3. Write Your Admissions Essay

First-year students must submit a 250-650 word writing sample that shares your professional aspirations, interests, and experiences that make you a great fit for your program of choice.

4. Accept Your Offer of Admission & Claim Your NetID

After receiving your acceptance letter, submit the intent to enroll form by these preferred dates:

• Nov. 1: For graduate and undergraduate admits that wish to start in the spring
• April 1: For graduate and transfer admits that wish to start in the fall
• May 1: For first year admits that wish to start in the summer or fall 

Once you’ve accepted, you will receive a token via email to claim your NetID. This will allow you to access UIS online services, including email, registration and more.

5. Submit Proof of Immunization & Health Insurance

If you plan to take in-person classes, you need to submit proof of immunization by the 10th day of classes to avoid a $35 fee and registration hold. Upload your vaccination records to the patient portal. Your physician or former educational institution can send your records to UIS Campus Health Services or you can upload them on the application status page.

All students must have health insurance and are automatically enrolled and charged for the group insurance program, except online-only students. If you already have insurance, complete an online waiver and provide proof of private insurance to waive the health insurance fee no earlier than one week before classes. For details, please email studentinsurance@uis.edu.

6. Apply For Financial Aid and Scholarships

Complete the FAFSA starting Dec. 1 with UIS’ code (009333) to determine eligibility for financial aid. Have your Social Security number, tax returns, and W-2 forms on hand. You will need to complete this form every year.

Admitted students will receive an email when your financial aid has been packaged. View your Financial Aid Offer Notification using your new UIS NetID and password. Click on UIS Self Service, log in with your NetID and password, select the Financial Aid tab and click on the Award Letter.

UIS offers a variety of scholarships. There is no separate application for the Honors Program, Prairie Promise or merit scholarships. All other scholarships, students must apply individually. Donor Scholarships open in November and the deadline is Feb. 14. Start researching and applying early to meet deadlines!

Graduate students should look at Graduate Assistantships and Graduate Public Service Internships to help finance their education while gaining work experience.

7. Sign Up For Orientation and Classes

New Student Orientation introduces you to the campus and helps you to register for classes. You can sign up for orientation through your application status page. 

You will register for classes through Self-Service, after you have reviewed the Course Catalog and Schedule and meet with your advisor at Orientation.

8. Secure Your Housing

Apply for on-campus housing by June 15 to secure your spot. First-year and Sophomore students are required to live on campus. Be sure to pay the $250 housing security deposit and complete all required forms to finalize your application. Housing assignments are typically announced in July.

9. Pay Your Bill

Use UI-Pay Account to manage your tuition payments. You will receive a notification from your university email when the fall semester billing occurs in early September. Tuition is due by September 28. Check out the University Bursar Checklist for more details. If you have questions, you can call 217-206-6727 or email University Bursar at bursarhelp@uillinois.edu.

If you plan on bringing a car to campus, purchase a parking pass to avoid accumulating parking tickets. Once the tag is purchased online, visit Parking Operations (Business Services Building 43) with a photo ID to pick up your pass.

10. Order Textbooks and Shop for Dorm Essentials

The bookstore, located in the PAC, lists required books about three weeks before each semester. You can enter your classes on the bookstore website to find what you need, and choose home delivery or in-store pickup.

To shop for your dorm, check out our College Packing List to see what you need.