UIS welcomes more than 300 new students on Move-In Day 2019

The University of Illinois Springfield welcomed more than 300 new first-year, graduate and transfer students to campus during Move-In Day on August 20, 2019.

Heavy rain and thunder caused a brief pause in move-in activities, before more than 150 volunteers resumed helping new students carry in everything from refrigerators, to futon couches, televisions and clothes.

“It's a great day,” said Brian Kelley, UIS director of Residence Life. “It's a little weather problematic, but hopefully it will pass and we'll get everyone moved in safely.”


Incoming UIS student Skylar Hayes from Mount Pulaski, Illinois says she was lucky enough to beat the rain and got moved in before the storm hit.

“It was actually pretty smooth. Even though it was raining it was like really smooth. I think it took 20 minutes,” she said.

Parent David Ptak from Princeville, Illinois says it was a breeze moving his son Nate into Lincoln Residence Hall thanks to the campus volunteers.

“We backed up the van. It was unloaded and by the time I got back from parking the car everything was up in the room and it's been wonderful. Everyone has been a great help,” said David.

Students like Kaylee Nichols of Mendon, Illinois and Laclaudia Williams of Cicero, Illinois have both been counting down the days until Move-In Day.

“I'm ready to get away from home and start a new chapter in my life,” said Williams.

Incoming students say they chose UIS because of the small class sizes, affordable price and the supportive community.

“I’m from a smaller school and this like feels like a smaller community and I like that,” said Hayes.

Fall Semester classes at UIS begin on Monday, August 26. Upperclassmen students will start returning to campus on Friday, August 23.

UIS welcomes hundreds of new students on Freshmen Move-In Day

The University of Illinois Springfield welcomed nearly 300 new students and their parents to campus during Freshmen Move-In Day on August 22, 2018.

“Today we have all of our first-year students moving into Lincoln Residence Hall and Founders Residence Hall,” said Brian Kelley, UIS director of residence life. “We’re really excited. There’s a lot of energy.”

Incoming freshman Sandra Trujillo-Quinonez woke up early to make the drive down with her parents from Chicago to Springfield.

“I’m really excited,” she said. “I’ve been waiting for this day since I went to the STARS program. I started packing like two weeks ago.”



UIS Chancellor Susan Koch greeted students and parents as they moved into the residence halls.

“There’s a sense of anticipation that you just don’t see on any other day,” said Koch. “People are happy to be back and I’m really happy to have them because the campus is a lot livelier today.”

Students were assigned arrival times in an effort to avoid congestion. Volunteers help direct parents to parking spaces, unload and carry items and help students find their rooms.

“I think it’s really rewarding to kind of be out here and see all of the freshmen moving in and you can kind of get to help them,” said Payton Sturdy, a UIS student volunteer.

Kelley hopes that parents will leave their students having experienced a smooth and easy move-in day and knowing that there’s someone at UIS who cares about their student.

“Ultimately, every family member wants to know that their students are cared for and that’s a big part of today as well,” said Kelley.

In addition to the nearly 300 new freshmen students, UIS will welcome approximately 120 new graduate and transfer students to campus housing later this week.

Fall Semester 2018 classes start at UIS on Monday, August 27.

Hundreds of new UIS students arrive on Freshman Move-In Day

The University of Illinois Springfield welcomed approximately 250 new students during Freshman Move-In Day on August 17, 2016.

“There is incredible energy and just a sense of starting something new and opening a door," said John Ringle, UIS director of Residence Life.

On Move-In Day, students are assigned arrival times in an effort to avoid congestion. Volunteers help direct parents to parking spaces, unload and carry items and help students find their rooms.



“I chose the dorm experience just to get the full college life,” said incoming freshman Jacqueline Johnson of Sherman, Illinois. “I wanted to be part of this university and to join a ton of clubs, so that’s why I decided to live on campus.”

Fellow student Royce Hill of Chatham, Illinois also decided UIS was the right choice because of the academic opportunities and proximity to home.

“I definitely wanted to get out of the house, so that was a priority, but I like still being close to home, but not living at home,” said Hill.

Chancellor Susan Koch visited with students and parents as they moved into Lincoln and Founders Residence Halls, offering advice and reassuring parents.

“Move-In Day is really one of the most exciting times of the year,” said Koch. “One of the things I enjoy about it is not only meeting new students, but meeting their parents.”

Fall 2016 semester classes begin on Monday, August 22, 2016.