SLU 101 Summer Orientation

Prepare for Your First Semester at SLU

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.

An Experience You'll Never Forget

Student receiving a name badge from a SLU101 staff

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.

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

SLU 101 Dates

Summer 2025 Freshman Orientation Sessions

Monday and Tuesday, June 2-3
Thursday and Friday, June 5-6
Monday and Tuesday, June 9-10
Thursday and Friday, June 12-13
Monday and Tuesday, June 16-17
Monday and Tuesday, June 23-24
Thursday and Friday, June 26-27
Monday and Tuesday, June 30-July 1

Please do not purchase plane tickets or finalize travel plans until you have signed up for a SLU 101 session. Each session has a limited capacity.

Students sitting with their group leaders during SLU 101

Register for SLU 101

Log in to your Billiken Gateway portal and click your admitted student checklist item "SLU 101 Orientation Registration" to begin.

Before SLU 101

All first-semester students are required to complete course placement testing and the course selection survey. Most students need to complete the testing by June 3.

Learn More

Two-Day Overnight SLU 101 Freshman Orientation Sample Schedule

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 and tasks to complete before your session. Please keep up on emails from SLU and check for communication sent to the email address you used when registering for SLU 101.

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

Day One

8:00 a.m.
Check-in at Grand residence hall, then head to Busch Student Center to start the day’s events.
9:00 a.m.
SLU 101 Welcome
9:35 a.m.
Overview of the SLU 101 program
10:05 a.m.
SLU 101 Game of Game (fun activities to get to know your peers)
10:35 a.m.
Residential Life Session
Commuter Life Session
11:05 a.m.
Peer Group Meetings
12:00 p.m.
Lunch
1:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Afternoon activities and presentations
Afternoon
Tech Lab, Major Exploration Station Room, and other drop in options
1:15 p.m.
Building a SLU Academic Toolbox Session
1:50 p.m.
Honors Program Session
Study Abroad Session
2:30 p.m.
Involvement & Engagement Session
3:00 p.m.
Campus Tours
4:00 p.m.
Career Services 101 Session
4:30 p.m.
Preparing for the Fall - Next Steps!
5:30 p.m.
Mission Dinner
6:15 p.m.
Peer Group Meetings
7:45 p.m.
Student Panel
8:30 p.m.
Snack Break
9:00 p.m.
Evening Activities

Day Two

7:30 - 8:45 a.m.
Breakfast
9:00 a.m.
Peer Group Meetings
9:45 a.m.
Academic Advising Overview
11:00 a.m.
Campus Resource Fair
12:00 p.m.
SLU 101 formal program is done! Optional Afternoon Activities (If you still have items to finish before you depart campus, please use this time to follow up with any offices or complete necessary tasks.)
By 1:30 p.m.
Check out of Grand Hall (Checkout will begin in the morning, but must be out by 1:30 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 2025 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

Students following their group leader on a tour of campus

Follow The Leader

During your orientation, you'll get to know the SLU 101 leaders, current Billikens who are here specifically to help you get started on your journey at SLU.

Meet The SLU 101 Leaders

Questions?

Find answers to the most-asked SLU 101 questions, from accommodations and parking to class registration and student IDs. For additional questions about SLU 101, please contact us at slu101@slu.edu.

View FAQs about SLU 101