Friday, August 21
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.***
Sunrise Yoga
When: 7:00-8:00am
Where: Green space to the East of CRCE
Who: All New Students
Join Campus Recreation for Sunrise Yoga! Start your day with a relaxing yoga session designed to help you stretch, move, and reset. All experience levels are welcome!
- Social Interaction
Transfer Student Welcome Week Events
When: Thursday, August 20 - Sunday, August 23
Where: See Schedule HERE
Who: New Transfer Students
We encourage all new transfer students to attend campus-wide Welcome Week events throughout the week, while also taking advantage of these transfer-specific programs designed to help you build connections, discover resources, and feel at home at Illinois.
Sensory Guide Key
Jeffries Center Welcome Seminar
When: Friday, August 21st from 9:00am - 10:30am
Where: Student Dining & Residential Program (SDRP) Multipurpose Rooms 2025 ABC
301 Gregory Dr, Champaign, IL 61820
Who: All New Students
Join the Jeffries Center for a light breakfast and learn about our fantastic resources to help you succeed at Illinois! After the seminar, the Jeffries Center team will walk you over to the State Farm Center for New Student Convocation!
*REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Open to all students. Free t-shirt, Planner, and TJC swag while supplies last! Register at: go.illinois.edu/JeffriesWelcomeSeminar26*
- Large Group
- Social Interaction
- Closed Caption Available
New Student Convocation
When: Doors Open 10:00am; Event Begins 11:00am
Where: State Farm Center: 1800 S. First St., Champaign
Who: All New Students
New Student Convocation is an academic welcome to the University of Illinois for new and transfer students. Speakers include the Chancellor, Provost, a faculty member, and a representative from Illinois Student Government. After this event, students join fellow incoming classmates for lunch and a welcome celebration where they learn more about resources available on campus.
**Make sure to bring an empty refillable water bottle to use at Welcome Celebration!!
- Large Group
- Stairs
- Bright & Flashing Lights
- Loud Noises
- Social Interaction
- Distance
- Closed Caption Available
Welcome Celebration
When: 12:00pm (directly after New Student Convocation)
Where: Lot 31 & Grange Grove At the corner of Kirby Ave. & First St. in Champaign
Who: All New Students
After New Student Convocation, join us for lunch and a resource fair in Lot 31 and Grange Grove. At this event you will have the opportunity to learn about several of the resources available on campus to students. Make sure to bring your water bottles! We will have sustainable water refilling stations throughout the event.
- Large Group
- Loud Noises
- Social Interaction
- Distance
College Meetings
When: Dismissals from Welcome Celebration will begin at 1:00pm and College Meeting will start at approx. 1:45pm
Where: Various locations on campus (Orientation Team members will guide you from Welcome Celebration)
Who: All New Students
At the College Meeting you will connect with faculty, staff and other new students who will support your academic journey at Illinois.
- Large Group
- Loud Noises
- Social Interaction
- Distance
Paddles and Parlor
When: 3:00-5:00pm
Where: The Pickle Ball Courts at the corner of 1st and Gregory, next to the University Bike Center
Who: All New Students
Join Campus Recreation for Parlor & Paddles! Come out for a fun-filled time playing pickleball and enjoying delicious mini donuts from Parlor Donuts. Whether you're a pickleball pro or just looking to try something new, come play, snack, and have some fun! Donuts are available while supplies last.
Social Interaction
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!
Illini Union Late Nighter
When: 7:00pm-11:00pm
Where: Illini Union
Who: All New Students
Grab a roommate or bring yourself and enjoy lots of food, activities, games, entertainment, and fun at the annual Illini Union LateNighter! It's your chance to explore the Illini Union and see why it is the center of campus activity and involvement.
- Large Group
- Stairs
- Bright & Flashing Lights
- Loud Noises
- Social Interaction
- Distance
- Closed Caption Available
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.