.
  • 9 a.m.
    SLU 101 Welcome
  • 9:35 a.m.
    Overview of the SLU 101 program
  • 10:05 a.m.
    SLU Real Life (fun activities to simulate your first year)
  • 10:35 a.m.
    Residential Life and Dining
    Commuter Life Sessions
  • 11:10 a.m.
    Peer Group Meetings
  • 12 p.m.
    Lunch
  • 1 p.m.
    Academic Advising Overview
  • Afternoon
    Registration and Tech Lab
  • 2:00 p.m.
    The Name Game Session
  • 2:45 p.m.
    Honors Program Session
    Involvement and Engagement
  • 3:30 p.m.
    Resume 101 
  • 4 p.m.
    Applying for On-Campus Jobs
  • 4:45 p.m.
    Title IX
  • 3:30 p.m.
    Billiken Buzz (Hang out with other students, or do a self-guided campus tour.)
  • 6 p.m.
    Mission Dinner
  • 6:50 p.m.
    Peer Group Meetings
  • 7:45 p.m.
    Student Panel
  • 8:40 p.m.
    Trivia
  • 9:40 p.m.
    Evening Activities
Day Two
  • 8 a.m.
    Breakfast
  • 8:30-noon
    Registration and Tech Lab
  • 9 a.m.
    Study Abroad
  • 9:30 a.m.
    SLU Scavenger Hunt
  • 10 a.m.
    Involvement and Engagement
  • 10:30 a.m.
    Resume 101
  • 11:00 a.m.
    Applying for On-Campus Jobs
  • 10:30 a.m.
    Billiken Buzz (Hang out with other students, or take a self-guided campus tour.)
  • 11:45 a.m.
    Peer Group Meetings
  • 12:15 p.m.
    Lunch and Campus Resource Fair
  • 1:30 p.m.
    Residence Hall Sample Room Tours (Doesn't include all residence halls)
  • By 3 p.m.
    Check out of Grand Hall (Checkout will begin in the morning, but must be out by 3 p.m.)

One-Day SLU 101 Transfer Orientation

We understand that you already have experience at college, so we've designed SLU 101 Transfer Orientation specifically to meet the unique needs of transfer students. In-person and virtual sessions are available for 2023 transfer orientation. 

View Transfer SLU 101 Schedules and FAQs

SLU 101 for Parents and Families

SLU 101 includes sessions for parents and guardians. Learn more about financial aid, campus safety, academic support and helping students transition to college life. 

View SLU 101 Schedules and Tips for Parents/Families