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New Student Transition

Students on campus during the global student orientation

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:

  1. Sign up for orientation
  2. Sign up for housing
  3. Prepare for travel
  4. Check your email + Get connected to GSPD

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 January 4, 2024 (spring semester) and August 26–28, 2024 (fall semester). Global Orientation is separate from the general New Student Orientation for all incoming students.

Full schedule will be posted soon.

Sign up for Spring 2024 Global Orientation   Sign up for Fall 2024 Global Orientation

 

Graduate Orientation

Global Graduate Orientation is mandatory, from 9am–1pm on January 4, 2024 (spring semester) and August 30, 2024 (fall semester).

Full Global Graduate Orientation schedule will be posted soon.

  • 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 Spring 2024 Global Orientation   Sign up for Fall 2024 Global Graduate Orientation

 

Students getting off the Biola shuttle bus


Students meeting for the Global Orientation Dinner

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 Spring 2024 incoming students, official move-in is on Thursday, January 4. Please plan to move in before 12pm so that you can attend the mandatory orientation.

For Fall 2024 incoming students, move-in day is Monday, August 26.


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, 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 orientation. Please fill out the airport pickup form if you would like to be picked up from the airport, and we will contact you with more details.

For the Spring 2024 semester, airport arrangements can be made on an individual basis on the morning of January 4, 2024 from 7am-11am ONLY. Please email globalstudentservices@biola.edu by Friday, December 15, 2023 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

Karmel Shuttle Service

  • 1-714-670-3480
  • Service to LAX, SNA, & LGB airports
  • Services available: sedan, SUV, 8-passenger van, 23-passenger mini bus

SuperShuttle

  • Service to LAX, SNA, LGB, BUR, & ONT airports
  • Services available: shared ride shuttle or private vehicle

Shuttle2LAX

  • 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

Uber or Lyft

  • 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 Programs and Development 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 globalstudentservices@biola.edu with any questions. We can't wait to meet you!