August 31 - September 4, 2026
Illinois grad students make our community a great place to study, live, and work. We want to help you feel connected whether you are new or returning, in an on-campus or online program, did undergrad here or just moved to town.
Incoming Graduate Student Meet-up
If you are starting a graduate program at the University of Illinois this fall, join us for an informal, social event to meet other incoming graduate students!
Grad Student Days 2026
Grad Student Days are opportunities for new and returning students to connect with university resources, communities, programs, and opportunities available to them as graduate students at Illinois.
Calendar of Events
Saturday, August 29
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Graduate Orientation for Women (GrOW)
10:00 am - 1:30 pm at TBA
GrOW (Graduate Orientation for Women and Gender Minorities) is an orientation program for new graduate students identifying as women and gender minorities in engineering. Our activities aim to create an increased sense of belonging and confidence. Feel free to reach out to gradswe.uiuc@gmail.com with questions.
Monday, August 31
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Lunch Skate
11:15 am - 12:45 pm at the Ice Arena (406 E. Armory Ave, Champaign)
Come enjoy ice skating, whether it is your first time or you're an expert. Free entry with I-Card; skate rental is $3. Find more times for open skating.
Tuesday, September 1
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LGBTQ+ Graduate Student Welcome
5:00 – 6:00 pm at the Gender and Sexuality Resource Center (616 E Green Street, Suite 202 (entrance between McDonalds and Subway, 2nd floor))
The Gender and Sexuality Resource Center (GSRC) would like to invite new graduate students who identify as LGBTQ+ and their allies to the GSRC's Graduate Student Welcome! Meet other LGBTQ+ identified graduate students, learn about NetworQ (our LGBTQ+ grad group) and enjoy light refreshments. Contact: GSRC@illinois.edu
Wednesday, September 2
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Grainger Grad Welcome
9:30 am - 12:00 pm between Engineering Hall and Everitt Lab
Information for all NEW graduate students in engineering programs.
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Public Skate
7:30 - 9:30 pm at the Ice Arena (406 E Armory Dr, Champaign)
Come enjoy ice skating, whether it is your first time or you're an expert. Free entry with I-Card; skate rental is $3. Find more times for open skating.
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First Gen Resource Fair
4:00 - 6:00 pm at the Main Library Orange Room (1408 W. Gregory Dr.)
Are you a first-gen student looking for ways to get connected on campus? Join us at the Resource Fair to meet representatives from Chez Veterans Center, The Career Center, Office of Financial Aid, Off-Campus Community Living, Connie Frank CARE Center, New Student & Family Experiences, Speakers Workshop, Leadership Center and McKinley Health Center.
Thursday, September 3
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Sustainable Student Farmstand
11:00 am - 4:00 pm on the Main Quad
Visit the farmstand purchase fresh produce grown at the Sustainable Student Farm.
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Krannert Center Opening Night Party
5:30 pm at the Krannert Center Lobby (500 S Goodwin Ave, Urbana)
Krannert Center is throwing an Opening Night Party to celebrate the kickoff of our 2026-27 season, and YOU'RE INVITED!
Friday, September 4
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Crafternoons @ the WRC
Join us for Crafternoons every month on the first Friday at the Women's Resources Center. This month, we will be making door decorations & friendship bracelets! All materials are provided. This event is free and open to everyone.