First-Year Student Orientation
& Registration (SOAR)

• • Pay your tuition deposit
    Confirm your enrollment with a $100 deposit that will solidify your seat in our new class.
  • RSVP for Summer Orientation and Registration (SOAR)
    To RSVP, you MUST be admitted to the University of St. Francis and submit your $100 tuition deposit.
  • Create (and write down) your MyUSF Portal password
    After you enrolled at USF, you were provided a PIN, or temporary password, allowing you to enter the MyUSF online portal; a one stop site for accessing and administering your university resources. To access the portal, go to stfrancis.edu and click on the MyUSF link. Within the portal you are able to access your class schedule, financial aid, bill, grades, email, Canvas courses, library databases containing full text online journals and more. If you have lost or misplaced your PIN, please contact the Technology Support Center at techservices@stfrancis.edu or 815-768-8324.
  • Complete a housing application. 
    You should live on campus! Complete a housing application and make a $50 deposit. If you are unsure about living on campus you can sign up for a live Q & A session or an overnight visit here.
  • Freshman Pre-Registration Survey
    This form should take about 10 minutes to complete.  It will give the Academic Resource Center an overview of your strengths, challenges, opportunities, and goals for the upcoming school year.
  • Writing Assessment (if applicable)
    Complete your assessment to match up with resources you may need with your writing course at USF.
  • Math Assessment
    Complete your assessment to determine which math course you will take while at USF.
  • Review your Financial Aid information
    Your financial aid information is available on the MyUSF portal. Look for to-do items and unsatisfied requirements in order to complete your file. For more detailed instructions, click here for an instructional flyer.
  • Speak with a Financial Aid Counselor by making an appointment or calling 815-740-3403.

• • Mark Your Calendar and Attend New Student Welcome Weekend 
    You will meet your fellow classmates, faculty and staff, as well as learn more in your transition to becoming a college student before classes begin. This event is mandatory
  • Order Textbooks for Your Classes
    Each course you take may have a textbook which need to be ordered prior to the start of each semester. The USF bookstore makes the process easy for you.
  • Upload Photo for USF Student ID
    Upload a professional photo. Only white/off-white backgrounds can be used in your photo. Other color backgrounds or obstructions will not be accepted. You can pick up your ID during Welcome Weekend.
  • Submit Your Health and Medical Records
    These records must be turned in through the USF Portal by the deadline date (above) to avoid any medical holds or fees on your account. For more information, please contact Health Services at healthservices@stfrancis.edu
  • Send in Your Final, Official High School Transcripts Confirming Graduation
    Transcripts can be sent in a sealed envelope from the student, emailed from your previous school to admtranscripts@stfrancis.edu, or mailed from your previous school to University of St. Francis, Admission Processing, 500 Wilcox St., Joliet, IL 60435. All transcripts must be received by the Friday before classes start (date above).
  • If Applicable: Send Your AP Scores or Dual Credit Transcripts

• 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 September 4 (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 USF’s Parking Regulations. This will be available July 15.
• First-Year Transition Program: July 27-30, 2026
  USF’s First-Year Transition Program offers an academic experience designed to smooth your transition to college and the next chapter in your life. You will earn one college credit for only $30.
• Apply to Become a Saints Ambassador (Optional)
  Have you taken a campus tour, been to an admissions event, or seen Bernie walking around campus? Chances are, you have interacted with a Saints Ambassador before! Consider joining the Saints Ambassadors Corps family today!
• 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. 

Over the summer, complete the required enrollment verification process. In order to start classes, all students are required to complete a final check-in process through the USF portal. Starting in July 2025, when you log into the portal, you will be prompted to complete these steps.

Finalize/Confirm:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Financial Aid
   Then you will review your Financial Aid. 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 bit.ly/FinAidUSFAppt. Also you may need to Complete your Student Loan Entrance Counseling and Loan Agreement (MPN) online, if applicable.
4. Tuition payments/setting up payment plans
   Finalize your plan to pay tuition, final bill, housing, and fees with these acceptable options:
   1. Tuition payment plan of five equal installments throughout the course of the semester. The Electronic on the MyUSF Portal. A semester payment plan fee of $90 will be added once you complete this required process.
   2. Payment in full for the entire semester’s balance (total costs minus all approved financial assistance).
   3. Down payment of $500 if financial aid is not finalized.

How to complete payment options:

• Online – visit the USF Portal at myusf.stfrancis.edu.
• Mail payment to: University of St. Francis, Student Accounts Office, 500 Wilcox St., Joliet, IL 60435.
• 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.

Welcome Weekend is a series of informative sessions about USF over the weekend before classes begin in August. It provides an opportunity for new students to meet other students in their class while attending fun events. The date of the next Welcome Weekend is listed above.

Click here to review the Welcome Weekend schedule!

The first day of classes is listed above. More details about the academic calendar can be found here. New students are invited to learn more about what’s happening on campus by downloading the Saints Central app by Suitable from either the Apple Store or Google Play.

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 our Bernie Buddies Program!

• Living on campus is an amazing opportunity and it comes with a lot of questions. First compare the residence halls, then use this First-Year Student FAQs handout to get answers to your questions.
• Whether you are a resident or commuter learning about dining on campus is key. For information about the dining facilities, hours and menus, check out the Quest dining website here. Students are automatically placed into the 17 Meals per week block and $100 in Dining Dollars. To change your meal plan email, contact cpadilla@questfms.com.
• As a student you will have a flexible schedule with a great deal of time outside of the classroom. The university provides a wide variety of clubs and organizations to connect with and for you to grow your leadership skills. If you aren’t sure how to connect on campus, reach out to the Student Life staff.
• You are getting to know USF and preparing to start classes. Connect with us on our student app, Saints Central by Suitable, or on social media to see key reminders and fun happenings.
• Wondering if and what type of technology is best to use as a USF student? Check out this great information from IT! With questions, contact Tech Support at 815-768-8324 or visit techsupport.stfrancis.edu.
• Over 50% of our students are first generation college students, meaning they are the first in their family to attend a four-year institution. A key support for first generation students at USF is University Success Scholars.
• As you consider your student experience studying abroad can provide a wealth of experiences.
• The Academic Center for Excellence is your one-stop shop for academic support. Whether you want help with classes or creating a four-year plan to graduate, our academic advisors, Accessibility Services Office, Academic Resource Center and Registrar’s Office will be here to help!
• The Office of Campus Culture is responsible for fostering an environment where a variety of cultural systems are acknowledged, respected and valued. USF is here to support you!
• You may have visited campus, but if you need a refresher, check out our Virtual Campus Tour!
• Mental Health & Wellness is a key support USF hopes to offer you while you are a student at USF. Please check out our Counseling & Wellness Center website for more information.

Orientation Attire

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.

Travel Resources

• Click here for maps & directions.
• Click here for the Metra commuter train schedule.
• Parking on Campus – Orientation guests are welcome to park in campus lots and can disregard USF parking permit restriction signs.

Hotel Information

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 where applicable. 

• Fairfield Inn & Suite by Marriott – 815-436-6577
  3239 Norman Avenue 
• Hampton Inn North – 815-439-9500
  3555 Mall Loop Drive 
• Hampton Inn South – 815-725-2424
  1521 Riverboat Center Drive 
• Wingate Inn – 815-741-2100
  101 McDonald Avenue 
• Comfort Inn North – 815-676-5293
  3235 Norman Avenue 
• Home2Suites by Hilton – 815-727-3310
  4095 Hennepin Drive