Fall 2021 Arrival and Welcome Information
08/16/2021
SLU-Madrid is pleased to welcome students to campus for a fully in-person experience in fall 2021. After successfully implementing hybrid programming during the 2020-2021 academic year, we look forward to once again offering our students a rigorous American education and transformative international experience based in Madrid. All plans have been made in accordance with government regulations and our commitment to keeping the campus community safe.
Arrival Information and Welcome Sessions
The fall 2021 welcome program has been designed to help new degree-seeking and study abroad students meet one another, learn about campus resources, and acclimate to life as "Billikeños," an affectionate term for SLU-Madrid students.
First-Year and Transfer Students
The Office of Student Life and the Office of Admissions are teaming up to offer a series of online pre-departure orientation sessions. These sessions are specifically designed to address concerns and offer information to new first-year and transfer students as well as their parents or guardians.
Monday, August 23: Session for parents of first-year and transfer students
5-6 p.m. (Madrid time) · Via Zoom*
Tuesday, August 24: Session for first-year and transfer students
5-6 p.m. (Madrid time) · Via Zoom*
First-year and transfer students should make their travel arrangements in order to arrive in Madrid on Sunday, August 29. On Monday, August 30, they should plan to check in on campus between 9:30-10:15 a.m. before departing for the Welcome Days at the Lope de Vega Residence in Alcalá de Henares.
At the Welcome Days, new students meet our student leaders, called Campus Ambassadors, who can answer questions and provide advice on getting settled and making the most of the SLU-Madrid experience. Students learn about our academic programs and student services in a fun and informal setting before the start of classes.
When students depart for the Welcome Days, parents are invited to attend an information session with admission staff and go on a campus tour.
On Tuesday, August 31, students will return from the Welcome Days in time for the Class of 2025 and Transfer Student Convocation Ceremony, which will take place at 11 a.m. on the Padre Arrupe Hall Patio (Avenida del Valle, 34).
Study Abroad Students
Join the Office of Student Life and the Office of Admissions for a pre-departure orientation session to get all of your last-minute questions answered before you travel to Spain.
Wednesday, August 25: Session for study abroad students
5-6 p.m. (Madrid time) · Via Zoom*
Study abroad students should make their travel arrangements to ensure that they are on campus to check in for the study abroad welcome activities on Tuesday, August 31, at 2:15 p.m.
Fall Semester Begins
At the beginning of each semester, SLU-Madrid buzzes with activity as students meet faculty and settle into their routines.
Classes begin on Wednesday, September 1. Academic advisors and faculty will be available to help students finalize their course schedules.
Outside the classroom, both new and returning students can learn about Spain's history and culture through campus-sponsored excursions to Toledo, the Monasterio de Piedra, Segovia and Salamanca (sign up and pay in the Finance Office). Students will be able to find out about campus clubs, activities, service opportunities, sports and more at the Activities Fair on Monday, September 6, from 2-5 p.m.
After two semesters producing audio and video drama, SLU-Madrid’s Theatre Workshop will be getting back into costume and makeup and back on the boards and under the lights this semester! Actor auditions and crew sign-up for this fall's production will be held Monday, September 13, at 6:30 p.m. in San Ignacio Hall, Room E.
The Music Department also reminds students that the Chamber Music Ensemble will be making music together this semester. Whether you play the flute, a violin, a clarinet, a sax or a bassoon, don't leave it at home! If you play a non-portable instrument, we may be able to help you find one here in Madrid to rent or borrow.
Information about the latest events and activities throughout the semester is available in the weekly Campus News email updates and the Upcoming Events Calendar.
*To get the Zoom link, check your email for an invitation or contact the Office of Admissions at admissions-madrid@slu.edu.