Graduation season is exciting—a milestone that kicks off a new chapter. But what if you don’t know what comes next?

While your friends post their offer letters on LinkedIn, it’s easy to feel like you’re falling behind. If you don’t have a job lined up when you cross the graduation stage, that’s OK. Everyone’s path looks different, and not having a job at graduation doesn’t mean you won’t find success.

Here are a few things to keep in mind as you navigate this transition:

Choosing a college major can feel like a huge decision—one that feels like it determines the rest of your life. But here’s the truth: it doesn’t have to. Many students need extra time to explore their interests and decide to enroll as “undecided.”

Your college roommate can significantly impact your first-year experience. Your roommate is often one of the first people you meet on campus. They are also someone with whom you spend a lot of your time with. So, it’s important to put some effort into finding someone who works with your personality and lifestyle. Here's how to find the right fit at UIS.

Choosing the right university isn’t just about academics. It’s also about location. The University of Illinois Springfield offers a unique advantage for our students. We are home to a campus in the heart of Illinois that makes exploring some of the Midwest’s most exciting cities easy and convenient. For example, Chicago and St. Louis are just a few hours away.

Your Next Chapter Starts at UIS

You may not have started your college journey at UIS, but you can still earn a University of Illinois degree by transferring. UIS offers countless opportunities for academic growth, campus involvement and career advancement. 

If you’re looking for an experience beyond the classroom, studying abroad might just be the adventure you’re looking for. At the University of Illinois Springfield, our Study Away program allows you to step outside your comfort zone, immerse yourself in new cultures, make lifelong memories and develop skills that set you up for future success. 

Eager to know more about the benefits of studying abroad during your time at UIS? Check out how our students are benefiting from the Study Away program:

Figuring out how to pay for college can be challenging. But there are resources to help! The FAFSA, scholarships, grants and programs like the Prairie Promise can help make college more affordable. Students can significantly reduce their expenses by exploring financial aid options. Financial aid is available from the University of Illinois Springfield, federal and state programs, and outside private scholarships. First-year UIS student Evelyn Martinez explored all these options to become a Prairie Star. 

Time management is essential for efficiency and success and balancing productivity and relaxation. Knowing when to focus and when to rest can make a huge difference in overall well-being and productivity.

When people talk about college, they usually mention the fun parts—making new friends, attending events or starting fresh. However, for some people, there's a side to college that isn’t talked about as much, such as struggling with loneliness, worrying about money or questioning your ability to make it to graduation. If you're feeling this way, you're not alone—and there are ways to get through it to ensure your time at UIS is positive!

Highlighting Some of the Most Competitive 2024 Congressional Elections

We are just a few days away from Election Day and early voting has begun in many states. Beyond the presidential election between Vice President Kamala Harris and Former-President Donald Trump, the 2024 federal elections will also determine which political party will hold majority control in each chamber of Congress beginning in January 2025.