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Whether you are a first-year student, a transfer student or a returning student, coming back to college after a long summer can be a lot. Don’t worry if you’re feeling this way, as you’re in the right place! Here’s a short, quick guide to make the most out of your first week at UIS.
First things first: move in! For 2026,
- First-year freshmen, New Transfer Students and New Graduate Students move in on Thursday, Aug. 20, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
- Returning students move-in on Friday, Aug. 21, to Sunday, Aug. 23, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
More information regarding fall move-in day is on the Fall Move-In webpage.
Take Pictures
Let’s say you’re all moved in and you’re ready to explore campus. Before you do, make sure you take a picture to capture the memory. Trust me, as a soon-to-be senior at UIS, you will want to have these photos to look back on.
This is me during my fall move-in in 2023. It still feels like yesterday!
All moved in. Now what?
Explore Campus
You’ve said goodbye to your loved ones, and it’s time to explore campus on your own. Where do you begin? The best place to start is the Welcome Week events page or on UIS Connection. UIS Fall Welcome Week is from Aug. 20 through Aug. 29. You’ll have plenty of time to attend fun events, make friends and balance studying and attending classes. But to save you some time and thinking, I’m going to categorize my favorite events to help you find what you’re looking for.
Making friends
We all know making friends can be tough the first week of college, but these events are sure to speed up your process.
Freshman Breakfast
8:30-10:30 a.m. | Tuesday, Aug. 25 | Lincoln Residence Hall Great Room
Christian Student Fellowship, a student-run organization focused on growing in faith, having fun and connecting students, hosts this freshman only event every year. This is a great first event for freshmen to make friends and enjoy a great breakfast. Plus, I hear there will be a donut wall you will not want to miss!
Speed Friending & Dinner
6-8 p.m. | Wednesday, Aug. 26 | Student Union Center Ballroom
Want to speed up the process and make friends quickly? You will not want to miss this event hosted by University Bible Fellowship. They host great events all throughout the year at UIS. If you want to build new friendships and fill your belly for free, you won’t want to miss this.
Plant a Study Buddy
noon to 2 p.m. | Thursday, Aug. 27 | Brookens Overhang
By this point in the week, you’ve probably made some new friends, but you might want to make a new friend that won’t talk to you when you need to focus and study. If that’s the case, then there’s no better friend to make than a study buddy! These plants can keep you company all semester long as you complete assignments and study for that big exam.
Getting Involved on Campus
A great way to get to know what UIS is all about is by getting involved on campus and in the Springfield community. These events are sure to give you a quick and early taste of what it means to be a Prairie Star.
Involvement Expo
4-6 p.m. | Tuesday, Aug. 25 | Quad
Every year, Student Life hosts the Involvement Expo on the Quad, where students can explore a variety of student organizations all in one place. It's a terrific way to get involved early and make your mark on UIS!
Get Social @ UIS
11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Wednesday, Aug. 26 | Student Union North Entrance Table
I have to give a quick shoutout to the UIS Social Media Squad. As a fellow and original member of this team, I can say without a doubt this is a great way to get to know UIS in and out. When you’re a part of the UIS Social Media Squad, you get to see behind the scenes of how the university runs its main account. You’ll gain valuable real-world experience and build a portfolio of content and skills in the world of digital media. Make sure to stop by their table for more information in the student union.
Jobs, Internships, and Service Fair
3-5 p.m. | Thursday, Aug. 27 | Student Union Ballroom
College is the first step toward your future career. This fair connects you with organizations in the community, giving you the opportunity to build professional connections and explore your future. Whether you're looking for a part-time job, an internship or volunteer opportunities, there's a place for you.
Having fun!
You’ve had some fun making friends and getting involved on campus, but what about just having fun with your new friends? These events won’t disappoint.
Movie Night on the Quad
8-10:30 p.m. | Friday, Aug. 21 | Student Union North Patio
Hosted by Student Life, this event includes a free movie and snacks with friends on Student Union North Patio.
Late Night @TRAC
8-11p.m. | Saturday, Aug. 22 | TRAC
Looking to get active and enjoy some sports? Learn what Campus Recreation has to offer with some free food, games and volleyball.
Freshmen Hangs & Games
7-10 p.m. | Sunday, Aug. 23 | Rec Park
Campus Movement is planning two big nights at Rec Park. At the first event, you’ll get a chance to enjoy some free food, music and games with giveaways. There will be lots of activity stations hosted by local businesses.
Campus Olympics
7-9 p.m. | Monday, Aug. 24 | Student Union Ballroom
University Bible Fellowship is back at it again. This event will be full of creative challenges, teamwork, prizes and even a medal ceremony for the winners. Think you’ve got what it takes?
5th Annual 20,000 Water Balloon Fight
8:30-10 p.m. | Tuesday, Aug. 25 | Rec Park
It’s the second event hosted by Campus Movement, and you won’t want to miss this summer classic. It’s chaos, it's every person for themselves and it's a whole lot of fun. Want to see a preview of the action? Here’s a look at a video from last year's event:
Have Fun and Make Good Choices!
This week is a chance to make friends, get involved and have a blast. But make sure you’re balancing all of the fun with healthy habits like eating, sleeping and exercise. It can get overwhelming quickly, but as long as you attend class, stay on top of your schedule and have fun, this first week is sure to be a week you won’t forget. Good luck this semester, and we cannot wait to see your success at UIS this year!
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