New Student Orientation

Your Journey as a Lion Begins Here

Welcome to Saint Leo University! Starting college is an exciting milestone, and we believe every student deserves to begin their journey feeling supported, inspired, and ready to thrive.

New Student Orientation is more than just learning where things are on campus; it’s your first step into a community committed to your success. At Saint Leo, we believe the university should be ready for you, and Orientation is designed to connect you with the people, resources, and experiences that will help you succeed from your very first day.

This is where your journey as a Lion truly begins.

What You’ll Experience at Orientation

• Explore Your New Campus – Become familiar with classrooms, study spaces, dining locations, and student support services.
• Meet the People Who Are Here for You – Connect with faculty, advisors, and staff dedicated to your success.
• Prepare for Academic Success – Learn about expectations, advising, and tools to thrive.
• Build Your Lion Community – Meet fellow students and begin forming lasting connections.
• Discover Ways to Get Involved – Explore organizations, leadership opportunities, and campus traditions.
• Get Your Questions Answered – Connect with university teams and feel fully prepared.

For Commuter Students

Welcome, Lion! Choosing to commute doesn't make you any less a part of the Saint Leo family — from your very first day, this campus is yours, and we can't wait to welcome you into our community.

New Student Orientation is required for all incoming students, and that absolutely includes our commuters. These days are how you'll meet your classmates, get to know your professors and support teams, and step onto campus already feeling like you belong. We've shaped your schedule so every important moment fits your day — no overnight stay needed.

Commuter Schedule at a Glance

Friday, August 21

• Commuter Check-In — 1:00–3:00 p.m., Wellness Center
• New Student Welcome Ceremony — 3:00 p.m., Bowman Gym
• Class Photo — 4:00 p.m., Lacrosse Field

Saturday, August 22

• Orientation Sessions — 9:20 a.m.–2:00 p.m., Bowman Gym (with a lunch break midday)

Your first day begins at Commuter Check-In, where our team will greet you, get you set up, and point you toward everything you need. From there, you'll join the entire incoming class for the Welcome Ceremony and Class Photo. Saturday's sessions connect you with the resources, people, and information that set you up for a confident first semester.

You're Invited to It All

Living off campus doesn't mean missing out on the fun. Our Welcome Weekend celebrations are open to you, and we'd love to see you there:

• Karaoke Night — Friday, 9:00 p.m., Benedict's
• The Roar Welcome Fest — Saturday, 8:30 p.m., Kirk Lawn
• Lion's Lagoon — Sunday, 2:00 p.m., Wellness Center
• Sunday Night Worship — Sunday, 7:00 p.m., Kirk Lawn

These are some of the best moments to make new friends and start writing your Saint Leo story — come be part of it.

For International Students

Welcome to Saint Leo, and congratulations! Whether you've traveled across the country or across the world to be here, we're so glad you've chosen to become a Lion — and from your very first day, you're part of our community. Your Saint Leo journey begins a little early, with an orientation designed just for our international students, so you can arrive, settle in, and take care of the essentials before New Student Weekend begins.

Email Contact: intladmission@saintleo.edu  

Office Number: +1 (813) 469-3704

International Orientation — Thursday, August 20

• International Student Move-In — begins at 8:00 a.m.
• International Student Check-In — 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m., Student Activities Building

Please bring your required immigration documents to check-in. Having these ready helps us get everything set for a smooth start to your time at Saint Leo. If you have any questions about what to bring, our team is happy to help before you arrive.

You're Part of New Student Weekend, Too

Your Thursday orientation is just the beginning. Starting Friday, August 21, you'll join all of our new Lions for New Student Weekend — including the New Student Welcome Ceremony, the Class Photo, and the celebrations and sessions that help every new student feel at home. Be sure to review the full New Student Orientation schedule so you don't miss a moment.

We're Here Every Step of the Way

Moving to a new country — or simply a new campus — is a big step, and you won't take it alone. From immigration questions to finding your way around campus, our team is here to support you throughout your transition and your entire Saint Leo journey. You belong here, and we can't wait to welcome you home.

For Parents & Families

Your student's journey as a Lion is a milestone for your whole family — and from the very beginning, you're part of ours. We know that starting college brings a mix of excitement, pride, and plenty of questions, and we're honored to walk alongside you through all of it. New Student Orientation is designed with families in mind, too: it's a chance for you to feel welcomed, informed, and genuinely connected to the Saint Leo community, so you can feel just as at home here as your student will.

New for Fall 2026: We've streamlined our Friday schedule so families and students can enjoy each moment without rushing from one event to the next. Families are warmly invited to be part of move-in day, and after our Welcome Ceremony and Class Photo, you'll have unhurried time to say your goodbyes, make any final store runs, and help your student get fully settled.

Family Schedule at a Glance

Friday, August 21 is the day for families. Here are the events we'd love for you to join:

• New Student Move-In — 8:00 a.m.
• New Student Welcome Ceremony — 3:00 p.m., Bowman Gym
• Class Photo — 4:00 p.m., Lacrosse Field

After the Class Photo, families are welcome to share those last few moments together — a final hug, a quick store run, a little help settling in. From there, the evening and the rest of the weekend belong to our new students, beginning with a special evening event hosted by our student leaders. It's where new friendships take root and campus begins to feel like home, as your student steps confidently into life as a Lion.

Planning Your Visit

Traveling from out of town? Here's what to know as you make your plans:

Families are encouraged to join us throughout Friday, August 21. Saturday and Sunday are reserved for student orientation sessions and community-building, so most families plan to depart Friday evening, knowing their student is settled and supported.

What Families Can Expect

• Meet the Team Behind Your Student's Success – Connect with the faculty, advisors, and staff dedicated to your student's academic and personal growth.
• Understand Campus Resources – Learn about the support services available, from academic advising and financial aid to counseling, health, and safety.
• Get Your Questions Answered – Speak directly with university teams about billing, housing, dining, academics, and more.
• Learn How to Stay Connected – Discover the best ways to stay informed and involved throughout your student's Saint Leo journey.
• Join the Saint Leo Family – When your student becomes a Lion, so do you. We look forward to welcoming you into our community.

Partnering in Your Student's Success

The transition to college is a shared journey. As your student grows in independence, our faculty and staff are here to guide, challenge, and support them. We encourage families to stay engaged while empowering your student to take ownership of their new experience.

Questions before Orientation? Contact the Office of Student Engagement and Leadership at Orientation@saintleo.edu — we'll be glad to help.