Arrival and Orientation

 

The Intensive English Institute is located at 1205 W. Nevada in Urbana, on the east side of campus. It is in a beautifully restored three story gray building. The nearest intersection is Nevada St. and Goodwin Avenue.

If you arrive in Champaign-Urbana during IEI office hours, you can come directly to the IEI office (1205 West Nevada Street, Urbana) or you can come to the IEI after you have checked into your hotel or moved into your housing.  The IEI is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 pm (Closed from 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm) Monday – Friday.  The IEI office is closed on Saturdays and Sundays.

This page has more information about what to do during Orientation Week.

Summer 2008 Orientation Week Schedule
for NEW STUDENTS

Summer 2008 Orientation Week Schedule
for RETURNING STUDENTS


When you arrive | Orientation Week Information | Other Orientation Week Events

IEI Building

When you arrive:

Finding a place to eat:
If you are looking for a place to eat when you arrive in Champaign Urbana, go to Green Street between Wright Street and 4th Street. There you will find restaurants of many different nationalities such as Korean, Thai, Greek, Mexican, Indian, as well as typical American food like hamburgers. See a map of that area.
Sheets, pillows, blankets or towels:
Apartments and dormitories do not supply sheets, pillows, blankets or towels. You can buy them here, but if you arrive late at night and go directly to the place you plan to live (instead of a hotel), you should be prepared to sleep without them the first night.
Buying things you need:
You can get information about where to buy the things you need from the IEI office. There are several large departments stores in the area where you will be able to get the things you need at a reasonable price.

Orientation Week Information

When you come to register at the IEI, you need to

  • bring your passport and visa. The international student adviser will checked them to be sure that there are no immigration problems.
  • schedule an appointment for an oral interview. In this interview, an IEI instructor will evaluate your English speaking ability.
  • schedule a visit to McKinley Health Center to fulfill University health requirements.
  • find out when and where the IEI placement test is. This test will help us determine what level you are in.

Other Orientation Week Events

 
Orientation Meeting
During this meeting, students meet with teachers in small groups to find out more about the courses that the IEI offers and other important information about studying at the IEI and living in Urbana Champaign.
Bus tours
These tours help student get familiar with the public bus system in Champaign and shows them how to get to the major shopping area.
Campus Walking Tours
These tours familiarize students with the University of Illinois campus and some important buildings on it.
Dinner Out
Some time during Orientation week, IEI students and teachers get together for dinner at one of the campus restaurants.
Other Social Activities
Other social activities are planned for students during Orientation Week, such as bowling in the Illini Union, Movie Night or Ice Skating.
Bus/Shopping Tour during Orientation Week