Should you commute or live on campus? It’s a good question, but only you know the answer. You'll want to be thoughtful about your time, money, lifestyle and personal goals. 

Choosing a college is a big decision. You want a place where you can learn, grow and feel like you belong! A connected public university like the University of Illinois Springfield gives you the best of all worlds.

Here’s why:

Personalized Attention

At a UIS, you learn in a collaborative environment. Your professors know your name, your goals and your strengths. Both inside and outside of the classroom, you can ask questions, join discussions and get help when you need it.

Going back to school as an adult can feel like a big step. Many adult learners balance jobs, families and other responsibilities while working toward a degree. However, at the University of Illinois Springfield, our students are proving that it’s never too late to reach new goals.

Christopher Stevens earned his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Illinois Springfield in 2021 after transferring from the University of Iowa. He stayed at UIS to earn his Master of Arts in Human Development Counseling in 2023.  

Today, he works as a mental health counselor in Charlotte, North Carolina, helping people work through challenges and improve their well-being. 

Visiting a college campus can be helpful in deciding what school is the right fit for you. As a  tour guide and current student at the University of Illinois Springfield (UIS), these are my tips to make the most of your campus visit that go beyond the standard tour. 

Living on campus at UIS is more than just having a place to sleep, it’s about being in the heart of campus life. From my first days as a freshman to my time as a graduate student, the convenience of being just minutes away from everything has made life at UIS not only more manageable but genuinely enjoyable. As a graduate student-athlete, my schedule is often jam packed with classes, work and soccer. Being on campus means I’m never more than a five minute walk from where I need to be, which saves me the stress of a commute and allows me to maximize my time. 

College costs can feel confusing. At the University of Illinois Springfield (UIS), your total cost depends on a few things. These include where you live, how many classes you take, your housing choice, personal expenses and the financial aid you receive.

A simple way to estimate your cost is to use the UIS Tuition Calculator. It shows estimated tuition, fees and other expenses.

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.

Getting ready for college can feel overwhelming, especially while you’re still trying to balance all the fun activities of senior year. Between applications, campus tours and figuring out what you want to study, it’s easy to lose track of what needs to happen when.

With a little planning, you can stay on top of everything. Here’s a guide, complete with tentative deadlines, that walks you through preparing for college, year by year.