Choosing the right college is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make. At the University of Illinois Springfield, students consistently say they’ve found the perfect fit. Why? Because UIS offers more than just a degree. With personalized learning, a supportive and inclusive campus community, real-world experience and leadership opportunities that help you grow, UIS sets students up for success from day one.

But don’t just take our word for it. Hear directly from our students about why they love being a Prairie Star!

Graduation season is exciting—a milestone that kicks off a new chapter. But what if you don’t know what comes next?

While your friends post their offer letters on LinkedIn, it’s easy to feel like you’re falling behind. If you don’t have a job lined up when you cross the graduation stage, that’s OK. Everyone’s path looks different, and not having a job at graduation doesn’t mean you won’t find success.

Here are a few things to keep in mind as you navigate this transition:

Choosing a college major can feel like a huge decision—one that feels like it determines the rest of your life. But here’s the truth: it doesn’t have to. Many students need extra time to explore their interests and decide to enroll as “undecided.”

The Office of Strategic Communications will host two Open Photo Studio sessions for Spring 2025 for all staff or faculty. The photos can be used for university purposes such as department websites, campus directories, speaking engagements at conferences, etc. Any staff or faculty member who either hasn’t had their portrait taken or would like another, more recent, portrait taken is encouraged to attend.

The Strategic Communications photo studio is in the Business Services Building, Room 95 (BSB 95).

Your college roommate can significantly impact your first-year experience. Your roommate is often one of the first people you meet on campus. They are also someone with whom you spend a lot of your time with. So, it’s important to put some effort into finding someone who works with your personality and lifestyle. Here's how to find the right fit at UIS.

What’s your favorite season of the year and why?

My favorite season is fall. I love everything about it—the changing leaves, the crisp weather and, most importantly, Halloween.

Visiting Pumpkin Creek Farm has become a yearly tradition for my family, and I look forward to it every year. We love their corn maze because it has trivia questions as you navigate through it. We’ve made it a competition to see who gets the most answers correct—competing with siblings is always fun! We can't wait to take my nephew this fall for the first time!

Choosing the right university isn’t just about academics. It’s also about location. The University of Illinois Springfield offers a unique advantage for our students. We are home to a campus in the heart of Illinois that makes exploring some of the Midwest’s most exciting cities easy and convenient. For example, Chicago and St. Louis are just a few hours away.

Your Next Chapter Starts at UIS

You may not have started your college journey at UIS, but you can still earn a University of Illinois degree by transferring. UIS offers countless opportunities for academic growth, campus involvement and career advancement. 

If you’re looking for an experience beyond the classroom, studying abroad might just be the adventure you’re looking for. At the University of Illinois Springfield, our Study Away program allows you to step outside your comfort zone, immerse yourself in new cultures, make lifelong memories and develop skills that set you up for future success. 

Eager to know more about the benefits of studying abroad during your time at UIS? Check out how our students are benefiting from the Study Away program: