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Fall Semester International Graduate Student Orientation

Welcome to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign! As you prepare for arrival, please review this page and keep the following important dates in mind.

The International Graduate Student Orientation welcomes new international graduate students; assists with acclimation to campus life and culture; and provides an overview of important topics and resources, including maintaining visa status, planning for career success, campus safety, and many more.

Orientation Format & Topics

During the virtual orientation, students will hear from various offices on campus and have the opportunity to ask questions. The tentative schedule is as follows:

Time Topics
10:00 – 10:05 AM Welcome
10:05 – 10:25 AM International Student and Scholar Services
10:25 – 10:40 AM Graduate College
10:40 – 10:55 AM University of Illinois Police Department, Counseling Center
10:55 – 11:15 AM University Library, Writers Workshop, Scholarly Commons, Research Data Service
11:15 – 11:25 AM Break
11:25 – 11:45 AM Technology Services, Career Center
11:45 AM – 12:05 PM University Bursar (Billing & Finances)
12:05 – 12:30 PM McKinley Health Center, Student Health Insurance
12:30 – 12:35 PM Closing Comments

Date & Registration

Fall 2024 International Graduate Student Orientation will be held virtually from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM on Monday, August 19, 2024.

New Graduate Students should watch the orientation videos ahead of time and come to the orientation prepared to have their questions answered. Watch the videos now.

Watch the orientation videos Now!

Registration is required to attend. Please click the button below to register for the event.

Register Now!

Social Events

In addition to orientation events, ISSS and our campus partners invite you to attend a variety of social events throughout the week. These events are intended to welcome you to the university, introduce you to the resources available to you on campus, and have fun meeting other new students.

August 20, 2024

Phone and Bank Fair (Day 1)
10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Illini Union, Pine Lounge (1401 W. Green St., Urbana)
All new students are welcome.

Illini Union Fun Night
6:00 – 9:00 PM
Illini Union (1401 W. Green St., Urbana)
All new undergraduate and graduate international students are welcome.

August 21, 2024

Phone and Bank Fair (Day 2)
10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Illini Union, Pine Lounge (1401 W. Green St., Urbana)
All new students are welcome.

Welcome to the Illinois FamILLy
6:00 - 8:00 PM
University YMCA (1001 S. wright St., Champaign, IL 61820)
All new undergraduate and graduate international students, parents, and families are welcome.

August 22, 2024

Chancellor’s Welcome Reception
1:00 - 2:00 PM
Krannert Center for the Performing Arts (500 S. Goodwin Ave., Urbana)
All new undergraduate and graduate international students are welcome.

Resource Fair
2:00 - 4:00 PM
Krannert Center for the Performing Arts (500 S. Goodwin Ave., Urbana)
All new undergraduate and graduate international students are welcome.

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 Programs

Parents and families can stay connected with the Office of New Student and Family Experiences. (NSFE). NSFE sends families a bi-weekly electronic newsletter (known as the E-Update) offers educational resources, and parent weekends. NSFE also provides information through our Facebook page and on Instagram. Learn more on the New Student and Family Experiences website. We also encourage all parents, family members, and friends to review our Resources for Parents and Friends page.

New International Student Orientation Parent & Guest Agenda

Join us for activities and informational sessions specifically designed for parents and families during New International Student Orientation in August.

Date Parent Event Time Location
Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2024 Parent & Guest Orientation 1:15pm - 5:00pm Greg Hall, Room 112
  Session 1: Campus Partners 1:15 - 2:45 PM  
  Session 2: Campus Involvement 3:00 - 4:00 PM  
  Session 3: Academic Expectations 4:00 - 5:00 PM  
Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2024 Parent Meet & Greet 9:00 - 11:00 AM Campus Instructional Facility, Room 0035
  Welcome and Mingle 9:00 AM  
  Student Panel 9:30 AM  
  Optional Campus Tour 10:30 AM  
Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2024 Cultural Centers & Museum Tours (optional)    
  Spurlock Museum Tour 2:00 PM Spurlock Museum
  Krannert Performing Center for the Arts 2:00 PM Krannert Performing Center for the Arts
Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2024 Family Sendoff Event 3:00 PM Anniversary Plaza
Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024 Family Sendoff Event 3:00 PM Anniversary Plaza

Contact Us

If you have any questions, please contact International Student and Scholar Services at isss-programs@illinois.edu.