Welcome to Lake Forest College!
We are excited to welcome you to campus this spring! Mark your calendars to attend the 2026 New Student Orientation (NSO), the College's required orientation for all new students. At NSO, you will meet other Foresters, discover campus resources, and get just the right amount of information to help you navigate your transition into Lake Forest College with confidence.
Spring 2026 New Student Orientation
New Student Orientation
Saturday, January 10, and Sunday, January 11, 2026
New Student Orientation - Parent Programming
Saturday, January 10, 2026
Fall 2026 New Student Orientation
Save the dates: August 22 through August 26, 2026
New Student Orientation Schedule for Students
Saturday, January 10
12:15 - 12:30 p.m. - New Student Orientation Check In
Stuart Commons; Leadership Lounge
Stop by the Leadership Lounge to check-in, pick up orientation materials, and get free Lake Forest College swag.
12:30 - 1:30 p.m. - Welcome Lunch
Stuart Commons; Calvin Durand Hall
Lake Forest College will host a casual welcome for students, parents, and family members. Remarks will be delivered by members of the Senior Leadership Team.
1:30 - 3 p.m.: Student Session - Forester 101
Various Campus Locations
Your Orientation Leaders will share information about campus life, involvement opportunities, and how to navigate campus.
3:10 p.m. – Community Gatherings
Residential Students - Stuart Commons; Skybox
Gather in the Skybox to meet your hall staff, discuss essential community expectations, including roommate and neighbor agreements, set expectations, and make new friends.
Commuter Students - Stuart Commons; Pierson Rooms
Gather with other commuter students to make new friends, learn about meal plan options, getting a locker in the Mohr Student Center, parking, and lounge spaces on campus.
4:30 p.m. - Family Farewell
Stuart Commons; Calvin Durand Hall
Parents, family members, and students will reunite in Calvin Durand Hall to pick up a Forester Goodie Bag before parting ways.
Sunday, January 11
8:30 - 9 a.m.: New Student Orientation Check-In
Brown Hall; Lobby
Any student who did not check in on Saturday can check in at this time and pick up Orientation materials before heading to the Welcome session.
8:30 - 9 a.m.: Breakfast
Brown Hall; Tarble Rooms
9 a.m.: Welcome
Brown Hall; Tarble Rooms
9:15 - 10:20 a.m.: Forester 102
Various Campus Locations
Your Orientation Leader will share student resources that will help you be successful from your first day of classes all the way to graduation.
10:30 a.m. - 12:50 p.m.: Campus Resources
Donnelley and Lee Library and Lillard Science Center
Staff from the Library, Information Technology Services, the Center for Academic Success, and the Gorter Family Career Advancement Center will share information about campus resources that support your academic and career goals.
1 - 2:30 p.m.: Lunch and Trivia
Brown Hall; Tarble Room
This is your first social event at Lake Forest College! You will play a round of trivia with your fellow Foresters for a chance to win prizes!
2:45 - 3:30 p.m.: Group Advising
Donnelley and Lee Library; Room 203
Staff from the Gorter Family Career Advancement Center (CAC) will share strategies to help you achieve your career preparation goals at the College. You will learn about internships, networking opportunities, and other important career steps you can take this semester and beyond.
3:30-4 p.m.: Orientation Group Meeting
Various Campus Locations
New Student Orientation Schedule for Parents
Saturday, January 10
12:30 - 1:30 p.m. - Welcome Lunch
Stuart Commons; Calvin Durand Hall
Lake Forest College will host a casual welcome for students, parents, and family members. Remarks will be delivered by members of the Senior Leadership Team.
1:30 - 2:30 p.m. - Parent Session - Campus Life Resources
Stuart Commons; Calvin Durand Hall
Staff from the Library, Information Technology Services, the Center for Academic Success, and the Gorter Family Career Advancement Center will share information about campus resources that support your academic and career goals.
2:40 - 3:20 p.m.: Parent Session – Health and Wellness Center
Stuart Commons; Calvin Durand Hall
Staff from the Health and Wellness Center will provide an overview of the resources and support offered by Counseling Services and the Health Center.
3:30-4:30 p.m.: Parent Session: Student Campus Resources: Academic and Career Services
Stuart Commons; Calvin Durand Hall
Staff from the Center for Academic Success and the Gorter Family Career Advancement Center will share information about academic resources and career services.
4:30 p.m. - Family Farewell
Stuart Commons; Calvin Durand Hall
Parents, family members, and students will reunite in Calvin Durand Hall to pick up a Forester Goodie Bag before parting ways.
Please check back for schedule updates. For questions, please contact the Gates Center.