The start of a new year always brings challenges and excitement, especially for students who are new to Biola. New Student Orientation started on Aug. 24 and leaders welcomed students back to campus on a warm Thursday. Many students were introduced to a decorated dorm hall and welcoming residential assistants. The festivities began after students met new classmates and decorated their homes for the next semester.

Schools celebrated their new students with a welcome dinner hosted by faculty, giving freshmen and transfers a chance to connect with their new mentors and future classmates. After a packed evening, students and families were ushered to Metzger Lawn for a University Welcome event hosted by Dr. Barry Corey, the president of Biola University. To many, it was the start of a new chapter in their lives.

Campus was filled on Friday as new students met up with orientation leaders and their peers. During this time, parents and families enjoyed food as they connected with other families living in their area. Families and students also toured campus and met faculty. 

The evening served as a bittersweet ending to New Student Orientation as students participated in communion on Metzger Lawn. Several faculty and staff members spoke to families about how change can be tricky and that college was the beginning of an exciting new chapter for many. Corey also shared words of encouragement for the students and families in attendance.

“And students, we believe in you, and I can tell you that the confidence that we have in you, it’s from the heart,” he said “Even though right now you might not be so sure about believing in yourself, God’s got you. We believe that, and for the years that you’re here, we’re gonna live into that. Welcome to Biola University.”. 

The night ended with many tears as parents, friends, and loved ones said goodbye to students.

While the night before may have been bittersweet, the Saturday activities started strong. Students met up with their orientation groups once more to eat brunch together in the cafeteria. With this being the first day without their family, many students found comfort in meeting new people and making friends. That night many dorm halls met for dinner and residence hall meetings. Students living in dorms were able to learn about upcoming events, safety rules and hall traditions. Commuters were not forgotten as the Collegium hosted connection events for new students to meet fellow commuters. Students spent the weekend attending church on Sunday morning and enjoyed a night of Singspiration chapel at Metzger Lawn.