Fall Semester International Graduate Student Orientation
Welcome to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign!
We are thrilled to welcome you to our campus community. As you prepare for arrival, please review this page and keep the following important information in mind:
- Virtual Orientation Date: August 18, 2025
- In-Person Social Events: August 19-21, 2025
- Location: Virtual (via Zoom) and in person at various campus locations
- Registration: Required for the virtual session (see below)
What is New International Student Orientation About?
International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS), in collaboration with a number of campus part-ners, hosts the International Graduate Student Orientation to support your transition to graduate student at Illinois.
This orientation aims to:
- Welcome you to the Illinois community
- Help you acclimate to campus life, academic expectations, and U.S. culture
- Introduce you to key campus services and resources
- Provide opportunities to ask questions and make connections
Orientation Structure: Navigate, Connect, Experience
Our three-part orientation ensures a well-rounded introduction to your new campus and community:
Navigate
Essentials Sessions provide essential information to help you begin your academic journey at Illinois with confidence. You’ll hear from campus experts about topics including maintaining your immigration status, understanding health insurance, paying tuition and fees, campus safety, and academic expectations. This is your opportunity to get accurate, reliable information directly from the people who support you.
Connect
These small-group Connections Sessions, led by current Illinois students, focus on three key areas to support your transition: academic success, campus involvement, and building connections. You’ll hear real talk on how to navigate classes and use academic resources, explore ways to get involved on campus and in the community, and get tips on making friends and finding groups that match your interests. Attending all three sessions is a great way to ask questions, meet others, and start building your Illinois experience.
Experience
Orientation isn’t just about information—it’s also about having fun and feeling at home! Our Experience Events are designed to help you relax, explore campus culture, and connect with others in a casual, welcoming environment. Join us for exciting activities like Illini Union Fun Night, Welcome to the FamILLy, and a welcome reception hosted by the university Chancellor. These events are great opportunities to meet other students, learn about campus traditions, and celebrate the start of your Illinois journey.
Orientation Week Schedule
This schedule includes all orientation events for both undergraduate and graduate international students.
- Undergraduate students: Attend sessions and programs marked “UG.” Visit the Undergraduate Orientation page for your full schedule.
- Graduate students: Attend sessions and programs marked “GR.”
- Families: Attend programs marked “Families” together with your student. In addition, visit the International Parent and Family Orientation page for your full schedule.
| Monday August 18, 2025 |
Tuesday August 19, 2025 |
Wednesday August 20, 2025 |
Thursday August 21, 2025 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
Navigate |
Graduate Student Orientation |
Undergraduate Student Orientation |
||
Connect |
Grad Connections Reception | UG Orientation Connections Session 1 |
UG Orientation Connections Session 2 UG Orientation Connections Session 3 |
|
Experience |
Campus Tour |
Illini Union Fun Night |
Welcome to the FamILLy |
Chancellor’s Welcome Reception and Resource Fair |
Monday, August 18, 2025
Graduate Student Orientation – Essentials Sessions
👤 For: GR students
🕗 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM CST
📍 Online via Zoom
✅Registration is required – Register Now.
This live, interactive Q&A session is your chance to hear directly from campus experts and ask questions about topics covered in the required orientation videos. Presenters from ISSS, the Graduate College, and other campus offices will be available to provide clarification and guidance on topics like immigration, health insurance, finances, academic resources, and campus safety.
Students must watch the orientation videos from campus partners before the session and come prepared with questions. Videos will be uploaded here at the beginning of August.
Tentative Agenda
- 10:00-10:05 Welcome
- 10:05-10:25 International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS)
- 10:25-10:40 Graduate College
- 10:40-10:55 University of Illinois Police Department, Counseling Center
- 10:55-11:15 University Library, Writers Workshop, Media Commons, and Research Data Service
- 11:15-11:25 Break
- 11:25-11:45 Technology Services, The Career Center
- 11:45-12:05 University Bursar
- 12:05-12:25 McKinley Health Center, Student Health Insurance
- 12:25-12:30 Academic Expectations Breakout Rooms: / Undergraduate
Campus Tour
👤 For: UG and GR students
🕗 To be determined
📍 To be determined
Get to know your new home! Join us for a guided walking tour of key campus locations. You’ll visit important buildings like the Illini Union, Main Quad, libraries, classroom buildings, and more. This is a great way to familiarize yourself with the campus layout and connect with fellow new students. Wear comfortable shoes, bring water, and come ready to explore.
Grad Connections Reception
👤 For: GR students
🕗 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
📍 University YMCA
✅ Registration required. A registration link will be posted here soon.
Start building your campus community at this informal networking reception just for new international graduate students. Connect with fellow graduate students from across programs and colleges in a relaxed, welcoming environment. Light refreshments served.
Tuesday, August 19, 2025
Illini Union Fun Night
👤 For: UG and GR Students
🕗 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
📍 Illini Union (lower level) (1401 W. Green St., Urbana, IL 61801)
Enjoy an evening of free fun at one of campus’s most iconic spaces! Including games, bowling, balloon art, karaoke, billiards, and much more!
Wednesday, August 20, 2025
Welcome to the FamILLy
👤 For: UG and GR Students and their families
🕗 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 Alice Campbell Alumni Center (601 S Lincoln Ave., Urbana, IL 61801)
Celebrate your Illinois arrival with an evening of fun and connection! Enjoy an ice cream social, lawn games, music, and chances to win prizes. This special event is open to both students and their parents and family members – everyone is welcome as part of the Illinois FamILLy!
Thursday, August 21, 2025
Chancellor’s Welcome Reception and Resource Fair
👤 For: UG and GR Students
🕗 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
📍 Krannert Center for the Performing Arts (500 S. Goodwin Ave., Urbana)
This special event is designed especially for new international students. Enjoy light refreshments, hear welcoming remarks from the University Chancellor and the ISSS Director, and explore campus and local services at the resource fair. You’ll have a chance to speak directly with representatives from a wide range of campus offices and community organizations that support international students.
Virtual Resource Fair
ISSS is pleased to offer a Virtual Campus Resource Fair! This Box folder includes a wealth of information about our campus partners’ services that you can view at any time. Our campus partners are excited to welcome you to campus!
Parent & Family Information
Are you a parent, family member, or guest of a new international student? Please see the International Parent and Family Orientation page for more information on resources and an orientation designed specifically for you!
Contact Us
If you have any questions, please contact International Student and Scholar Services at isss-programs@illinois.edu.