Things to Know Before You Go To UIUC

Find Your UIUC Housing is Most Crucial

To find a comfortable UIUC housing to live in is the most important thing for each incoming student. uhomes.com provides a wide range of UIUC housing for you to choose from, and these housing are in the good location and closed to the campus. As a comprehensive rental website, uhomes.com offers a wide range of housing options, from affordable apartments to fully furnished you can choose from the single room, shared a room with friends, studio apartments, and 1-,2-,3-,4-,5-bedroom apartment. The aim is to cater to the needs of different students.

In the UIUC neighborhood, listings on uhomes.com are usually located in areas close to campus, such as Green Street, Champaign Downtown and Urbana. These locations are not only convenient for students to commute to class, but also have a wealth of amenities such as restaurants, bars, supermarkets, libraries, and recreation centers, which greatly enhances the convenience and comfort of students’ lives. Many UIUC housing also offers amenities such as furniture, free Wi-Fi, gyms, swimming pools, etc., saving students the trouble of purchasing furniture independently.

In addition, uhomes.com offers professional rental consultants to help students with any questions they may have about the rental process, ensuring that international students can complete the rental process smoothly. With the website’s virtual viewing feature, students can save time and effort by checking out the student housing in advance. In short, uhomes.com is one of the best choices for you to find your ideal home, which is safe, convenient, diverse and trusted by all students. 

Other Related Things for UIUC students 

Visa and Form I-20:

First, ensure you have successfully obtained an F-1 or J-1 visa and check its validity. Visa approval may take some time, so it is advisable to apply in advance. In addition, the I-20 form is one of the proofs of your legal status in the U.S. It is essential to carry it with you, especially when you enter the U.S. If you need to renew your I-20 or extend your visa while you are in the U.S., please get in touch with the Office of International Students as soon as possible to ensure that your studies and stay in the U.S. are not jeopardized.

Health Insurance & Vaccines:

The University of Illinois of Urbana Champaign requires international students to purchase university-provided health insurance unless they can demonstrate that they already have alternative coverage that meets the requirements. You will also be required to submit vaccination records before enrollment, which include standard requirements such as MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella). You may need additional vaccinations at school but still need to meet the criteria. Learning about the local healthcare system and familiarizing yourself with the location and process of emergency and routine medical services is also essential.

Packing: 

The city of Champaign, where UIUC is located, has four distinct seasons. It is colder in winter and temperatures can drop below zero, so you must bring heavy winter clothing. Summer is warm and cozy, so lightweight summer clothing is essential. You should bring your personal medications, as these medicines are expensive and varied in the United States. Electronics and plugs should also be prepared for the U.S. voltage standard. When you first arrive in the U.S., living supplies and school supplies can also be purchased locally, conveniently and reasonably priced.

Course registration:

UIUC’s course registration system usually opens before each semester, and there are a limited number of places to choose courses, and popular courses may fill up quickly. New students often have specific time slots for selecting courses, so it’s important to plan your program in advance. Familiarize yourself with the school’s academic policies and course requirements to ensure that you complete the credits required for your degree on time. A mentor or academic advisor will also be able to help in the registration process. If you are interested in specific courses or disciplines, contact your professors in advance for more details.

Mobile Phone Plan and Bank Account:

Upon your arrival in the U.S., one of the first things you should do is apply for a local cell phone card. It’s important to learn about the packages offered by different carriers, such as T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon, and choose a plan that suits your needs. Equally important is opening a U.S. bank account. Most banks will require your passport, I-20, visa, and proof of address. Choose a bank that is in close proximity to your school and has convenient ATMs, like Chase and Bank of America. This will make it easier for you to access your money.

Transportation:

You can choose aeroplanes or buses from Chicago or other major cities to UIUC. Willowville Airport (Willard Airport) is the nearest airport to UIUC. Transportation on and off campus relies heavily on the bus system and bicycles. UIUC offers a free bus service covering a wide area, making commuting easy for students. Campus bike paths are well established, and bicycles are available to purchase or rent. In addition, consider whether you need to obtain a U.S. driver’s license to better explore surrounding cities and attractions by driving or renting a car in the U.S. in the future.