2026 Lunar New Year Celebration, a vibrant cultural showcase designed to bring our campus community together. The event will feature a breathtaking traditional Lion Dance performance, a curated selection of authentic festive cuisine, and hands-on cultural activities including paper cutting and calligraphy. Join us for an unforgettable experience of tradition, community, and joy as we usher in the Year of the Horse with luck and prosperity.
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.
Navigating a new place can be overwhelming, especially if you are also trying to tackle public transit. But we’re here to help you to know what to expect when riding the SMTD buses in Springfield.
SMTD is Springfield’s public bus system. Rides cost $1.25 per trip, or you can purchase a day pass for $3 — ideal if you're making multiple stops in a day.
You can pay for your ride in two ways:
The primary function of the Office of International Student Services is to provide international students advising related to immigration laws and regulations. This page organizes information specific to your F-1 status and helps to clarify your responsibilities and the assistance our office offers international students.
International Students in F-1 status are restricted as to when, where, and for how long they can be employed. It is important that international students make sure that they have the appropriate permission from USCIS prior to engaging in any sort of off-campus employment.
All of these categories require that you maintain valid F-1 status. If you are out of status, you are not eligible for this or any other F-1 benefit and violation of employment regulations can put a student “out of status” and ineligible for “reinstatement to status.”
Time management is essential for efficiency and success and balancing productivity and relaxation. Knowing when to focus and when to rest can make a huge difference in overall well-being and productivity.
International Education Week (IEW) is promoted by the US Department of State and the US Department of Education. Both departments suggest it to be from November 18 to 22 this year. The aims are to prepare Americans for a global environment and to attract future leaders from abroad to study, learn, and exchange experiences. Our excellent offices and departments on campus support the initiative with providing events related to international education.
WHAT: The University of Illinois Springfield invites the community to the 45th annual International Festival. The longest-running student-led program in the history of the University, the festival features live cultural performances and samples of food from around the world. Admission is free.
WHEN: 2-5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21
WHERE: The Recreation and Athletic Center, 2171 University Drive, Springfield
WHAT: The University of Illinois Springfield invites the community to the 44th annual International Festival. The longest running student-led program in the history of the University, the festival features live cultural performances and samples of food from around the world. Admission is free.
WHEN: 2-5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022
Required of all F-1 international students for SEVIS registration. This must be completed prior to the start of EVERY semester you are enrolled in classes, regardless of if you traveled outside the USA.
You must be inside the United States to complete the following requirements.