Starting college is an exciting milestone for families. At the University of Illinois Springfield, we recognize that parents play a vital role in helping their students adjust to college life. With your support and resources from UIS, your student can thrive academically, socially and personally.
Learn About UIS Together
Encourage your student to explore programs and campus life as they begin their college journey. Degree options are available across many disciplines. UIS students study business, healthcare, technology, education, social sciences and more. UIS offers the personalized attention of a small university with a lot of support services.
Talk with your student about the college experience they are looking for. Are they excited about leadership development? Maybe they learn best through hands-on learning. Or do they want to be involved in the local community? UIS offers many pathways to allow students to grow and discover new interests.
Visit Campus in Person or Virtually
Campus visits help students imagine themselves as part of the UIS community. In-person visits allow families to tour classrooms and residence halls. You can also see our athletic facilities, the Student Union and other student spaces. You can meet faculty and current students while you’re here, too.
If you can’t come to campus, admissions counselors have virtual tours and online appointments. You and your student will get the same personalized guidance from home. UIS also offers in-person and virtual Open Houses. Families can learn about the admissions process, academic programs and student support services.
Whether you come to visit in person or online, these experiences help students feel confident about their college decision.
Plan for College Costs Early
Paying for college can feel overwhelming. UIS is committed to transparency and support. Review estimated tuition and fees with your student, then explore financial aid options such as scholarships, grants and student employment.
Completing the FAFSA early also ensures your student receives the maximum amount of aid. UIS offers both merit- and need-based scholarships, flexible payment plans and hundreds of donor-funded awards. During the 2025-26 academic year, roughly 330 students received awards totaling more than $1,050,000. The Office of Financial Aid helps families build a financial plan that works for them.
Understand the Value of a UIS Degree
A UIS education delivers strong value through high-quality academics and relevant career preparation. Students build career-ready skills through hands-on learning, close faculty mentorship and early engagement with the Career Development Center.
The Career Development Center helps students plan for their future. They help with internships, job preparation resources and global connections with successful alumni. Visit our value page to learn how UIS combines academic excellence, career preparation and meaningful experiences that lead to lifelong impacts.
Exploring Academic Interests
It’s completely normal if your student is unsure about their major. UIS helps students explore interests from day one. New Student Orientation helps introduce students to life at UIS with different activities, including a visit with their academic advisor. Advisors are available after orientation, too, and offer guidance on course selection and academic planning.
Students benefit from faculty office hours, tutoring and writing support through the Learning Hub and Peer Mentors in Living-Learning Communities. As their interests develop, they can take advantage of undergraduate research, present at the STARS Symposium or join the Capital Scholars Honors Program for an interdisciplinary learning experience.
Encourage Campus Involvement
Students who get involved tend to adjust better and feel connected on campus. UIS offers many ways to engage, including:
Encourage your student to get involved. Welcome week activities and other opportunities through Student Life are geared toward new students. Alumni say their strongest connections came from these opportunities. They often become the foundation of friendships and academic success.
Support a Strong Start
Students thrive when they arrive on campus with solid study habits, time-management skills and a willingness to ask for help. UIS supports this transition through the Center for Academic Success and Advising (CASA). CASA helps students with academic advising, tutoring and coaching. The Counseling Center also offers mental health support and strategies for managing stress.
Resources are available across campus to help create an environment where all students can thrive. Support for international and military-connected students is available.
Parents can help their students start strong by encouraging them to stay organized. Remind them to check their UIS email, attend class and talk with their professors.
Stay Informed and Connected
Your student’s journey to becoming a Prairie Star is just the beginning. Parents can remain engaged by following UIS on social media, joining the family communication portal and reviewing Parent and Family Resources to stay informed about deadlines and campus news.
The Office of Admission is always available to answer questions and guide your family through next steps. Ready to begin your own UIS journey?