Traditions That Make UIS Feel Like Home

Publish Date

2025-10-16

When you think about college, you probably imagine classes, dorm life and new friends. But one of the best parts of being a student at the University of Illinois Springfield is being part of traditions that bring everyone together. These traditions connect current students with their peers and create memories that last long after graduation. Whether you’re just starting to look at UIS for the first time as a prospective student, getting ready to begin your first semester or have recently enrolled at UIS, here are some of the traditions and history that make our campus special.

Welcome Week

The first week of the school year is one of the most exciting times on campus. Welcome Week is filled with events that help students meet new people, explore campus and settle into college life. Highlights include the Involvement Expo—where clubs and organizations showcase how to get involved—and the Welcome Week Picnic, a campus-wide gathering with food, music and games. Many students say Welcome Week is when they first felt at home at UIS.

Students at a table at the Involvement fair

A guy playing Frisbee in front of a white tent in front of the Union. There are groups of students under the tent.

A fraternity "strolling" at the Involvement Expo.

Homecoming

Homecoming is more than a soccer game—it’s a week-long celebration of Prairie Star pride. Students, alumni, faculty and the community come together for spirit days, window painting, pep rallies and athletic events like soccer and volleyball games.

Campus Rec hosts some of its biggest events, including the Prairie Stars 5K and RecPalooza a lively event with games, activities and entertainment at TRAC. For alumni, it’s a chance to reconnect; for students, it’s a reminder that being a Prairie Star means being part of something bigger.

Students playing knockerball in inflatable bubbles at RecPalooza

UIS woman soccer player kicking a soccer ball while holding off a defender.

International Festival

One of UIS’s longest-running traditions is the International Festival, a celebration of cultures from around the world. The event features a parade of flags, musical performances and cuisine from every corner of the globe. It’s a chance to experience global traditions and celebrate the diversity of UIS—all in the heart of Illinois.

Vistors at the International Festival learning about food from Ghana.

Women in colorful hijabs greeting guests.

Holi

One of UIS’s most colorful traditions is Holi, a vibrant festival marking the arrival of spring with music, dancing, delicious Indian food and the joyful throwing of colorful powder. While the event is mostly celebrated by the Indian student community, it is open to all students. Holi offers a wonderful opportunity to experience a new culture, meet people from around the world and celebrate the vibrant diversity of UIS.

Two students fighting to throw blue powder at each other.

Two students, covered in pink and green powder, pose for the camera.

A group of students covered in multiple colors of powder

Springfest

Springfest is a student favorite—a week of teamwork, games and friendly competition near the end of the spring semester. Teams face off in trivia, relays, scavenger hunts, the famous mud tug-of-war and so much more. Many alumni recall Springfest as one of their most memorable times on campus. It’s a tradition that combines laughter, school spirit and memories that last a lifetime.

One student pushes another on a scooter board.

A student smiles while plunging into mud.

Star Parties

One of the most unique UIS traditions are the Star Parties hosted by the campus observatory. These free, public events invite students, alumni and community members to explore the night sky together. With telescopes, guided tours of constellations and talks about planets and galaxies, Star Parties make science fun and accessible. The observatory hosts Star Parties throughout the year on campus in the fall and spring, in various community locations during summer and with special accessible sessions so everyone can take part.

A group gazes at the sky in a red room with no roof.

Students listen to Professor Martin in the Observatory next to the telescope.

The Colonnade

The Colonnade is one of UIS’s most iconic landmarks and the setting for many memorable moments. Each winter, students gather for the annual Lighting of the Colonnade, enjoying cocoa, music and holiday cheer as the arches glow with festive lights. During graduation season, the Colonnade becomes a favorite photo spot for graduates.

Many students celebrate graduation by running through the Colonnade’s fountains, an unofficial but cherished ritual, to signify the end of their time at UIS. However, their memories of these traditions will stay with them forever.

The Colonnade is decorated in holiday lights.

Students pose in front of a crowded Colonnade after graduation.

A student runs through the fountain of the Colonnade.

Why Traditions Matter

Traditions may look like simple events on a calendar, but they play a powerful role in college life:

Connection. Traditions make students feel like part of a family from day one.
Pride. Wearing our school colors, cheering at games or celebrating culture makes students and alumni proud to be Prairie Stars.
Memories. These moments often stick with students long after graduation, shaping their memories of college.

Relation to history. Events like the International Festival and Springfest grew out of decades of campus life, tying today’s students to generations of Prairie Stars before them.

Be Part of Our Story

If you’re thinking about joining the Prairie Stars family, these traditions are waiting for you. They aren’t just events—they’re experiences that shape your college years and connect you to generations of UIS students. When alumni look back, they remember cheering at Homecoming, competing in Springfest and celebrating at the Colonnade. Together, these moments make UIS feel like home.