Undergraduate New International Student Orientation – Fall 2025

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:

• Orientation Dates: August 19-21, 2025
• Location: Across campus – see full schedule below
• Registration: Prior registration is not required

What is New International Student Orientation About?

International Student and Scholar Services, in collaboration with New Student and Family Experiences, hosts the International Undergraduate Student Orientation in August.

This orientation aims to:

• Welcome you to the Illinois community
• Help you acclimate to campus life, academic expectations, and U.S. culture
• Provide opportunities to meet other international and domestic students
• Guide you through essential educational sessions and fun social events

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, but most are designed for new undergraduate students.

• Undergraduate students: Attend sessions and programs marked “UG.”
• Graduate students: Attend sessions and programs marked “GR.” Visit the Graduate Orientation page for your full schedule.
• 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

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.

Tuesday, August 19, 2025

Undergraduate Student Orientation – Welcome and Essentials Sessions
👤 For: UG Students
🕗 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 Krannert Center for the Performing Arts (500 S. Goodwin Ave., Urbana)
Start your Illinois journey with a high-energy welcome and critical sessions on immigration, health care and insurance, finances, safety, and academic expectations.
Plan to arrive by 8:30 AM and stay for the full duration. At the end, you’ll take part in a fun quiz covering key information – with a chance to win surprise prizes! (Must be present to win.)

Connections Session 1
👤 For: UG Students
🕗 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM
📍 David Kinley Hall (1407 W Gregory Dr., Urbana, IL 61801)
Check in and be assigned to a small group and Orientation Leader to learn from your peers about topics such as campus culture, social life, and tips for academic success. This is the first of three different Connections Sessions.

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

Connections Session 2
👤 For: UG Students
🕗 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
📍 David Kinley Hall (1407 W Gregory Dr., Urbana, IL 61801)
Check in and be assigned to a small group and Orientation Leader to learn from your peers topics such as campus culture, social life, and tips for academic success. This is the second of three different Connections Sessions. If you cannot attend the first day, you can still attend this session!

Connections Session 3
👤 For: UG Students
🕗 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM
📍 David Kinley Hall (1407 W Gregory Dr., Urbana, IL 61801)
Check in and be assigned to a small group and Orientation Leader to learn from your peers topics such as campus culture, social life, and tips for academic success. This is the third of three different Connections Sessions. If you cannot attend the other sessions, you can still attend this one!

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!

Welcome Week

Welcome Week is designed to welcome all new students – international and domestic alike to the university. All new students will have the opportunity to join events that help you get to know your classmates better, introduce you to campus, and teach you about the many resources and opportunities available to you at the university. Visit the New Student and Family Experiences website for more information.

Campus Housing & Early Move-In

If you choose to move into your housing assignment early, there will be a charge. Moving in early will allow you to get acclimated to your new community and, if living in university residences, you will have a meal plan for those few days. For more information about early move-in, please visit the University Housing website.

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.