Whether you are a first-year student, a transfer student or a returning student, coming back to college after a long summer can be a lot. Don’t worry if you’re feeling this way, as you’re in the right place! Here’s a short, quick guide to make the most out of your first week at UIS. 

First things first: move in! For 2026, 

Grow Your Career with a UIS MBA

Many professionals reach a point where they want more from their careers. Some desire to move into management. Others want to earn a higher salary, lead teams or start a business. A Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Illinois Springfield can make those goals possible.

Being a first-generation student—a student whose parents or guardians have not graduated from a four-year college or university—can feel intimidating at first, and for me, it certainly was. However, as you move through college, you learn how to navigate challenges and find your place. As a first-generation student, I often felt lost and unsure, especially at the beginning of my college journey.

Kelsey Hall earned her Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from the University of Illinois Springfield in 2021. She went on to physician assistant school, spending two years preparing for her career in medicine. She has been practicing as a physician assistant in dermatology for three years, helping patients across Illinois. 

Should you commute or live on campus? It’s a good question, but only you know the answer. You'll want to be thoughtful about your time, money, lifestyle and personal goals. 

Choosing a college is a big decision. You want a place where you can learn, grow and feel like you belong! A connected public university like the University of Illinois Springfield gives you the best of all worlds.

Here’s why:

Personalized Attention

At a UIS, you learn in a collaborative environment. Your professors know your name, your goals and your strengths. Both inside and outside of the classroom, you can ask questions, join discussions and get help when you need it.

Going back to school as an adult can feel like a big step. Many adult learners balance jobs, families and other responsibilities while working toward a degree. However, at the University of Illinois Springfield, our students are proving that it’s never too late to reach new goals.

Christopher Stevens earned his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Illinois Springfield in 2021 after transferring from the University of Iowa. He stayed at UIS to earn his Master of Arts in Human Development Counseling in 2023.  

Today, he works as a mental health counselor in Charlotte, North Carolina, helping people work through challenges and improve their well-being. 

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.