SLU’s First-Year Experience program helps you transition from high school to college. You’ll learn about everything SLU has to offer, make new friends and choose from dozens of ways to get involved.
SLU 101
SLU’s First-Year Experience starts with your summer orientation, SLU 101. Lifelong friends are made during these first few days together on campus. You’ll also get registered for classes, learn about campus resources and have a great time.
Your parents and family members are encouraged to attend SLU 101 with you to learn about scholarships and financial aid, student health resources, campus safety, academic advising and transition issues.
Fall welcome
Move-In is only a small part of Fall Welcome, which is one of the most exciting times of the year at SLU. Designed to help you feel at home and provide fun opportunities for you get to know your classmates, Fall Welcome includes New Student Convocation and Family Welcome, a day of service, a kick-off dance and a can’t-miss spirit competition at a Billiken soccer game.
Cura Personalis
The support you’ll get during Fall Welcome lasts the entire semester with Cura Personalis, a one-credit-hour course focused on your transition to college. These small, interactive classes meet once a week and provide an ongoing introduction to campus resources. Sections of Cura Personalis are kept to about 20 students, and over two-thirds of incoming first-year students enroll in the course.
Learning Communities
We know you’re more likely to succeed when your education extends beyond the walls of the classroom. Our learning communities allow you to live in the same residence hall with other students who are in your academic program or who share your interests. You’ll take courses together, making it easy to find study partners, and you’ll participate in activities and service experiences, allowing you to form friendships that last the duration of your time at SLU and beyond.
- Diversity and Global Citizenship
- Engineering and Innovation
- Ethical Leaders in Business
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- Health Sciences
- Honors
- Leadership for Social Change
- Life Sciences
- Micah: Living the Mission
- Thrive: Black and Talented
- More
Support Network
Sierra Morena, Class of 2022, says, “Freshman year I lived in Reinert Hall in the Life Sciences Learning Community. Everybody on my floor took classes like general chemistry and biology. We had peer mentors and tutors who would help you through your classwork. If you needed guidance in any part of your pre-med path, if you had questions about studying for the MCAT or what classes or professors you should take, they were great resources who lived right there with you.”
7 First-Year Experience highlights
Find New passions
Not sure how to get involved on campus? Attend SLU Fair during Fall Welcome to meet representatives from SLU's 215 student groups, clubs and organizations.
First-Gen students
18 percent of SLU’s 2022 freshman class will be the first in their families to complete a college degree. If that’s you, don’t worry. SLU’s staff and faculty will help you navigate your first year and connect you with on-campus resources.
Commuter students
You’ll have a commuter assistant, or a CA, to help answer your questions about life at SLU. You’ll also have access to special events during Fall Welcome, a reserved lounge for between-class time and lockers to store your things on campus.
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Getting Involved
With 215 clubs and organizations, there's something for every interest. Take a short quiz to see personalized recommendations.
Support on Campus
From Career Services to wellness to writing assistance, SLU has you covered with resources and services you need to stay healthy and be successful.
