EIU New Student and Family Programs

Freshman - Gateway Program

We are so excited to have you join our EIU family!

Your success at Eastern Illinois University is determined not only by the quality of your academic work, but also by how quickly you connect to the campus. EIU requires you to participate in orientation and transition programs to assist you in your transition. These programs are part of our two-part process to becoming an official EIU student.

Part 1: Orientation, Advisement & Registration

Coming to college opens a new chapter in your life. The transition from high school to the university setting is an exciting time filled with a myriad of opportunities. This transition also raises a number of questions and concerns regarding your first year here at Eastern Illinois University. We promise your Orientation day will provide you with more than a class schedule; it will prepare and excite you for your freshman year at EIU.

Registering for a program

Once you have paid your New Student Enrollment Deposit of $150, you can sign up for an orientation date through MyEIU. Freshman students will be emailed an invitation to the program. The invitation will contain a program reservation link to  MyEIU. Students will need to complete the reservation form online to secure a program date. 

As a Gateway student, your Orientation is a 2-day program. On the first day, you’ll  learn about the Gateway program requirements and complete any required placement testing. You and your guests will have the option to spend the night in one of our residence halls and then complete Orientation the following day. On the second day, you’ll see where your classes are, learn about all that EIU has to offer, understand what it means to be a college student, and meet other new students and our incredible current students!

2023 Gateway Orientation Dates

Sunday, June 11, 2023 - Monday, June 12, 2023
Tuesday, June 27, 2023 - Wednesday, June 28, 2023
Tuesday, July 12, 2023 - Wednesday, July 13, 2023

Part 2:  Welcome Weekend

You will participate in Welcome Weekend prior to the Fall semester. For students enrolling in the Fall 2023 semester, you will participate Friday, August 18 through Sunday, August 20, 2023. You can learn more about Welcome Weekend by clicking here.