In the days leading up to the first day of classes, the University will host a wide variety of events ranging from entertaining to informational. It can be hard to keep track of what’s going on around campus, so we compiled a calendar of the University’s welcome week activities so you can plan how to spend your last few days of summer.

Thursday, Aug. 18

Illinois Sights & Sounds

Time: 7:30 (Doors open at 6:30)

Location: Memorial Stadium

A longstanding tradition, Illinois Sights & Sounds is a new student’s introduction to the many hallmarks of life at Illinois. Students will hear from faculty, athletic directors and athletes about the many traditions associated with being an Illini. Students will also take to the field for the annual class photo, forming an “I” on the field’s 50-yard line. Be sure to wear orange!

Friday, Aug. 19

New Student Convocation

Time: 11:00 a.m. (Doors open at 10:00)

Location: State Farm Center

Here, your college journey will officially commence. New Student Convocation is a ceremony designed to give new undergraduates a resounding start to their academic year. University Chancellor Jones will address the students, usually followed by a speech from an outstanding faculty member. Immediately following convocation will be a tailgate — you won’t want to miss the free food.

College Meetings

Times and locations vary by college

Following the university-wide convocation, students will break off into their individual colleges for college-specific orientations and events. New students will meet faculty and current students in their colleges, and will see what opportunities await them in their fields of study. Here are the following times and locations of each college’s meeting:

• Agricultural, Consumer, & Environmental Sciences (ACES): Students will meet on the lawn between Mumford Hall, the ACES library, the Ag Engineering & Science Building (AESB) and the South Quad Bell Tower at 2 p.m.
• Applied Health Sciences (AHS): Students will meet in the Huff Hall Gym at 1:30 p.m.
• Division of General Studies (DGS): Students will meet in the front lobby of the Ice Arena at 2 p.m. 
• College of Education: Students will meet in the courtyard of the Education Building at 2 p.m. 
• Fine and Applied Arts (FAA): Students will meet at Temple Hoyne Buell Hall at 1:30 p.m.
• Gies College of Business: Students will meet at Lincoln Hall, with individuals being assigned certain times to attend the event. Students will receive an email with their assigned times. 
• Grainger College of Engineering: Engineering students will receive emails with information about their activities.
• Information School (iSchool): Students will meet in Room 4045 at 614 E. Daniel Street at 2 p.m.
• Liberal Arts & Sciences (LAS): Students will meet in the Great Hall Theater at the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts at 1:30 p.m.
• College of Media: Students will meet at the Sixth Street Lawn, located between the Siebel Center for Design, the Business Instructional Facility, Sixth Street and the Krannert Art Museum at 1:30 p.m.
• School of Social Work: Students will meet at the School of Social Work at 2 p.m.

Illini Union Late Nighter

Time: 8 p.m. – midnight

Location: Illini Union

The Illini Union will be hosting a variety of free games and activities including, but not limited to bowling, billiards, karaoke, bingo and arcade games. This event serves as a wonderful opportunity to see what the Illini Union has to offer and to get to know the center of campus activities.

Saturday, Aug. 20

Office of Minority Student Affairs (OMSA) Welcome Seminar

Time: 10 a.m.

Location: Student Dining & Residential Programs Building (next to Ikenberry Dining Hall)

RSVP Required

This seminar serves as a way for students to familiarize themselves with the services and opportunities provided by the Office of Minority Student Affairs. The seminar will include introductions to the office’s advising & mentoring, tutoring and TRIO services, and will provide attendees the opportunity to meet fellow students from across campus.

G.R.I.T. (Guiding Resilient Illinois Transfers)

Time: 11 a.m.

Location: Illini Union AB Rooms

Registration Required

G.R.I.T provides incoming transfer students with the opportunity to see what resources and opportunities are available to them on campus, and prepare for their first year as an Illini.

Illini Frenzy

Time: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Location: Lot E-24 (West side of the ARC)

This event is a catch-all for students to receive information (as well as giveaways) from different academic departments and local businesses. There will be a variety of activities and food trucks onsite, and be sure to get there early because the first 2,000 attendees will get a free Illini Frenzy T-shirt.

Office of Undergraduate Research

Time: Three different 90-minute sessions will be held at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.

Location: Illini Bookstore Building, Conference Room 514

Students will have the opportunity to hear all about undergraduate research opportunities. Whether you’ve come to campus deadset on doing research, or are just curious about what that entails, this info session will answer all your questions. No prior research is needed.

Campus Tours

Time: noon – 4:00 p.m. (the last tour will leave at 4:00)

Location: Anniversary Plaza (quad side of the Illini Union)

Orientation leaders will be stationed, prepared to give campus tours throughout the afternoon. Campus is big, so a little preparation goes a long way.

Wake-Up Call

Time: 3 p.m. (Doors open at 2:30 p.m.)

Location: Foellinger Auditorium 

Hosted by the Bruce D. Nesbitt African American Cultural Center (BNAACC), Wake-Up Call is an introduction to Black student life at Illinois, as well as the resources, services and opportunities provided by the BNAACC. This event will feature cultural performances and Black cultural traditions. Be sure to arrive early, as free T-shirts will be provided while supplies last.

Food, Film, and Fun

Time: 6 – 11 p.m.

Location: South Quad and Main Quad

Saturday night, the two quads will be transformed into a campus block party, complete with games, food trucks and dessert vendors. As the sky darkens, relax on the Main Quad and enjoy the hit film “Spiderman: No Way Home,” provided by the Illini Union Board.

Sunday, Aug. 21

Transfer Student Orientation

Time: 10:30 a.m.

Location: Lincoln Theater

Registration Required

Transferring to a new college can be intimidating, but the University is here to make sure the transition to life on a new campus is as seamless as possible. Transfer Student Orientation will provide transfer students with the information and resources they need to make the most of their beginning at Illinois.

Quad Day

Time: Noon – 4:00 p.m.

Location: Main Quad and South Quad

Quad Day is the University’s official activities fair. With over 800 registered student organizations (RSOs), there’s bound to be an activity for everyone. Walk around the quads and check out different booths. Sign up for organizations that pique your interest, and see what’s out there. Be sure to bring a bag; nearly every student still has a T-shirt in their closet they received on Quad Day.

Make sure to check out the Daily Illini’s Quad Day Edition for more information!

[email protected]