The start of a new academic year is an exciting but sometimes overwhelming experience for new students, especially when it comes to finding yourself, getting involved, establishing a community and excelling in your classes. At the University of Illinois Springfield, there are many opportunities available that will allow you to engage with your peers, develop meaningful connections and access resources that will help you shine as our newest Prairie Star. Curious to know how you can find your community at UIS? We have solutions!
Getting Involved
One of the best ways to find your community is by getting involved in campus activities. At UIS, you can join over 70+ student organizations, including academic clubs, cultural groups and social organizations. Whether you’re interested in joining Greek life or have a passion for service, there is something for everyone! Being part of these groups helps you meet new people, strengthens your sense of belonging and gives you a chance to develop leadership skills beyond the classroom.
A great way to explore opportunities to become involved at UIS is to attend our Involvement Expo hosted by UIS Student Life. Held early in the fall and spring semesters each year, the Involvement Expo showcases all our registered student organizations (RSOs) and campus resources available to students. This event is perfect for new and returning students to discover groups that align with their personal interests, meet RSO leaders and sign up to participate in future events and activities that resonate best with you. Whether you are seeking to join a professional organization or simply want to explore new hobbies and make friends, the Involvement Expo is an event to circle on your calendar each semester!
What’s the Word on Welcome Week?
In addition to Student Life’s Involvement Expo, Welcome Week is packed with events at the start of each fall and spring semester designed to assist students like you in connecting with others and becoming accustomed to life at UIS. During Welcome Week, various campus organizations and departments host several activities ranging from social mixers and game nights to academic workshops to learn more about different majors, research opportunities and other experiential learning engagements students can elect to participate in.
Collectively, Welcome Week events are valuable for both first-year and transfer students living on campus or commuting as they provide an engaging environment to meet new people and foster a sense of community with others eager to become involved.
Even if you missed Welcome Week or the Involvement Expo, there are still plenty of opportunities to get involved on campus. One of the best ways to stay informed about what's happening is by regularly checking UIS Connection. This platform serves as a central hub for all campus activities and events, giving you a comprehensive view of what's available.
Through UIS Connection, you can explore the various clubs and organizations on campus, seeing firsthand the types of events they host and the activities they organize. This can help you make a more informed decision about which club aligns with your interests and schedule. Whether you're looking to join a group that matches your academic focus, a hobby, or something entirely new, UIS Connection provides the information you need to find the right fit.
Academic Resources for Your Success
On top of building your social circle, succeeding in the classroom is equally as important to have a positive experience as a college student. At UIS, we offer an array of resources to support you in that journey. In particular, the Center for Academic Success & Advising (CASA) provides tutoring, writing assistance and study workshops tailored to help you flourish in all your courses. Whether you need help understanding a specific subject or want guidance on effectively managing your time between classes and extracurriculars, these resources are invaluable to your UIS experience.
Through CASA, you can also access services tailored to your unique interests and learning needs, such as getting support on choosing the right major to developing an academic plan and selecting suitable courses that align with your current goals and future aspirations after graduating. Students Transitioning for Academic Retention and Success (STARS) is one specific program through CASA that offers personalized support for first-year students who have yet to decide on their intended majors, allowing you to make better-informed decisions about your academic journey while building solid connections with advisors and students on a similar path to declaring their major.
Balancing Involvement and Academics
While getting involved as a UIS student is essential, balancing your social life, work, school and other extracurricular activities is key to a positive college experience. With that in mind, a handful of tools and resources are available to help you stay organized. For example, UIS Mobile and Advise U are two apps that allow you to easily access essential campus information, schedule appointments with your academic advisor, register for classes and manage other personal events on your plate. There is even a blog post, “The Balancing Act”, that details how to balance family, work, and school.
The Counseling Center at UIS is another excellent resource that can help support your overall well-being. To assist students with balancing extracurriculars and academics, the Counseling Center provides a variety of beneficial services, workshops and trainings centered around mindfulness, stress reduction, time management and more.
Moreover, for students interested in combining their academic and social experiences, UIS offers Living Learning Communities (LLCs). These are specialized residential programs where students with similar interests live together, participate in shared activities and receive extra guidance in adjusting to college life.
Finally, it is vital to remember that faculty and staff at UIS care about your well-being and want to see you excel personally and professionally. As a regional public university, our small class sizes benefit students, as faculty and support staff know you personally and will work with you to ensure you find the right balance in your involvement on campus while still succeeding in the classroom.
Take the Next Step
In short, finding your community at UIS is about exploring your interests, taking advantage of resources and connecting with others who share similar passions. Whether it’s through joining a club, leveraging the academic support services or being involved in an LLC, UIS has the tools you need to create a rewarding college experience that sets you up for long-term success.
Ready to take the next step at establishing your own community at UIS?