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 18-20, 2026
- Locations: Across campus (see full schedule below)
- Registration: Not required
What is New International Student Orientation About?
ISSS, 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 new undergraduate international students.
- Undergraduate students: Attend sessions and programs marked “UG.”
- Graduate students: For the graduate schedule, visit the Graduate Orientation page.
- Families: Attend programs marked “Families” with your student. In addition, visit the International Parent and Family Orientation page for other opportunities.
| Tuesday August 18, 2026 | Wednesday August 19, 2026 | Thursday August 20, 2026 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Navigate | Undergraduate Student Orientation Welcome and Essentials Sessions 👤 UG 🕒 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 📍 Krannert Center for Performing Arts | ||
| Connect | Resource Roadmap 👤 UG 🕒 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. 📍 David Kinley Hall | Acing Your Academics 👤 UG 🕒 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. 📍 David Kinley Hall Community Connections 👤 UG 🕒 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. 📍 David Kinley Hall | |
| Experience | Phone and Bank Fair 👤 UG & GR 🕗 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. 📍 Illini Union (Pine Lounge) Illini Union Fun Night 👤 UG & GR 🕗 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. 📍 Illini Union (lower level) | Phone and Bank Fair 👤 UG & GR 🕗 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. 📍 Illini Union (Pine Lounge) Welcome to the FamILLy 👤 UG, GR, & Families 🕒 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. 📍 Alice Campbell Alumni Center | Chancellor’s Welcome Reception and Resource Fair 👤 UG & GR 🕒 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. 📍 Krannert Center for Performing Arts |
Tuesday, August 18, 2026
Undergraduate Student Orientation – Welcome and Essentials Sessions
👤 For: UG Students
🕗 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
📍 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 between 8:30 – 9:00 a.m. 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.)
Schedule
- 9:00 – 9:13 a.m. – Welcome
- 9:13 – 9:38 a.m. – Immigration Essentials
- 9:38 – 9:43 a.m – Spirit Break: William Tell Overture
- 9:43 – 10:13 a.m. – Insurance, Wellness, and Safety Essentials
- 10:13 – 10:18 a.m. – Spirit Break: ILL-INI Chant
- 10:18 – 10:48 a.m. – Financial and Academic Essentials
- 11:18 – 11:23 a.m. – Spirit Break: Raffle Drawing
- 11:23 – 11:30 a.m. – Your Week Ahead
Phone and Bank Fair
👤 UG & GR
🕗 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
📍 Illini Union (Pine Lounge)
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.
Connections Session #1 – Resources Roadmap
👤 For: UG Students
🕗 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
📍 David Kinley Hall (1407 W Gregory Dr., Urbana, IL 61801)
Are you curious about the resources that are available to you on campus? Let our Orientation Team introduce you to the resources that can help you as a new student at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
Illini Union Fun Night
👤 For: UG and GR Students
🕗 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
📍 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 19, 2026
Connections Session #2 – Acing Your Academics
👤 For: UG Students
🕗 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
📍 David Kinley Hall (1407 W Gregory Dr., Urbana, IL 61801)
Have questions about the differences between academic expectations of high school vs. college? Wondering how to be successful in the college classroom? Meet with our Orientation Team student panel to get tips for how to navigate academic life at the university.
Phone and Bank Fair
👤 UG & GR
🕗 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
📍 Illini Union (Pine Lounge)
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.
Connections Session #3 – Community Connections
👤 For: UG Students
🕗 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
📍 David Kinley Hall (1407 W Gregory Dr., Urbana, IL 61801)
Interested in learning about Registered Student Organizations and finding community at Illinois? Our Orientation Team is ready to help you get connected with organizations and communities on campus!
Welcome to the FamILLy
👤 For: UG and GR Students and their families
🕗 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
📍 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 20, 2026
Chancellor’s Welcome Reception and Resource Fair
👤 For: UG and GR Students
🕗 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
📍 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.
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 and 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 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 intl-orientations@illinois.edu