Welcome to the Forester Family!
We are excited to welcome you to campus this fall! Mark your calendars to attend the 2025 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.
Important Dates
New Student Move-in
Saturday, August 16, 2025
Athletes and First Connection participants will receive separate arrival information.
New Student Orientation
Saturday, August 16, through Wednesday, August 20, 2025
New Student Orientation - Parent Programming
Saturday, August 16, and Sunday, August 17, 2025
Scroll down for the Parent's Schedule.
The NSO Schedule for Students Includes
Saturday, August 16
9 a.m. - 1 p.m.: Residence Hall Move-In
9 a.m. - 1 p.m.: Back-to-School Sidewalk Sale
South Campus Quad and Middle Campus Quad
Get Lake Forest College apparel, room supplies, school supplies, and all the essentials you need to start your semester.
10:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.: One Stop Shop
Mohr Student Center; Skybox and Balcony
Take care of any last-minute details with the Business Office, Registrar, and Financial Aid. You can also meet representatives from the Parent’s Council, Information Technology Services, the Lake Forest Library, local area banks, and more.
11:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.: Forester Fest Picnic
Middle Campus Quad
Meet other Foresters while enjoying lunch and playing mini golf, soccer darts, and more. In the event of inclement weather, lunch will be moved to the Mohr Student Center.
1:30 - 2:30 p.m.: Parent and Family Orientation Session: Forester First in the Family (English and Spanish)
English; Lillard Science Center, Room 132
Spanish; Lillard Science Center, Room 144
For parents of first-generation college students*. This session will introduce important resources at Lake Forest College including Financial Aid, Dean of Students Office, Student Life, and academic support. *Students for whom neither parent has received a bachelor’s degree in the United States.
3 - 4 p.m.: Commuter Student Check-In
Sports and Recreation Center
Commuter students: Get your New Student Orientation schedule and instructions on how to get your parking permit, and ID picture taken.
3 - 4 p.m.: Parent and Family Orientation Session: Student Affairs
Brown Hall, Tarble Rooms
Meet the Senior Leadership from Residence Life, the Health and Wellness Center, Public Safety, International Student Support, the Gates Center, and the Dean of Students Office and learn about how to help your student adjust to life at Lake Forest College.
4:30 - 6 p.m.: President’s Welcome Dinner
Middle Campus Quad
Join President Sosulski for our traditional Welcome Dinner. In the event of inclement weather, the dinner will be moved to the Mohr Student Center, and the speaking program will not be held.
6 - 7:30 p.m.: Community Gatherings
Residential Students: Your Residence Hall
Gather with other members of your floor community to meet your hall staff, set expectations, and make new friends.
Commuter Students: Deerpath Hall; Commuter Lounge
Gather with other commuter students to make new friends. learn about support services, parking, and lounge spaces on campus.
Transfer Students: TBD
6 - 7:30 p.m.: Parent Welcome Reception
Brown Hall Lobby
The Parents and Families Council invites parents and family members for a toast and a chance to meet Lake Forest College President Dr. Mike Sosulski. This casual gathering is a great way to connect with fellow Forester families.
7:30 - 9 p.m.: Playfair!
Sports and Recreation Center
Get ready to meet all the members of the incoming class in a unique and fun way.
9 - 10 p.m.: Break-the-Ice Cream Social
Stuart Commons; Gus and Margie Hart Dining Hall
Enjoy some ice cream sundaes and time to hang out with new friends.
Sunday, August 17
7:30 - 9 a.m.: Breakfast
Stuart Commons; Gus and Margie Hart Dining Hall
8 - 8:50 a.m.- Parent and Family Orientation Session: Navigating College with Accommodations - A Parent’s Guide to Accessibility Services
Brown Hall, Tarble Rooms
This session will guide parents through the essential differences between high school IEPs/504 Plans and higher education accommodations, offering key insights and tips for effectively supporting your student's transition to Lake Forest College.
9 - 10:15 a.m.: Parent and Family Orientation Session: Health and Wellness Center
Brown Hall, Tarble Rooms
Parents and family members will meet with staff from the Health and Wellness Center to learn about their resources and how your student can access them. This event is closed to students.
9 - 9:45 a.m.: Walking Time
Students: This is your time to get to the Sports and Recreation Center for the Orientation Kick Off and Welcome.
9:45 - 10:45 a.m.: Orientation Kick Off and Welcome!
Sports and Recreation Center
Orientation gets underway with a welcome from the Gates Center and the Dean of Students, followed by orientation group assignments!
10:30 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.: Parent and Family Orientation Session: Academic Resources and Support Services
Brown Hall, Tarble Rooms
Learn about the Lake Forest College classroom experience and academic support services. This event is closed to students.
11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.: Orientation Group Activities & Forester 101
Various Campus Locations
Your Orientation Leader will tell you all about campus life, how to get involved on campus, and cool tips and tricks about living on campus.
11:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.: Parent and Family Orientation Session: Helping Your Student Make It: Encouraging Career Success for New Students
Brown Hall, Tarble Rooms
Get to know the Gorter Family Career Advancement Center (CAC), the five Career Pathway Communities at Lake Forest College, and how to encourage your student’s career success along their journey through key CAC resources and programs.
12:30 - 2 p.m.: Family Farewell Lunch
Stuart Commons; Gus and Margie Hart Dining Hall
Parents, family members, and students are invited to enjoy lunch before parting ways.
2 - 4:30 p.m.: Orientation Sessions - Public Safety, Health & Wellness Center, Gates Center
Various Campus Locations; Follow instructions from your Orientation Leader
You will attend sessions in your orientation groups to learn how to stay safe on campus, take care of your physical and mental health, and get involved in student life. These sessions are designed to help you thrive at Lake Forest. Don’t miss them!
4:30 - 6 p.m.: Block Party
South Campus, Wasylik Field
Get ready to kick back and celebrate! Join your fellow Foresters for a high-energy Block Party featuring music, games, and outdoor fun. It’s the perfect chance to relax, meet new friends, and soak up the campus vibe as we officially welcome you to the Forest!
5 - 6:30 p.m.: Dinner Break
Stuart Commons; Gus and Margie Hart Dining Hall
6:30 - 7:30 p.m.: Communities Like Mine
Mohr Student Center, Main Floor
Looking to meet other students with shared identities, backgrounds, or interests? Drop by the Mohr Student Center to connect with fellow Foresters and find your place in our inclusive campus community. Stay for a few minutes or hang out the whole time!
Monday, August 18
7:30 - 9 a.m.: Breakfast
Stuart Commons; Gus and Margie Hart Dining Hall
8:30 - 10:45 a.m.: First Year Studies Class (FIYS)
Check with your FIYS professor for classroom locations
Attend your first college course and meet with your FIYS class for the first time!
9:30 - 10:30 a.m.: Career Planning Strategies for Transfer Students
Lillard Science Center; Room 044
The Gorter Family Career Advancement Center (CAC) will share strategies you can use to achieve your career preparation goals at the College. You will learn about internships, mentorship, and networking opportunities, and important career steps you can take this semester and beyond.
10:30 - 11 a.m.: Walking Time
Students: This is your time to get to the Sports and Recreation Center for the Our FORESTER Community
11 a.m. - Noon: Our FORESTER Community
Sports and Recreation Center
Talking about race, sexuality, gender, equity, and other topics related to diversity and inclusion can feel challenging, but these conversations are essential to building strong, connected communities. Join us to explore practical strategies for creating welcoming, respectful spaces where people feel safe to share, listen, and learn. Together, we’ll discover ways to foster meaningful dialogue and bridge differences with empathy and openness.
Noon - 3 p.m.: Individual Advising Appointments
Your Advisor’s office
Noon - 1:30 p.m.: Lunch Break
Stuart Commons; Gus and Margie Hart Dining Hall
Commuter and Transfer Students: A designated area in the dining hall alcove will be set up to meet fellow commuter and transfer students. Make sure to stop by!
1:30 - 2:30 p.m.: Forester 102
Various Campus Locations; Follow instructions from your Orientation Leader
This session is all about managing the business of being a student. Your Orientation Leaders will show you how to navigate the tools and resources that will help you be successful from the first day of classes to graduation. They will explain My.LakeForest and Moodle, adding or dropping classes, scheduling tutoring and counseling appointments, accessing printing services, and more!
2:30 - 3 p.m.: Walking Time
Students: This is your time to get to the Sports and Recreation Center for Stronger Together
3 - 4:30 p.m.: Featured Speaker: Stronger Together
Sports and Recreation Center
What does it take to build a strong, supportive campus community? In this powerful and engaging session, we’ll discuss topics like healthy relationships, consent, and how to be an active bystander. Together, we’ll talk about what it means to look out for one another and create a culture of care and respect at Lake Forest College.
5 - 7:30 p.m.: Lake Forest Beach Bash
Lake Forest Beach
Enjoy an evening at the beach with a BBQ dinner. Play beach volleyball, take a paddle board out on the water, play lawn games, or just relax and enjoy the music at Lake Michigan.
Tuesday, August 19
7:30 - 9 a.m.: Breakfast
Stuart Commons; Gus and Margie Hart Dining Hall
9 - 10 a.m.: Orientation for J1 Exchange Students
Stuart Commons; Center for Chicago Programs Lobby
This session for new J-1 (ISEP) exchange students will cover J-1 rules and regulations, as well as important information about academics, student life, and exploring the City of Lake Forest and Chicago as an exchange student.
9 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.: IT Service Desk Drop-In Hours
Donnelley and Lee Library
Stop by the IT Service desk for help with resetting your password, setting up your College email on your devices, setting up your printing accounts, or any other technology questions that you may have!
9 a.m. - 2 p.m.: Individual Advising Appointments
Your Advisor’s office
10 a.m. - Noon: Make Your Future: Finding Your Unique Path at Lake Forest College and Orientation Group Meetings
Brown Hall; Tarble Rooms and Various Campus Locations. Follow instructions from your Orientation Leaders.
Get to know the Gorter Family Career Advancement Center (CAC), the five Career Pathway Communities at Lake Forest College, and how to partner with the CAC along your career journey. Connect with other students with similar major and career interests as well!
Then you will meet with your Orientation Group one last time to reflect on the experiences, connections, and lessons from the past few days. This is your chance to ask final questions, share highlights, and look ahead to Matriculation and the first week of classes.
Noon - 1:30 p.m.: Lunch Break
Stuart Commons; Gus and Margie Hart Dining Hall
1:30 - 2:30 p.m.: Community Gatherings Part 2
Residential Students: Your Residence Hall
Get back together with your community in the FOREST to re-connect and discuss essential community expectations, including roommate and neighbor agreements.
Commuter Students: Mohr Student Center; Skybox
Meet in the Skybox to learn about meal plan options, locker rentals, meet members of the Commuter Student Organization, and more.
Transfer Students: TBD
2:30 - 3:00 p.m.: Free Time!
Get ready for the Matriculation Ceremony!
3 - 3:45 p.m.: Matriculation Ceremony
First Presbyterian Church; 700 N. Sheridan Rd., Lake Forest, IL
The Matriculation Ceremony is the culmination of New Student Orientation. This long-standing tradition is hosted by President Baren and marks your formal induction to Lake Forest College. You are now officially a Forester!
3:45 - 5 p.m.: Matriculation Reception
Mohr Student Center; Main Floor
This reception brings together students, faculty, and staff to celebrate your matriculation and the beginning of your college journey! Light refreshments will be served.
Wednesday, August 20
7:30 - 9 a.m.: Breakfast
Stuart Commons, Gus and Margie Hart Dining Hall
Chicago Day Trip with your FIYS Class
Join new classmates for a day in the Windy City and experience the attractions Chicago has to offer!
Chicago Day Trip for Transfer/ISEP Students
Stuart Commons: Calvin Durand Hall
Join fellow transfer and ISEP students for a day in the Windy City and experience the attractions Chicago has to offer!
5:30 - 7:30 p.m.: Dinner Break
Stuart Commons; Gus and Margie Hart Dining Hall
The NSO Schedule for Parents Includes
Saturday, August 16
9 a.m. - 1 p.m.: Back-to-School Sidewalk Sale
South Campus Quad and Middle Campus Quad
Get Lake Forest College apparel, room supplies, school supplies, and all the essentials you need to start your semester.
10:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.: One Stop Shop
Mohr Student Center; Skybox and Balcony
Take care of any last-minute details with the Business Office, Registrar, and Financial Aid. You can also meet representatives from the Parent’s Council, Information Technology Services, the Lake Forest Library, local area banks, and more.
11:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.: Forester Fest Picnic
Middle Campus Quad
Meet other Foresters while enjoying lunch and playing mini golf, soccer darts, and more. In the event of inclement weather, lunch will be moved to the Mohr Student Center.
1:30 - 2:30 p.m.: Parent and Family Orientation Session: Forester First in the Family (English and Spanish)
English; Lillard Science Center, Room 132
Spanish; Lillard Science Center, Room 144
For parents of first-generation college students*. This session will introduce important resources at Lake Forest College including Financial Aid, Dean of Students Office, Student Life, and academic support. *Students for whom neither parent has received a bachelor’s degree in the United States.
3 - 4 p.m.: Parent and Family Orientation Session: Student Affairs
Brown Hall, Tarble Rooms
Meet the Senior Leadership from Residence Life, the Health and Wellness Center, Public Safety, International Student Support, the Gates Center, and the Dean of Students Office and learn about how to help your student adjust to life at Lake Forest College.
4:30 - 6 p.m.: President’s Welcome Dinner
Middle Campus Quad
Join President Sosulski for our traditional Welcome Dinner. In the event of inclement weather, the dinner will be moved to the Mohr Student Center, and the speaking program will not be held.
6 - 7:30 p.m.: Parent Welcome Reception
Brown Hall Lobby
The Parents and Families Council invites parents and family members for a toast and a chance to meet Lake Forest College President Dr. Mike Sosulski. This casual gathering is a great way to connect with fellow Forester families.
Sunday, August 17
8 - 8:50 a.m.- Parent and Family Orientation Session: Navigating College with Accommodations - A Parent’s Guide to Accessibility Services
Brown Hall, Tarble Rooms
This session will guide parents through the essential differences between high school IEPs/504 Plans and higher education accommodations, offering key insights and tips for effectively supporting your student's transition to Lake Forest College.
9 - 10:15 a.m.: Parent and Family Orientation Session: Health and Wellness Center
Brown Hall, Tarble Rooms
Parents and family members will meet with staff from the Health and Wellness Center to learn about their resources and how your student can access them. This event is closed to students.
10:30 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.: Parent and Family Orientation Session: Academic Resources and Support Services
Brown Hall, Tarble Rooms
Learn about the Lake Forest College classroom experience and academic support services. This event is closed to students.
11:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.: Parent and Family Orientation Session: Helping Your Student Make It: Encouraging Career Success for New Students
Brown Hall, Tarble Rooms
Get to know the Gorter Family Career Advancement Center (CAC), the five Career Pathway Communities at Lake Forest College, and how to encourage your student’s career success along their journey through key CAC resources and programs.
12:30 - 2 p.m.: Family Farewell Lunch
Stuart Commons; Gus and Margie Hart Dining Hall
Parents, family members, and students are invited to enjoy lunch before parting ways.
Please check back for schedule updates. For questions, please contact the Gates Center.