Semester in LA

For Admitted Students

Welcome to Semester in Los Angeles!

Congratulations on your admission to Columbia College Chicago's Semester in Los Angeles. We're excited to have you join us in the City of Angels.

If you are a student in one of our semester-long programs, you'll find below some helpful dates and deadlines for the upcoming semesters. Additional information and required forms can be found on your status page.

Important Dates and To-Dos

• Spring 2026 Semester in LA Students

  SPRING 2026 SiLA Important Dates

  • March 3, 2025 | Application Period Closes for Spring & Summer 2026
  • April 4, 2025 | Decisions Released for Spring 2026 Applicants
  • April 11, 2025 | Mandatory Welcome Presentation for Spring & Summer 2026 Accepted Students
  • TBA – Oct 2025 | Mandatory Joint Spring & Summer 2026 Orientation (In-Person In-Chicago)
  • October 10, 2025| Housing Applications Due
  • October 31, 2025 | Housing Contracts (Binding) & Roommate Questionnaire Due
  • TBA – Nov 2025 | Registration Opens for Spring 2026 (Continuing Degree Seeking Students)
  • TBA – Nov 2025 | Internship Scholarship Application Deadline (Check here: Scholarships)
  • January 22, 2026 | Housing Move-in for PLB Residents (2-5 PM PT)
  • January 23, 2026 | Mandatory Housing Orientation for PLB Residents
  • January 26, 2026 | First Day of Classes & Internships – Spring 2026
  • May 8, 2026 | Last Day of Classes & Internships - Spring 2026
  • May 10, 2026 | Housing Move-out for PLB Residents by 5PM PT
• Summer 2026 Semester in LA Students

  SUMMER 2026 SiLA Important Dates

  • March 3, 2025 | Applications Due
  • April 4, 2025 | Decisions Released for Summer 2026 Applicants
  • April 11, 2025 | Mandatory Welcome Presentation for Spring & Summer 2026 Accepted Students
  • TBA – Oct 2025 | Mandatory Joint Spring & Summer 2026 Orientation (In-Person In-Chicago)
  • TBA | Housing Applications Due
  • TBA - April 2026 | Internship Scholarship Application Deadline (Check here: Scholarships)
  • TBA | Housing Contracts (Binding) & Roommate Questionnaire Due
  • TBA - April 2026 | Degree-Seeking Course Registration Opens
  • May 21, 2026 | Housing Move-in for PLB Residents (3PM - 5PM PT)
  • May 22, 2026 | Mandatory Housing Orientation for PLB Residents
  • May 25, 2026 | Memorial Day
  • May 26, 2026 | First Day of Classes and Internships
  • June 19, 2026 | Juneteenth Holiday
  • July 3, 2026 | Independence Day Holiday (Observed)
  • August 1, 2026 | Last Day of Classes & Internships
  • August 2, 2026 | Housing Move-out for PLB residents by 5pm
• Welcome Packet

  We’re excited to have you join us at Semester in LA.  Before you pack your suitcases, please read the SiLA_Welcome_Packet_120524.docx It will answer some of your immediate questions. 

• Housing in LA

  Columbia College Chicago offers housing at Park La Brea, a 160-acre gated community in the Miracle Mile district of Los Angeles. It’s centrally located, approximately two miles from the SiLA classroom and offices located at Sunset Las Palmas Studios, and offers easy access to museums, shopping, entertainment and public transportation.

  Housing Rates
  All rates are for a shared room in a shared apartment at Park La Brea. A single room in a shared apartment is double the shared rate, and is dependent on availability. Single room costs may not qualify for financial aid—please check your eligibility with Columbia Central.

  FALL 2025 Shared Room: $7,135 Single Room: $14,270

  SPRING 2026 Shared Room: $7,135 Single Room: $14,270

  SUMMER 2026 Shared Room: $7,135 Single Room: $14,270
• Make arrangements before you leave Chicago

  Don’t pack that suitcase just yet. The following tasks will need to be completed before you leave Chicago.

  • Advising. Visit College Advising to perform an academic self-audit. Are you on track to graduate? If you are returning to Chicago, how will the SiLA credits contribute to your major? If you are graduating after this semester, you need to perform a graduation audit with Advising.
  • Career Center. Meet with the Career Center. There is a career counselor assigned to each major. S/he will give you an overview of the internship program and can help you obtain free business cards, review your reel, resume, and cover letterm, create a website, conduct mock interviews, and learn strategies on how to find an internship and a career job. You can make an appointment on Handshake, the college’s employment site.
  • Columbia Central. If you have taken out loans you are required to have “exit counseling” with Columbia Central before you can receive your diploma. Please make an in-person appointment with them before you leave Chicago.
  • Health Insurance. There is no Student Health in Los Angeles. Students must be covered by appropriate health insurance or purchase such insurance before leaving Chicago.
  • Graduation. If SiLA will be your last semester, apply for undergraduate graduation on the Graduation Application link on the student portal.