Global Student Orientation
Welcome Global Students
If you are an incoming F-1 Visa student, MK, or TCK, Global Student Orientation (GSO) is designed specifically for you! GSO is hosted by Global Student Engagement and is a mandatory, free-of-cost program that exists to help you transition to Biola’s campus, culture, and community so that you are better equipped for life and studies here.
Key Features of GSO
- Option for airport pickup at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
- Early move-in to dorms before the rest of incoming students arrive
- Welcome Dinner with President Barry Corey
- Connection to the global student community through resource sessions and fun activities
- Mandatory F-1 Visa immigration check-in
Creating Connections That Last
We’re so excited to welcome you to our global community and are here for you every step of the way as you make this big transition to the United States! GSO is the best way to begin building friendships, getting connected to resources, and feeling at home at Biola.
“Global Student Orientation was my first experience at Biola. GSE welcomed me and made me feel so at home in a new country; they made the transition from the UK that much easier. The first friends I made at Biola were through GSO, a week of activities and games where I explored the campus and learnt about Biola with other incoming international students.”
Student Information
Undergraduate Global Students
Important Dates
- Move-In Day: Tuesday, August 25, 2026
- Global Student Orientation: Wednesday, August 26 - Thursday, August 27, 2026
- New Student Orientation: Friday, August 28 - Sunday, August 30 2026
Global Student Orientation is separate from the general New Student Orientation for all incoming students.
GSO Information
Housing
- Complete your Housing Application to request Biola Housing.
- If you plan to live off-campus and commute, you must submit a request to live off-campus.
- For more information on Biola’s on-campus and off-campus housing options, please visit the Biola Housing site.
Graduate Global Students
Important Dates (Fall 2026)
- Move-In Day (for students living on campus): Thursday, August 27, 2026
- Global Graduate Student Orientation: Friday, August 28, 2026 (9 a.m. – 1 p.m.)
- Department Orientations: Various
View the graduate student orientation information page to find out the orientation times and dates for your school/program. (These are separate from Global Graduate Student Orientation.)
GSO Information
Housing
- Biola has a few housing options for graduate students. View details on graduate and family student housing. Don’t delay—these housing options fill up fast!
- If you would like to live off-campus, check out other community options.
Next Steps
If you are in the process to begin your journey at Biola this upcoming semester, Global Student Engagement will be sending consistent updates to your Biola email. Check your email regularly and follow the GSE Instagram so you don't miss important information!
Travel Preparation
Packing
We highly suggest that you pack light and buy many of your necessities (especially bulky things like bedding) when you get here. There will be opportunities to go shopping during GSO, so we recommend that you prioritize packing personal items, including anything that you wouldn’t be able to find in the U.S. that helps you feel at home (i.e. snacks, small games or activities, etc.).
Purchasing Flights
Make your travel arrangements to fly into the Los Angeles area on the morning or afternoon of GSO move-in day.
Nearby airports:
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) - 27 miles from Biola
- Long Beach Airport (LGB) - 14 miles from Biola
- John Wayne Airport (SNA) - 22 miles from Biola
- Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) - 32 miles from Biola
- Ontario International Airport (ONT) - 34 miles from Biola
Airport Pickup
GSE offers airport pickup from LAX on the official GSO move-in day only. If you would like to request airport pickup, book your flight to arrive at LAX and fill out the GSO registration form by the deadline listed. (See the GSO registration form for more details.)
Additional shuttle options:
NOTE: Biola University provides this listing only as a service to our students. Biola does not have a business relationship with any of the companies listed and does not recommend or guarantee any of these services.
Traveling with Cash
Carrying some amounts of cash is okay while you’re traveling, but it isn’t a good idea to carry too much. There are also limits on how much you are allowed to carry. Instead, consider some non-cash alternatives:
- A prepaid debit card. This allows you to travel with ‘cash’ that you load onto the card in your home country. If the card is lost or stolen, you can cancel the card and get a new one.
- Wire transfer services. Some services (like Western Union) allow you to transfer money to yourself in the United States. Then you can pick up the money after you arrive.
- Check with your bank in your home country. Often, you can use your debit card in the U.S. for a small fee but a good exchange rate.
There will be further instructions and opportunities to open a U.S. bank account during Global Student Orientation.
We Can't Wait to Meet You!
Let us know how we can help you as you get ready to come to Biola.
Please email GSE@biola.edu with any questions. We're happy to help!
- For questions on enrollment or financial aid, please contact international.coordinator@biola.edu or your admissions counselor.
- For F-1/Immigration related questions, please contact studentvisa.services@biola.edu.
