Tuesday, August 18
Schedule information is tentative and subject to change.
All programs are designed specifically for new incoming students.
***All giveaways and prizes are available while supplies last.***
Acing your Academics
When: 9:30am-10:30am
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
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
International Student Orientation
When: Tuesday, August 18 thru Thursday, August 20
Where: Various Locations (see full schedule)
**Look for the Orange & Blue "International Student Orientation" flags!
Who: All New Students
At Illinois, students from all over the world come together to learn, collaborate and grow. Come join in our International Student Orientation (ISO) events to meet and get connected with other international students new to our campus and country!
Full International Student Orientation Schedule
- Large Group
- Social Interaction
- Distance
Phone & Bank Fair
When: 10:00am-3:00pm
Where: Illini Union: 1401 W. Green Street, Urbana
Who: All Students
Come get connected with some cell phone and banking options local to Champaign-Urbana!
- Large Group
- Social Interaction
Bus Basics
When: 10:00am-12:00pm
***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 Green & Gregory Bus Stop, Outside ISR on Green Street, 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 an Orange Welcome Week t-shirt.
- Large Group
- Social Interaction
- Distance
Resources Road Map
When: 11:00am-12:00pm
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
Club Connections
When: 1:00pm-2:00pm
Where: Grainger Library-Lower Level (Basement)-1301 W. Springfield, Ave., 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
Puzzle Party
When: 1:00pm-3:00pm
Where: Main Library-Orange Room: 1408 W. Gregory Drive, Urbana
**Look for the Orange & Blue "Welcome Week" flag!
Who: All New Students
Join our Orientation Team members and other new students for a puzzle party! Put together puzzles, complete a sticker by number, or take advantage of the opportunity to color something for your room!
- Social Interaction
Schedule Scouting
When: 1:00pm-3:00pm
*All Schedule Scouting walking tours will be leaving at approximately 1:15pm and ending by 3:00pm
Where: Foellinger Auditorium Forecourt: 709 S. Mathews Ave., Urbana, IL 61801 (off the Main Quad)
Who: All New Students
Feeling anxious about finding where your classes are located? Want to discover the quickest route from one class to the next?... Then join our Orientation Team members as they help you discover where your classes will be located on campus. Bring your schedule and meet us at on of these locations. Look for an Orientation Leader in a Orange Welcome Week t-shirt.
Who: All New Students
- Large Group
- Social Interaction
- Distance
Hoops & Hellos
When: 1:00pm-3:00pm
Where: Activities and Recreation Center (ARC): 201 E. Peabody Dr., Champaign
Come play basketball and network with other news students and the Orientation Team at the ARC! Ask our Orientation Leaders about how to book a space in the ARC. Look for an Orientation leader in a Blue We are Illinois t-shirt.
Family Send-Off Event
When: 3:00pm-4:00pm
Where: Illini Union Anniversary Plaza (On the Main Quad Side): 1401 W. Green St., Urbana
Who: All New Students & Families
This is a casual event designed for families to say their good-byes before leaving campus. We know saying your “see ya later” can be hard, so we hope you will join us in celebrating this next chapter in your families’ stories! After you move your student in to their new residence hall, stop by Anniversary Plaza and enjoy performances from student groups, giveaways, and light snacks.
- Large Group
- Social Interaction
Connection Creations
When: 3:00pm-5:00pm
Where: Siebel Center for Design-Sunset 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-5:00pm
Where: 2 Locations (choose 1!)
1. Siebel Center for Design-Gallery: 1208 S. 4th Street, Champaign
2. Grainger Library-Lower Level: 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 Green & Gregory Bus Stop, Outside ISR on Green Street, 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 an Orange Welcome Week t-shirt.
- Large Group
- Social Interaction
- Distance
LabEscape
When: 4:00-10:00pm (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: 3:00pm-5:00pm
Where: South Quad Bell Tower (Off Gregory St. in 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
Leisurely Lawn Games
When: 6:00pm-8:00pm
Where: Illini Grove: This park is located at the corner of Lincoln Ave. & Pennsylvania Ave. in 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
Rec Rally
When: 6:00pm-9:00pm
Where: Campus Recreation Center East (CRCE): 1102 W Gregory Dr, Urbana
Who: All Students
All students, new and returning, are encouraged to come to the Campus Recreation Center East and experience what Campus Recreation has to offer! Tour CRCE and enjoy the indoor pool! Learn about Campus Rec programs and services with intramural games and group fitness demos. Snacks will be provided.
- 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!
***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.***
Who: All New Students
Experience the beauty of the sunsets at the University of Illinois Arboretum with the Orientation Team and other new students!
- Large Group
- Social Interaction
- Distance
Trivia, Treats & People to Meet
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
Want to show off your trivia skills? Interested in some tasty treats? Come join the Orientation Team as we answer some fun trivia questions and enjoy the company of new friends! Plus, we’ll be playing games, creating 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.