Welcome, new Saints! Student Orientation & Registration (SOAR) takes place twice a year and is a chance for new students to get oriented with the university and register for classes. This page will help spring-start students to navigate registering for classes, getting to know USF better, and beginning their lives as new USF students!
SOAR for the spring 2026 semester takes place on Tuesday, November 25, 2025 for incoming first year and transfer students who will be starting at USF in January.
Click below to see sample SOAR schedules, which will give you a general idea about the day’s activities. Please note that these schedules are subject to change and may not be the actual schedules you’ll receive when you arrive (thus why they are called “samples”).
In addition to SOAR, a mandatory New Student Welcome—meet-and-greet style—will take place for new students and their families on Friday, January 9, 2026, from 1-3 p.m. and includes light refreshments. Mark your calendar and check out this flyer for more information!
Click the button below to sign up for the next on-campus SOAR registration event, where we’ll get you registered for spring classes. For those who can’t come to campus, there will be an online SOAR—click here to register.
First Year Students Only:
Transfer Students Only:
Waive USF Student Health Insurance You should waive USF student health insurance if you already have health insurance and do not need it. All students are automatically enrolled in the USF health insurance policy every year. If you already have external health insurance and do NOT require USF insurance, you must complete the online health insurance waiver form through your MyUSF Portal. The deadline to complete the Health Insurance Waiver is January 23, 2026 (reminders will be sent to your USF email prior to the deadline). There is no hard copy of this form. If you need assistance or have questions, please contact USF Health Services at healthservices@stfrancis.edu
Request your USF Parking Permit Please make sure you have your vehicle information available prior to visiting the website or security office (make, model, license plate #). You can pick up your permit during Welcome Weekend and for more details check out the Parking Regulations.
On Campus Jobs Looking for on campus employment when you arrive. USF departments are looking to connect with students through employment. It is a great opportunity to have a flexible schedule and learn more about USF.
Join the Bernie Buddies Program Would you like to be paired with a returning USF student who has the same interests as you? Someone to show you the ropes of being a successful college student… a “go-to” person who can answer questions or attend events with you? Take advantage of this fun program!
Complete the New Student Check-In Process when Prompted in the MyUSF Portal
In order to start classes, all students are required to complete a final check-in process through the MyUSF Portal. Starting in December before your orientation, when you log into the portal, you will be prompted to complete these steps. Please complete this prior to the start of classes.
Finalize and confirm the following…
Housing arrangements.
You will be asked to confirm if you are planning to live off campus or on campus. If you are planning to live on-campus, you will be asked to confirm your room assignment. For more information or questions, contact Cedricka Carver at ccarver@stfrancis.edu or 815-740-4293.
Class schedule.
Next, you will be asked to confirm or change your class schedule. If you need to make changes you can reach out to advising@stfrancis.edu.
Financial Aid
After confirming your class schedule, you will review your financial aid data. The process will show you any unsatisfied requirements in order to complete your file. For questions contact 815-740-3403 or you can schedule an appointment at calendly.com/usf-financial-aid. Also you may need to Complete your Student Loan Entrance Counseling and Loan Agreement (MPN) online, if applicable.
Tuition payments and setting up payment plans.
Finalize your plan to pay tuition, final bill, housing, and fees with these acceptable options:
How to complete payment options:
For more information or questions, visit the Student Accounts FAQ page on the USF website or email businessoffice@stfrancis.edu, or call 815-740-3688
Casual, comfortable attire is recommended. If you’ve got USF swag, wear it, and you may want to bring a light sweater or jacket as some rooms tend to be on the cool side.
For your convenience, listed below are several hotels located in the Joliet area and near the University of St. Francis. When making your reservation, please advise them you are with the University of St. Francis to take advantage of and receive the USF discount rate were applicable.