Wednesday, August 19
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.***
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
Testing the Waters
When: 10:00am-12:00pm
Where: Chemistry Annex Lab-2nd floor : 601 S. Mathews Ave., Urbana
Who: All New Students
Nervous for computer based test-taking? The Computer Based Testing Facility is here to help. Come to our testing facilities to play games, earn prizes by completing fun tests, and get comfortable with our testing facilities before exams even begin!
- Social Interaction
Club Connections
When: 10:30am-11:30am
Where: Siebel Center for Design-Sunrise Studio: 1208 S. Fourth Street, 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
Interested in learning about Registered Student Organizations at Illinois? Our Orientation Team is ready to help you get connected with organizations and plan your Quad day!
- Social Interaction
Puzzle Party
When: 10:00am-12:00pm
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: 10:00am-12:00pm
*All Schedule Scouting walking tours will be leaving at approximately 10:15am and ending by 12:00pm
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 Blue We are Illinois t-shirt.
Who: All New Students
- 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
Acing Your Academics
When: 2:00pm-3:00pm
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
Testing the Waters
When: 2:00pm-4:00pm
Where: Chemistry Annex Lab-2nd floor : 601 S. Mathews Ave., Urbana
Who: All New Students
Nervous for computer based test-taking? The Computer Based Testing Facility is here to help. Come to our testing facilities to play games, earn prizes by completing fun tests, and get comfortable with our testing facilities before exams even begin!
- Social Interaction
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
Getting Started in Research Workshop
When: 3:00pm-4:30pm
Where: Locations Vary, Check Registration Link
Who: All New Students
During this workshop, we will discuss the various forms of undergraduate research that take place on campus, guide students to develop a plan of action to locate research opportunities on campus, and discuss ways to contact faculty research mentors. Students will leave the workshop with:
- A better understanding of undergraduate research and how it takes place on our campus
- Increased confidence to contact faculty research mentors
- A list of faculty mentors to contact
Register to attend here.
Study Spots
When: 3:00pm-4:30pm
*All Study Spots walking tours will be leaving at approximately 3:15pm and ending by 4:30pm
Where: 3 Meeting Locations (choose 1!)
- Main Library Gregory Street Entrance: 1408 W. Gregory Drive, Champaign
- Funk Library: 1101 S. Goodwin Ave., Urbana
- Grainger Library: 1301 W. Springfield Ave., Urbana
Who: All New Students
Already trying to scope out the best spots to study on campus? Join our Orientation Team members as they show you some of the best spots to create, work, and study on campus! Look for an Orientation Leader in a Blue We are Illinois t-shirt.
- Large Group
- Social Interaction
- Distance
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.
Game Gathering
When: 3:00pm-5:00pm
Where: 2 Locations (choose 1!)
1. Siebel Center for Design-Starlight Room: 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 the Siebel Center for Design or the Music and Performing Arts Library!
Resources Road Map
When: 3:30pm-4:30pm
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.
Leisurely Lawn Games
When: 3:00pm-5:00pm
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
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: 6:00pm-8:00pm
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!
Sunset Twilight
CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER
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! Bring a blanket to sit on and enjoy the sunset with the Orientation Team and other new students!
Karaoke, Mochi & More!
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 join the Orientation team for a fun night of Karaoke singing, and don’t forget to enjoy a tasty Mochi treat! No need to sing if it’s not your thing- we'll also be playing games, creating some crafts, and more!
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.