New to Campus Information

Fall Orientation/Welcome Week

Our Fall Orientation provides incoming students with a unique experience—one where you can explore and become part of a supportive community of practice and take part in a higher degree of opportunity, understanding, friendship, practice, and success. You will learn more about our Christian Science-based character education and the campus community, including its resources, facilities, and standards.

During the week, you will also . . . 

• Move into your house and meet your Resident Counselor & Resident Assistants

• Receive Principia ID cards and take campus tours

• Attend informational meetings about meal plans, student employment, billing, financial aid, internships/career guidance, and much more

• Meet professors and learn more about our academic programs

• Meet with the Academic Advising Office

• Participate in various activities to help become acquainted with the College community

Welcome Week orientation is required for all new students. If you have a conflict that prevents you from attending the entire orientation, either in-person or remotely, or any questions regarding orientation and housing please contact our Residence Director, Mark Hagenlocher at 618.374.5561.

Fall Welcome Week Calendar

Spring Orientation/Welcome Week

Our Spring Orientation provides incoming students with a unique experience—one where you can explore and become part of a supportive community of practice and take part in a higher degree of opportunity, understanding, friendship, practice, and success. You will learn more about our Christian Science-based character education and the campus community, including its resources, facilities, and standards.

During the week, you will also . . . 

• Move into your house and meet your Resident Counselor & Resident Assistants

• Receive Principia ID cards and take campus tours

• Attend informational meetings about meal plans, student employment, billing, financial aid, internships/career guidance, and much more

• Meet professors and learn more about our academic programs

• Meet with the Academic Advising Office

• Participate in various activities to help become acquainted with the College community

Welcome Week orientation is required for all new students. If you have a conflict that prevents you from attending the entire orientation, either in-person or remotely, or any questions regarding orientation and housing please contact our Residence Director, Mark Hagenlocher at 618.374.5561.

Spring Welcome Week Calendar

If you’re a new student flying in or arriving by train unaccompanied and need a ride to campus, please fill out this shuttle request form.

Fall Pre-Orientation Arrival Date

Meet other new students from around the world, engage with information and activities designed to provide a strong foundation for your Principia experience, and connect with current students, faculty, and staff who are committed to you, to everything that you are, to your success here and beyond! Learn more about the pre-orientation week and find other important information on our ISPaSO website.

Pre-Orientation Welcome Week Calendar

The Admissions Office offers free shuttle rides to Principia College for students arriving at either St. Louis Lambert International Airport or the Alton Amtrak station. This shuttle ride service is for new students only at the start of Welcome Week; we are unable to give shuttle rides to other family members or returning students.

Shuttle Sign Up