Prepare for a smooth transition onto campus by keeping an eye on your UIS email. We'll send you detailed information about check-in locations, times, and other important details to ensure a seamless move-in experience a few weeks prior to move in day. Once you get to your designated check in location, you will be given your key packet and instructions for how to complete your Room Inventory.

The Residence Life Office (#20 on the campus map) is open 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday - Friday.

Please contact the Residence Life Central Office if you have any questions. 

• Phone : 217.206.6190 
• Email : reslife@uis.edu

The Department of Residence Life requests that any resident wishing to arrival early to campus for Fall 2025 review the information below. No requests are approved to arrive earlier than Friday, August 15, 2025.

Fall 2025 housing opens for all returning students on August 21, 2025. Prior to these dates, the buildings are not fully staffed and thus cannot provide the safety and security operations necessary to physically open early. We encourage all students to move-in on or after their respective move-in date. Students can check in after their respective opening date without financial penalty, through the second day of classes. Additionally, some buildings may not be ready for the early arrival process due to facility projects and renovations. If a student’s room/building is impacted by these summer projects then they will not be approved for these reasons.

Requests for permission to arrive early for Fall 2025 must be received by August 3rd, 2025 at 5 PM to receive the $35/night rate.  All requests after this deadline will be considered late request, and if approved, will be charged at the $50/night rate, even if you have not yet received an assignment by this date.

Students will receive decision notifications of their submitted requests by August 7th, 2025. Requests will be responded to by email. The deadline to receive requests will be 5:00pm , August 3rd, 2025.  Students that are approved for early arrival will be held accountable for policies and procedures outlined in the housing contract and may be removed from early arrival housing if violation of the contract occurs. Please note all Residence Life policies (including visitation and no guests) are still in effect during the Early Arrival period.

Additional questions regarding this process can contact Residence Life at 217-206-6190 or email at reslife@uis.edu. Thank you.

• Early Arrival Request Form