Monday, August 17
Schedule information is tentative and subject to change.
All programs are designed specifically for new incoming students.
Ask Anything
When: 10:00am-4:00pm
Where: English Building Lawn (Off the West side of the Main Quad)
**Look for the Orange & Blue "Ask Me" flags!
Who: All New Students
Need help finding a Welcome Week event? Have questions about campus and need help finding the answer? Stop by our "Ask Anything" table where our Orientation Team will be waiting to answer your questions! Look for our table outside the English Building off the Main Quad!
- Social Interaction
- Distance
Acing your Academics
When: 1pm-2pm
Where: Main Library-Orange Room: 1408 W. Gregory Drive, Champaign
****Bring your laptop or tablet to use during the session if you have one!
**Look for the Orange & Blue "Welcome Week" flag!
Who: All New Students
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.
- Social Interaction
Resources Road Map
When: 2:30pm-3:30pm
Where: Communications Library: 810 S. Wright Street, Urbana
**Look for the Orange & Blue "Welcome Week" flag!
Who: All New Students
Are you curious about the resources that are available to you on campus? Let our Orientation Team introduce you to the resources that you might need as a new student at the University of Illinois.
- Social Interaction
Connection Creations
When: 3:00pm-5:00pm
Where: Siebel Center for Design-Sunrise Studio : 1208 S. 4th Street, Champaign
**Look for the Orange & Blue "Welcome Week" flag!
Who: All New Students
Get crafty at the Siebel Center for Design! Meet other new students and create something special to represent your first few days at the University of Illinois.
- Social Interaction
Game Gathering
When: 3:00pm-4:30pm
Where: 2 Locations (choose 1!)
1. Siebel Center for Design-Starlight Room: 1208 S. 4th Street, Champaign
2. Grainger Library-SCIM Lab (Basement): 1301 W. Springfield Ave., Urbana
**Look for the Orange & Blue "Welcome Week" flag!
Who: All New Students
Come enjoy some relaxing board games and card games with your fellow new students at one of the two locations above!
- Social Interaction
Bus Basics
When: 3:00pm-5:00pm
***Groups leaving every 20 minutes***
Where: 3 Locations (choose 1!)
1. Ikenberry Commons South Bus Stop on Gregory Drive, Champaign
2. Pennsylvania Ave Residence Halls North Side Bus Shelter Stop, Urbana
3.Illinois Street Residence Hall Bus Stop at Illinois & Gregory Drive, Urbana
Who: All New Students
Want to learn all about the Mass Transit District (MTD) buses? Meet the Orientation Team at one of these bus stops and learn how to navigate campus and the Champaign-Urbana community! Look for an Orientation Leader in a Navy Blue Welcome Week t-shirt.
- Large Group
- Social Interaction
- Distance
LabEscape
When: 5:30-10:00pm (Register for a time!)
Where: LabEscape Mission Control, Rm 1262
Digital Computing Lab1304 W. Springfield Ave., Urbana
Who: All Students
LabEscape is the world's only science-based escape room (though absolutely no science background needed!), now with a new mission-Dark Matter Disaster! This recreation activity is great fun for family and friends, with a 98% 5-star ratings! Normally $8/student, but this week if you use code WELCOME2026, your mission will be free!
Sign-up for a time here.
- Social Interaction
Leisurely Lawn Games
When: 6:00pm-8:00pm
Where: South Quad Bell Tower (Off Gregory St., Urbana)
**Look for the Orange & Blue "Welcome Week" flag!
Who: All New Students
Join the Orientation Team and come play some lawn games! Test your skills in Spike Ball and Bags, or just throw around a frisbee or football and get to know other new students!
- Large Group
- Social Interaction
- Distance
Sunset Twilight
When: 8:00pm-9:00pm
Where: University of Illinois Arboretum-Meet at the Idea Garden
1800 S. Lincoln Ave., Urbana
**Look for the Orange & Blue "Welcome Week" flag!
Who: All New Students
Experience the beauty of the sunsets at the University of Illinois Arboretum with the Orientation Team and other new students!
***If you ride a VEORIDE bike you cannot park it at the arboretum. You will need to park by the Florida Ave. Residence Hall (FAR) bike racks.***
- Large Group
- Social Interaction
- Distance
Bingo, Bonanza & Beyond
When: 8:00pm-10:00pm
Where: Siebel Center for Design: 1208 S. 4th Street, Champaign
**Look for the Orange & Blue "Welcome Week" flag!
Who: All New Students
Come test your luck and win some prizes at bingo with the Orientation Team! In addition to the fun main event, enjoy some board games, card games, crafts, and more!
- Social Interaction
Sensory Guide Key
- Large Group Event attendees may number in the hundreds.
Stairs Stair usage is required to access at least portions of the event.
Bright & Flashing Lights This event may include visual stimulation such as bright lights, colors, or flashing/strobe lights.
Loud Noises This event may include auditory stimulation such as extra loud sounds, music, and cheers.- Social Interaction Event may include group activities, handshakes, and/or speaking or expression.
- Distance Getting to or participating in this event may require traveling longer physical distance (greater than 0.5 mile).
Closed Caption Available This event includes live closed captioning available on event screens.
Request for Accommodation
If you need disability related accommodations, please contact Gretchen Forman at 217-333-4057 or gforman@illinois.edu. Accommodations include but are not limited to an ASL interpreter, live captioning, and transportation. Questions can be sent to newstudent@illinois.edu.