Grad Student Days

10:00 am - 1:30 pm at the Digital Computer Lab, 2nd floor (1304 W Springfield Ave, Urbana)

GrOW (Graduate Orientation for Women and Gender Minorities) is an orientation program for new graduate students identifying as women and gender minorities in engineering. Join us for new friends, food, a craft, and information about campus resources. Our activities aim to create an increased sense of belonging and confidence. Feel free to reach out to gradswe.uiuc@gmail.com with questions.

6:00 pm virtual - RSVP required

Want to make your Illinois experience especially memorable? International Education invites you to join GLOBE! GLOBE stands for Global Leaders Orange and Blue Engagement. The program offers you an opportunity to make connections with domestic and international students to build these friendships throughout the semester. More information and rsvp. 

You will want to participate if you: Are a current student at U of I (domestic or international). Have a sincere interest in sharing one’s culture and building relationships. Have an interest in getting involved in campus life. Want to develop intercultural communication and leadership skills.

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.

12:00 - 1:00 pm at the Main Quad (meet by the trees outside Henry Administration Building)

Bring your lunch and join other grad students for a picnic.

1:00 – 2:00 pm Meet at the RBML (Room 346, on the north side of the Main Library)

Visit the Rare Book and Manuscript Library (and see a few dazzling treasures!). Then get a tour of the Main Library and learn more about Library resources and opportunities.

9:30 am - 12:30 pm at the Main Library, Orange Room or via Zoom

The Writer's Workshop writing group provides graduate students with dedicated time to make progress on writing in a supportive atmosphere. The writing group provides structured writing, break, and discussion time, with each meeting consisting of a short goal-setting conversation, quiet writing time, and a concluding reflection and wrap-up. Learn more about the workshop and register for the workshop here.

12:00 - 1:00 pm inside the Siebel Center for Design (1208 S. Fourth St., Champaign)

Bring your lunch and join other grad students for a meal.

3:00 - 4:30 pm on Zoom - Co-sponsored by Illinois Human Resources and the Graduate College

This employee orientation provides information for teaching, research, pre-professional, and graduate assistants regarding appointments and benefits.

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

9:30 am - 12:00 pm between Engineering Hall and Everitt Lab

Information for all NEW graduate students in engineering programs. 

12:00 - 1:00 pm at the Engineering Quad (meet behind Engineering Hall near Boneyard Creek)

Bring your lunch and join other grad students for a picnic.

12:00 - 1:00 pm at the University Y, Room 228 (1001 S. Wright St., Champaign) 

Global Engagement Lounge (GEL) - Navigating Language & Culture Together  Cosponsored by International Education and The Counseling Center.

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 University Library, FGSI/TJC, Leadership Center, McKinley Health, Speakers Workshop, Counseling Center, and the Connie Frank CARE Center (including Off Campus Living).

5:00 - 6:30 pm at Atkin's Patio & Lawn (1800 S Oak St, Champaign)

Join us for an evening of mingling, free food, and learning more about what Research Park has to offer! Leave your resume and formalwear at home for this chance to mingle in a fun and casual environment. This informal and informative event will allow you to speak to representatives from companies from across the Research Park. Expand your horizons by finding out more about Research Park and discover what opportunities are available for students like you.  Please register on Handshake - (49) 2026 Research Park Block Party | Handshake. More information is available on the Research Park website. 

5:30 - 7:30 pm at the Women's Resources Center (616 E Green St #213, Champaign)

Join us at the WRC for a low-pressure, fast-paced speed-friending event designed to help you build real connections, share a few laughs, and find your community on campus. All students welcome—just bring yourself! Light refreshments provided. Registration is required, Register now.

7:00 pm on Zoom   

The Student Insurance Town Hall will cover: McKinley Health Center and Student Insurance Benefits, what is the Health Service fee vs Health Insurance fee?, What is opting out/waving?, how and when to use health insurance and take questions.

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.

9:00 - 10:30 am on Zoom - Co-sponsored by Illinois Human Resources and the Graduate College

This employee orientation provides information for teaching, research, pre-professional, and graduate assistants regarding appointments and benefits.

11:00 am - 4:00 pm on the Main Quad

Visit the farmstand purchase fresh produce grown at the Sustainable Student Farm.

12:00 - 1:00 pm at the South Quad (meet at the Belltower)

Bring your lunch and join other grad students for a picnic.

3:30pm at the ARC (201 E Peabody Dr, Champaign) 

Meet at the front desk to tour the ARC and learn about programming including fitness classes and intramurals. See the gyms, pools, workout areas, climbing wall, instructional kitchen, reflection room and more! 

4:30 - 6:30 pm at the Main Library, Room 220 (1408 Gregory Dr Champaign)

The University Library and International Student and Scholar Services welcome all international graduate students and international scholars to learn more about campus research services and other helpful resources available to you from campus unit representatives. There will be time for networking afterwards with the opportunity to get to know peer international students and scholars, as well as connect with other faculty advisors and department heads. Register at go.illinois.edu/researchconnections

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! 

9:30 am - 12:30 pm at the Main Library, Orange Room or on Zoom

The Writer's Workshop writing group provides graduate students with dedicated time to make progress on writing in a supportive atmosphere. The writing group provides structured writing, break, and discussion time, with each meeting consisting of a short goal-setting conversation, quiet writing time, and a concluding reflection and wrap-up. Learn more about the workshop and register for the workshop here.

12:00 - 1:00 pm at the Main Quad  (meet by the Union)

Bring your lunch and join other grad students for a picnic.

12:00 - 1:30 pm at Chez Veterans Center ((908 W Nevada)

Connect with fellow students over lunch, learn about the services and support we offer, and explore ways to get involved in our community. All graduate students are welcome, especially those who are military-connected or interested in veteran-focused resources.

2:00 pm at the Women's Resources Center (616 E Green St #213, Champaign)

Join us for Crafternoons every month on the first Friday at the Women's Resources Center. All materials are provided. This event is free and open to everyone.

2:00 - 4:00 pm at Spurlock Museum (606 S. Gregory St)

Engage the museum’s collection, including a special tour on our current exhibit “Unfinished Revolutions: Living Stories of American Rights”, learn about opportunities for research, or for instructors or TAs to bring their classes to Spurlock.

Campus Rec is launching an intramural pickleball league that begins on Friday, September 4 at 3pm at the new pickleball courts at the Outdoor Center Playfields. Sign up now and join the fun!