Visiting a college campus can be helpful in deciding what school is the right fit for you. As a tour guide and current student at the University of Illinois Springfield (UIS), these are my tips to make the most of your campus visit that go beyond the standard tour.
Living on campus at UIS is more than just having a place to sleep, it’s about being in the heart of campus life. From my first days as a freshman to my time as a graduate student, the convenience of being just minutes away from everything has made life at UIS not only more manageable but genuinely enjoyable. As a graduate student-athlete, my schedule is often jam packed with classes, work and soccer. Being on campus means I’m never more than a five minute walk from where I need to be, which saves me the stress of a commute and allows me to maximize my time.
Rex Wyatt, a proud UIS alum, earned their bachelor’s degree in social work in 2018. They then went on to earn a master of social work from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in 2020 and plan to complete their doctorate of social work in 2027 from Simmons University.
Rex reminisces about their favorite times at UIS, which include the traditions of homecoming and being a student ambassador in the Admissions Office. They hold UIS in high esteem, mostly for its impactful professors.
Learning how to best study for exams is a trial-and-error task. Some people just take notes and are good to go for whenever the exam is and others, like me, have to constantly work to find a study method that works.
College costs can feel confusing. At the University of Illinois Springfield (UIS), your total cost depends on a few things. These include where you live, how many classes you take, your housing choice, personal expenses and the financial aid you receive.
A simple way to estimate your cost is to use the UIS Tuition Calculator. It shows estimated tuition, fees and other expenses.
What is the FAFSA?
FAFSA stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid. It’s a form students fill out each year to see if they qualify for money to help pay for college. This aid can come in the form of scholarships, grants, loans or work-study jobs.
With finals already underway and the days getting shorter, it’s completely normal to feel worn down. You’ve pushed hard all semester, and the finish line is finally in sight. As you wrap up your last exams and projects, now is a great time to pause for a quick mental health check-in. Taking a moment to evaluate how you’re feeling can help you finish strong and recover well once break begins.
Step 1: How Are You Feeling Right Now?
Ask yourself: “How am I doing at this moment?”
Starting college is an exciting milestone for families. At the University of Illinois Springfield, we recognize that parents play a vital role in helping their students adjust to college life. With your support and resources from UIS, your student can thrive academically, socially and personally.
Getting ready for college can feel overwhelming, especially while you’re still trying to balance all the fun activities of senior year. Between applications, campus tours and figuring out what you want to study, it’s easy to lose track of what needs to happen when.
With a little planning, you can stay on top of everything. Here’s a guide, complete with tentative deadlines, that walks you through preparing for college, year by year.