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Welcome to the Graduate College at the University of Illinois! I’m sure you have many questions
about how to make your transition to Champaign-Urbana area more comfortable. But rest assured, there
are plenty of resources already in place for you to help you out.
Right now, I’m sure you’re wondering: How do I get started? Where will I live? How
will I get around this place? What sort of documents should I bring with me? And, what
is Champaign-Urbana like?
Well, let’s find out!
No matter where you live now, there are a few things you can do, and should do, before
you arrive - once you’ve been notified of your admission.
Before you arrive, you’re going to need to claim your NetID. Your NetID will give
you access to campus services like e-mail and file storage.
Now that you’ve done that, you’ll be able to set up your Enterprise ID. Your Enterprise
ID might look the same as your NetID, but they serve different purposes.
Your Enterprise ID will access the UI Integrate Self Service system where you will register
for classes, view any financial aid, and check your University bill.
After you have these ID’s set, you should log in to the UI Integrate Self Service page
to verify your personal information, such as your addresses and phone numbers. Keeping
this information up-to-date is extremely important as it ensures the proper delivery of essential
documents to you.
Next, you need to set up your Exchange email account. We recommend that check your Exchange
email account regularly, as all of your official University email will be sent to this account.
If you’re an international student, you’ll want to visit the International Student and
Scholar Services, or ISSS, website. There you’ll find information about visas, check-in,
and orientation information specifically for international students.
Okay, it’s time to head to Champaign-Urbana!
Whether you arrive by plane, train, or automobile, the centralized campus of the U of I is pretty
easy to find.
When you arrive on campus you will want to get your official University of Illinois ID
card, or iCard. Your iCard also serves as your library card and your bus pass for the
local transportation system, the MTD.
You should also remember to bring an official copy of your transcripts. These can be mailed
to us, or you can drop them off in person at the Graduate and Professional Admissions
Office in the Graduate College.
Unless you already live here in Champaign-Urbana, you’re going to need to find a place to
live.
Finding living accommodations sounds daunting but CU has many options available to you on
or off campus, whether you will be arriving solo, with a spouse or partner, or with your
family.
If you prefer the ease and convenience of living close to or on campus in University
housing, the U of I has a number of options for you, including residence halls and apartments.
If you wish to live in a residential neighborhood such as in a house, apartment, or loft, privately
owned housing is available year round. The University is located right where Champaign
and Urbana meet, so Champaign and Urbana are both close to campus.
To find housing, you can check the newspaper, like the Daily Illini (the University student
newspaper) or the News Gazette (the local paper), or websites like Craigslist.
Another good resource is the Tenant Union. It provides rental assistance and helpful
tips, including typical cost of housing and utilities for the area.
If you have children, and are looking for child care services or information about local
schools, check out the resources on the Graduate College website for information about local
services and resources, such as the Childcare Resource Center or iParents and links to local
school districts.
It’s important to stay healthy while you are busy in graduate school.
The U of I student health insurance plan is mandatory for all students, unless you have
proof of health care coverage.
To learn about benefits, how to opt out if you have comparable coverage elsewhere, or
how to add dependents, check out the Student Insurance Office website.
The McKinley Health Center is conveniently located on campus and provides routine and
preventative care, health counseling, immunization, and more.
Students may use McKinley Health Center even if they have opted out of the University Health
Insurance plan.
Which reminds me, Illinois State Law requires you to provide proof of immunization. You
should be receiving an Immunization Information Form, which you should complete and submit
when you arrive in Champaign-Urbana.
As you settle into your new community and your academic program, you’ll soon realize
that the University of Illinois is a dynamic and vibrant campus.
While you’ll spend much of your time with your colleagues in your department, the Graduate
College has many resources to help you with your academic and your professional development.
For example, let’s say you’d like to look for a fellowship, but don’t know where to
start, or you are looking for help in exploring career paths, or need help preparing your
CV or resume, the Graduate College is here to help.
Even when you’re all done and it is time to deposit your thesis or dissertation, we’ll
walk you through the required steps for a successful thesis deposit.
It will be a little while before that day comes. In the meantime, if you have any questions
at all drop us a line, or give us a call, because that’s why we’re here, to point
you in the right direction.
Welcome to the Grad College at the University of Illinois!