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 several campus partners, 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

Connections Events help you build your campus community through an in-person networking event designed for international graduate students. You’ll have the chance to meet peers from across academic programs in a relaxed and welcoming environment. Whether you’re looking to make new friends, meet future collaborators, or just settle in, this is designed to help you start forming your Illinois support network. 

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

Graduate Student Orientation – Essentials Sessions
👤 For: GR students
🕗 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM CST
📍 Online via Zoom

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.

Agenda

• 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 / Women’s Resource 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
• 12:05 – 12:25 pm – McKinley Health Center / Student Health Insurance
• 12:25 – 12:30 pm – Closing Comments

Tuesday, August 19, 2025

Phone and Bank Fair
👤 For: UG and GR students
🕗 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
📍 Pine Lounge, Illini Union (1401 W. Green St., Urbana, IL 61801)
Need a phone plan or bank account? Stop by to meet representatives from local mobile providers and banks. Learn about your options, ask questions, and get started with essential services for life in the U.S.

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

Phone and Bank Fair
👤 For: UG and GR students
🕗 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
📍 Pine Lounge, Illini Union (1401 W. Green St., Urbana, IL 61801)
Need a phone plan or bank account? Stop by to meet representatives from local mobile providers and banks. Learn about your options, ask questions, and get started with essential services for life in the U.S.

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!

Parent and 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.