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 to make sure you have all you need before you get here. See you soon!
If you have any questions, please email us at globalstudentservices@biola.edu. Thank you!
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
Undergraduate Orientation
We are excited to invite all new and returning global students who have yet to participate in an on-campus orientation to Global Student Orientation! In addition to a canvas module filled with valuable information about GSPD and transitioning to Biola, orientation will give you the opportunity to learn more about Biola and its culture, meet other global students and get connected to resources and community. We can’t wait to see you there!
Graduate Orientation
Welcome incoming graduate students! In addition to a canvas module filled with valuable information about GSPD and transitioning to Biola, orientation will give you the opportunity to learn more about Biola and its culture, meet other global students and get connected to resources and community.
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
For Spring 2023 incoming students, official move-in is on Thursday, January 5th. If you are planning on attending global orientation, please plan to move in on Thursday before 12 p.m.
For Fall 2023 incoming students, official move-in starts on August 24, 2021. However, if you are registered for Global Student Orientation, you will be allowed to move in early on Monday, August 21, 2023 and on that day ONLY. If you are an incoming student and do not attend global student orientation, you must wait until August 24 to move in.
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 married 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 globalstudentservices@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.
Airport Pick Up
Make your travel arrangements to fly into LAX for the morning of orientation. Let us know when you are signing up for orientation if this is something that you would like, and we will contact you with more details.
For the spring semester, airport arrangements can be made on an individual basis on the morning of January 6th from 7am-12pm ONLY. Please email globalstudentservices@biola.edu by Friday, December 17th if you need airport pickup and we will do our best to accommodate you.
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.
Prime Time Shuttle
www.primetimeshuttle.com 1-800-RED-VANS (733-8267). Service to:
• LAX,
• Burbank Airport (BUR),
• San Diego Airport (SAN),
• John Wayne Airport (SNA),
• Ontario Airport (ONT),
• Long Beach Airport (LGB).
Shuttle Services: Private; Shared Van, Sedan, Luxury Car or Limousine.
Make an online reservation to receive the best discount. All reservations must be made at least 6 hours prior to pick up time.
Luggage Limits apply: 2 checked/2 personal per customer.
All reservations pre-paid with credit/debit card. No cash or checks.
Karmel Shuttle Service
Southern CA Coach & Courier Express. www.karmel.com/shuttle 1-888-995-7433.
Door-to-door Reservation service direct to your destination (no stops).
Service to all Southern CA Airports: LAX, John Wayne/Orange County (SNA), Long Beach (LGB).
AAA members discount.
Shuttle van; private van available for 4 or more passengers; Sedan and Town Car services available.
SuperShuttle
LAX Supershuttle 1-310-782-6600; (800) BLUE VAN (800-258-3826)
Serving LAX, SNA, LGB, BUR, & ONT Airports
Shared ride-van service or Private sedan service. Luggage policy follows that of airlines (2/2, less than 50 lbs.)
Shuttlefare
www.shuttlefare.com 1-877-300-4VAN (4826)
Book door-to-door reservations by phone or online. Book online to receive the best rate.
Serving LAX, ONT, LGB, & SNA Airports.
Shared ride-van service or private sedan service.
Shuttle2LAX.com
www.shuttle2LAX.com 1-888-920-2220 [6am-12mid M-F; 10am-12mid Sat/Sun]
$20 to LAX; $11 each additional person. Rideshare service (not private).
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 it 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.
During New Student Orientation, there will be further instructions and opportunities to open a US bank account.
Check Your Email + Follow us on Instagram
Global Student Programs and Development will be sending you consistent updates to your Biola email. Check your email regularly so you don't miss important information! In addition, follow us on instagram!