New Student Transition
Welcome to Biola University, global students! We are excited you have chosen to be a part of our community. We are here for you every step of the way as you transition to campus. Check out the next steps below to make sure you have all you need before you get here.
If you have any questions, please email us at GSE@biola.edu. See you soon!
Next Steps
Our goal is to make your transition to Biola University as smooth as possible. Please complete the following steps to ensure a smooth transition:
Orientation
Welcome to Biola! Global Orientation is designed specifically for global students, which includes international students, Missionary Kids (MKs) and Third Culture Kids (TCKs).
Global Student Orientation is a mandatory, in-person orientation designed to help transition global students to Biola's campus, culture, and community, so that you may be better equipped for life and studies here.
Global Orientation features:
- Transition support for studying at Biola
- Immigration session with the immigration advisor
- Connection to the global student community at Biola
- Airport support from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
We can’t wait to see you there!
Undergraduate Orientation
Global Orientation is mandatory and is on August 27-29, 2024 (fall semester). Global Orientation is separate from the general New Student Orientation for all incoming students.
Sign up for Fall 2024 Global Orientation
View Fall Global Orientation Schedule
Tuesday, August 27
| Time | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 9 a.m.-2 p.m. | Airport Pickup at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) | LAX |
| 9 a.m.-3 p.m. | Orientation Check In Come to the Mosaic Cultural Center during these hours to check in with Global Student Engagement (GSE). We will have global student leaders ready to help you!
|
Mosaic Cultural Center, Housing Office, Dorms |
| 3 p.m. and after | Free Time Take time to settle into your new room, unpack, take a shower, explore campus, go to bed early...whatever you need! Optional: Join global student leaders at the Biola Cafeteria for dinner between 5:30-7:00pm! |
Wednesday, August 28
| Time | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 8-9 a.m.. | Check in and Breakfast Join us for breakfast in the Biola Cafeteria (affectionately known as "The Caf"). |
The Caf |
| 9-9:30 a.m. | Devo/Worship | Talbot East Fountain (Haqq Plaza) |
| 9:30-11 a.m. | Session 1: Welcome by GSE Team Our Global Student Staff team will lead us in this welcome time. |
Andrews Banquet Room (ABR) |
| 11-11:15 a.m. | Break | |
| 11:15 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Session 2: Cultural Engagement | Biola and the U.S. Learn about U.S. and Biola campus culture, and what you need to know to maneuver it. |
Andrews Banquet Room |
| 12:30-1:30 p.m. | Lunch Enjoy lunch in the Biola Caf with your new global friends! | The Caf |
| 1:30-2 p.m. | Session 3: Safety & Emergencies Learn about how to stay safe and make wise choices. We will go over some procedures that may be different from the ones that you grew up with. | Andrews Banquet Room |
| 2-3 p.m. | Session 4: Biola Resources Learn about some of the resources available to you as a student, including the Office of Student Accessibility, Career Center, English Language Program, Rhetoric & Writing Center, and more. | Andrews Banquet Room |
| 3-6 p.m. | Choose Your Adventure During this time we encourage you to make any appointments you need to, such as:
Or go on a campus tour...or just take a nap...or play some soccer...or read a book...it’s FREE time! | Various Locations |
| 6-8 p.m. | Welcome Dinner Join us for a special dinner to welcome you to Biola. At this dinner you will meet President Barry Corey and other Biola staff members, as well as mingle with other new global students. (Please note: family members must pre-register for this event!) |
Fluor Fountain Tent |
Thursday, August 29
| Time | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 8-9 a.m.. | Check in and Breakfast Join us for breakfast in the Caf. |
The Caf |
| 9-9:30 a.m. | Devo/Worship | Talbot East Fountain (Haqq Plaza) |
| 9:30-11 a.m. | Session 5: Passport Split & Parent Info Session
Non-U.S. Passport Holders / F-1 Visa Students: This is a mandatory Immigration Seminar for students holding an F-1 Visa. In this session, you will complete mandatory immigration check-in with the Immigration Specialist, as well as learn what you need to know about travelling while on your visa, working in the U.S., and the “Do's and Don’ts” in order to maintain your Visa status. U.S. Passport Holders: This session will help equip U.S. globals (MKs and TCKs) to greater process their own cultural transition through hearing from global student leaders. Parents: Parents, this is a time to hear from Biola staff members about ways we serve and care for global students, and ask all the questions that you have with regards to your child’s time at Biola. |
ABR (F-1), Talbot East 008 (MK/TCK), Talbot East 108 (Parents) |
| 11 a.m.-12 p.m. | Session 6: Campus Challenge Put your knowledge of Biola's campus to the test in this fun challenge. Be safe and have fun! |
Starting point: ABR. Activity takes place across campus |
| 12-1 p.m. | Lunch with G.O. Groups This will be a great time for you to get to know your leader, and to ask them all sorts of questions along with getting to know your fellow global students! | The Caf |
| 1-2 p.m. | Session 7: Cultural Engagement | Sharing Your Culture During this important session, we will learn more about ways to navigate cultural transitions. | Andrews Banquet Room |
| 2-3 p.m. | Session 8: Final Session Learn more about GSE and ways to get involved, and share reflections. | Andrews Banquet Room |
| 3-6 p.m. | Choose Your Adventure During this time we encourage you to make any appointments you need to, such as:
Or go on a campus tour...or just take a nap...or play some soccer...or read a book...it’s FREE time! | Various Locations |
| 6-7:30 p.m. | Dinner and Worship Night Grab a to-go dinner from the Caf and join us back in the Tent for our final meal together. We will also have a time of worship to center our hearts as you begin your time at Biola. (Please note: family members must pre-register for this event!) |
Fluor Fountain Tent |
| 7:30-9 p.m. | Connection Event Join us for a time of reflection, prayer, and FUN! |
Kim Banquet Room (next to the Caf) |
Friday, August 30
Undergrad New Student Orientation See the NSO schedule.
Graduate Orientation
Global Graduate Orientation is mandatory, from 9am–1pm on August 30, 2024.
Join us for:
- Mandatory immigration check-in and F-1 compliance with the Immigration Specialist
- Transition support and tips for studying at Biola
- Information on getting a job on campus and other resources
- Connection to the global student community at Biola
- A free lunch at the Biola Cafeteria
Department Orientation
Attend the orientation for your program to learn about academic advising, beginning classes, orientation activities and more. View graduate student orientation information to find out times and dates for each school's orientation activities. (This orientation is separate from Global Orientation.)
Sign up for Fall 2024 Global Graduate Orientation
Housing
Undergraduate 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.
Early Move-In
Global students will move in early, before the rest of the incoming students arrive.
For Fall 2024 incoming students, official move-in is on Tuesday, August 27.
Graduate Housing
Biola has a variety of housing options for graduate students. Once you decide on housing, confirm your move-in date and procedure. Don’t delay–these housing options fill up fast!
View details on graduate and family student housing.
Additional Options
If you would like to live off campus, check out other community options.
If you still cannot find something that fits your needs, or need more personal assistance, please contact our office and we can assist you, at GSE@biola.edu.
If you arrive in California at an earlier date and need a hotel, Biola recommends these local accommodations.
Travel Preparation
Packing
We highly suggest that you pack light and buy the majority of your necessities when you get here. There will be many opportunities to go shopping so we recommend that you only bring personal items with you, including anything that you wouldn’t be able to find in the US that helps you feel at home (i.e. snacks, small games or activities, etc.).
Airport Pick Up
Make your travel arrangements to fly into LAX (Los Angeles International Airport) for the morning of Global Orientation. Please fill out the Global Orientation registration form if you would like to be picked up from the airport, and we will contact you with more details.
Airport Shuttles
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.
- 1-800-RED-VANS (1-800-733-8267)
- Service to LAX, Burbank Airport (BUR), John Wayne Airport (SNA), Ontario Airport (ONT), & Long Beach Airport (LGB)
- Services available: private sedan, SUV, van, or luxury car
- Luggage limits: 3-10 pieces, varies depending on requested shuttle service
- 1-714-670-3480
- Service to LAX, SNA, & LGB airports
- Services available: sedan, SUV, 8-passenger van, 23-passenger mini bus
- Service to LAX, SNA, LGB, BUR, & ONT airports
- Services available: shared ride shuttle or private vehicle
- Service to LAX, SNA, LGB, & BUR airports
- Services available: private sedan, SUV, or van
- Luggage limits: 3-9 pieces, varies depending on requested shuttle service
- Services available: rideshare vehicle (not private), private sedan, private SUV
- Reserve in advance or upon arrival
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 US for a small fee but a good exchange rate.
There will be further instructions and opportunities to open a US bank account during Global Orientation.
Check Your Email + Follow us on Instagram
Global Student Engagement will be sending consistent updates to your Biola email. Check your email regularly so you don't miss important information! In addition, follow us on Instagram.
Please email GSE@biola.edu with any questions. We can't wait to meet you!
