First Week of Classes & Beyond Events
Schedule information is tentative and subject to change. More information will be added soon.
All programs are designed specifically for new incoming students.
Group Fitness Free Week
When: August 24 – August 30
Where: Activities & Recreation Center: 201 E. Peabody Dr., Champaign
Who: All Students
Try a variety of classes from cycling, yoga, Pilates, Zumba, and more for FREE! View the schedule here and register to save your spot in Active Illini today!
Starting August 31, participation in group fitness classes requires an active membership and the purchase of a group fitness membership. Passes can be purchased through Active Illini.
- Social Interaction
Illini Union Showcase Week 2026
When: Schedule Here
Where: Illini Union: 1401 W. Green St., Urbana
Who: All Students
The Illini Union is bringing you a week-long showcase of some of our favorite events, as well as new ones that happen #AtTheUnion! Celebrate Back to School with fun activities and events welcoming all students to campus.
- Large Group
- Social Interaction
The Basics of Research at Illinois
When: Monday, August 24, 4:00-5:30pm
Where: Location Varies, Check Registration Link!
Who: All Students
Undergraduate research is widely recognized as one of the highest-impact experiences that a student can have during their time at university, but it can be intimidating to navigate the research landscape. Join the Office of Undergraduate Research to address any concerns you may have about research, discuss how your interests are reflected in research around campus, and create a plan to get involved!
- Large Group
Tech Points
When: Monday, August 24 from 10:00am-2:00pm
Where: (3 Locations, Choose One!)
Campus Instructional Facility, 1405 W. Springfield Ave., Urbana
Illini Union, Table will be located outside near the Quad
Ikenberry Commons, 301 Gregory Dr 1st Floor, Champaign
Who: All Students
Tech Points offers IT support to students during the first three days of the semester at our pop-up
help desks around campus. More details can be found on our
webpage: https://techservices.illinois.edu/tech-points/
- Social Interaction
Paleta Social
When: Monday, August 24, 6-8pm
Where: La Casa Cultural Latina, 1203 W. Nevada St., Urbana
Who: All Students
Bienvenidos! Welcome back to campus, familia! Paleta Social is La Casa's annual welcome event featuring Latinx Student Organizations, our resources, music, dancing, and of course - free paletas. Nos Vemos!
The Basics of Research at Illinois
When: Tuesday, August 25, 10:00-11:30am
Where: Location Varies, Check Registration Link!
Who: All Students
Undergraduate research is widely recognized as one of the highest-impact experiences that a student can have during their time at university, but it can be intimidating to navigate the research landscape. Join the Office of Undergraduate Research to address any concerns you may have about research, discuss how your interests are reflected in research around campus, and create a plan to get involved!
Tech Points
When: Tuesday, August 25 from 10:00am-2:00pm
Where: (3 Locations, Choose One!)
Campus Instructional Facility, 1405 W. Springfield Ave., Urbana
Illini Union, Table will be located outside near the Quad
Ikenberry Commons, 301 Gregory Dr 1st Floor, Champaign
Who: All Students
Tech Points offers IT support to students during the first three days of the semester at our pop-up
help desks around campus. More details can be found on our
webpage: https://techservices.illinois.edu/tech-points/
- Social Interaction
Gender and Sexuality Resource Center (GSRC) Open House
When: Wednesday, August 26 10:00am-12:00pm
Where: 616 E. Green St. Suite 202, Champaign
Who: All New Students
Join us at the Gender and Sexuality Resource Center open house! Participants will receive a tour of the center, free swag, muffins and light refreshments.
- Social Interaction
CCEJ and University YMCA Open House
When: Wednesday, August 26, 11:30am-1:00pm
Where: University YMCA Building, 1001 S. Wright St., Champaign
Who: All Students
Join the Center for Civic Education & Justice and the University YMCA for our Open House! Stop by to explore the organizations that call the University YMCA home, connect with student organizations, and learn about the many campus and community resources available to you. Enjoy free snacks, games, and giveaways while meeting the people and programs that make the Y a hub for student engagement and community connection.
LGBTQ+ Welcome/Queers on the Quad
When: Tuesday, August 25
Where: 4:00pm - 7:00pm (doors open at 3:30 pm), 314AB, Illini Union, 1401 W Green St, Urbana
Who: All Students
RSVP: https://forms.illinois.edu/sec/401241971
The Gender and Sexuality Resource Center (GSRC) would like to invite you the LGBTQ+ Welcome/Queers on the Quad event on Tuesday, August 25 at 4pm (Doors open at 3:30pm)! At the LGBTQ+ Welcome you will have the opportunity to meet other LGBTQ+ 1st year and new transfer students, learn more about the GSRC and the services we offer as well as other LGBTQ+ resources on campus. AFTER the LGBTQ+ Welcome we will continue our evening with Queers on the Quad on the Illini Union Quad at 5pm were you will have the opportunity to meet our LGBTQ+ student organizations and other campus partners. This year we will have a DJ, refreshments (grab your water bottle for the water monster dispenser) and free PRIDE Swag and t-shirts, so make sure you bring your Illinois (school) ID.
Contact: GSRC@illinois.edu
The Basics of Research at Illinois
When: Tuesday, August 25, 3:00-4:30pm
Where: Location Varies, Check Registration Link!
Who: All Students
Undergraduate research is widely recognized as one of the highest-impact experiences that a student can have during their time at university, but it can be intimidating to navigate the research landscape. Join the Office of Undergraduate Research to address any concerns you may have about research, discuss how your interests are reflected in research around campus, and create a plan to get involved!
Panhellenic Council Primary Recruitment Information Session
When: Tuesday August 25, 6:00-7:30pm
Where: Natural History Building, 1301 W. Green Street, Urbana
Who: All New Students
Come out to one of the PHC Information Sessions to meet sorority members from the Panhellenic Council and learn more about the PHC Primary Recruitment Process.
WRC Welcome (Back) Open House
When: Wednesday, August 26, 10am-12pm
Where: Womens Resources Center, 616 E. Green St., Suite 213
Who: All Students
Stop by 616 E. Green St. (above McDonald's) between 10 AM - 12 PM for a joint open house introducing the programs and spaces of the Women's Resources Center and Gender and Sexuality Resource Center.
Enjoy coffee, tea, donuts, at the WRC. The first 100 students to stop by the WRC will receive a special edition coffee mug. Additional snacks and giveaways at the GSRC!
Welcome B(L)ACK BBQ
When: Wednesday, August 26 from 5:00pm-7:30pm
Where: Bruce D. Nesbitt African American Cultural Center: 1212 W. Nevada St., Urbana
Who: All Students
Come through for our Welcome B(L)ACK BBQ—a relaxed space to connect, catch up, and kick off the semester with community! Enjoy good food, music, and great company.
- Large Group
- Social Interaction
Climb back to Campus
When: Wednesday, August 26, 9:00pm-11:00pm
Where: Activities & Recreation Center Climbing Wall: 201 E. Peabody Dr., Champaign
Who: All Students
A night of fun for new and returning climbers, Everyone is welcome! No registration necessary.
Getting Started in Research Workshop
When: Wednesday, August 26, 3:00-4:30pm
Where: Location Varies, Check Registration Link!
Who: All 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
The Basics of Research at Illinois
When: Thursday, August 27, 2:00-3:30pm
Where: Location Varies, Check Registration Link!
Who: All Students
Undergraduate research is widely recognized as one of the highest-impact experiences that a student can have during their time at university, but it can be intimidating to navigate the research landscape. Join the Office of Undergraduate Research to address any concerns you may have about research, discuss how your interests are reflected in research around campus, and create a plan to get involved!
Asiantation AACC-IE Open House
When: Thursday, August 27, 5-7pm
Where: Asian American Cultural Center, 1210 Nevada St., Urbana
Who: All Students
Come learn about the Asian American Cultural Center and International Education! Started in 1994, Asiantation is a orientation program that welcomes first-year, transfer, and new graduate students to the Asian and Asian American campus community and resources. Asiantation celebrates the new academic year with campus partners, RSOs, and performances in partnership with the Asian American Cultural Center and International Education.
Black Greek Council Meet the Greeks
When: Thursday, August 27, 5:00-7:30pm
Where: Illini Union, Illini Rooms A&B, 1401 W. Green Street, Urbana
Who: All Students
Join the Black Green Council in our Annual "Meet The Greeks" event! The event will consist of discussion, anonymous question answering, and an opportunity to meet directly with chapters afterwards.
We are Dye-ing to Meet You: Native American House Welcome Event
When: Friday, August 28 from 11:00am-1:00pm
Where: Native American House (NAH): 1206 W. Nevada St., Urbana: Lawn between Native American House and Asian American Cultural Center
Who: All Students
Our program includes a mini-resource fair where students will be introduced to campus resources and services, and will learn about the numerous engagement opportunities offered by the Native American House. Participants will enjoy t-shirt tie-dyeing, powwow music, lawn games, and free food!
- Large Group
- Social Interaction
Friday Funnies
When: Friday, August 28 7:00pm-9:00pm
Where: Illini Union Courtyard Cafe: 1401 W. Green St., Urbana
Who: All Students
Join us every Friday of the semester in the Illini Union Courtyard Cafe at 7 pm for a night of laughter. These nights will feature campus comedy/improv groups, local funny people, or national comedians and improv groups.
- Social Interaction
United Greek Council Street Fair
When: Saturday, August 29, 1:00-3:00pm
Where: Anniversary Plaza, On the Main Quad Near the Illini Union
Who: All Students
Join UGC for music, food, and to learn about the chapters in our community and the member that are in them.
Tastes of Culture (TOC)
When: Tuesday, September 15 1:30pm-3:30pm
Where: Main Library-Orange Room: 1408 W. Gregory Dr., Urbana
Who: All Students
Enjoy some international snacks and drinks with cross-cultural learning activities.
- Social Interaction
Getting Started in Research Workshop
When: Friday, August 28, 10:00-11:30am
Where: Location Varies, Check Registration Link!
Who: All 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
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.