Before You Start

Now that you are starting your journey with UIC Global, you will receive emails from different members of the UIC Global team. If you receive an email from any of the emails below, please make sure you respond to the email. You can also reach out to a member of the UIC Global team using these email addresses also!

UIC Global New Student Advising – newstudentadvising@uicglobal.org

UIC Global Student Services team- studentservices@uicglobal.org

UIC Global Finance- finance@uicglobal.org

UIC Global Student Accommodations- studentaccommodations@uicglobal.org

Once you are admitted and confirm your acceptance, you will be assigned a UIC Global Student Success Advisor. Your Student Success Advisor will contact you regularly through the email on your application. To schedule an appointment email newstudentadvising@uicglobal.org

Your UIC Global Student Success Team can assist you with completing the following required steps before orientation:

• Completing each of your required pre-arrival tasks. You are required to complete certain tests or actions before arrival.
• Submitting your required flight information and housing/dining preference form.
• General help completing each required step and answering any questions you have before you arrive.

Review your conditional offer letter and make sure that you have submitted all documents listed as missing.

Once all your documents are submitted, please submit your I-20 Request Form along with your financial statements as outlined in the Certificate of Finances.

• Certificate of Finances

The university will process your I-20 and email it to you as soon as possible – please expect a minimum of 10 business days.

After receiving admissions to your UIC program, you will receive instructions on how to activate your UIC student portal. Instructions are emailed to the personal email address that was used on your admission application.

1. Look for an email from the UIC Global Team to your personal email account with instructions on activating your student account. Helpful tip: The subject of the email is “Welcome to UIC Global!”
2. Follow the instructions on how to activate your Net ID and token. Read the instructions carefully. Activating your Net ID is the first step to accessing your UIC Student Portal.
3. To activate your account, you will need to have your UIN and Token. You will also need to set up Duo 2-Factor Authentication on your device.
4. Three business days after you activate your Net ID and token, you will be enrolled in your UIC Global Orientation Blackboard course. This is an online orientation course to guide you on the information and questions you have before starting your program.

Helpful Terms:

UIC Global Flames First Week: FFW to Success Blackboard Course: This is located on Blackboard, a virtual resource for new students. The goal of this course is to give you the information you need before arriving to campus and to help prepare you to complete your pre-arrival steps.

UIC Global Flames First Week: This is run by your UIC Global Staff and is a required part of beginning your program. For Spring 2025 , UIC Global Flames First Week will run January 6th through January 12th, 2025 to prepare you for everything you need to know about UIC and your program after arrival. This is also a great opportunity to interact with staff, have questions answered, and make new friends! You can access this schedule by visiting the tab “UIC Global Flames First Week Schedule” on our UIC Global Flames First Week: FFW to Success Blackboard course or under the Student Resources page.

OIS Orientation or “New International Student Summit”: This is run by the Office of International Services to prepare you for all things immigration related while you are at UIC. We have a dedicated day for this orientation on your UIC Global Orientation Schedule.

What is a Student Portal?
At UIC, your Student Portal is the main site you will use to help navigate services at UIC. Before you arrive at UIC, you can use your student portal to access your student email, placement tests, iAdvise, and your UIC Global Flames First Week: FFW to Success Blackboard Page.

During your UIC Global Orientation Week, you will learn how to use other tools that are available on your student portal like viewing your registration information, connecting with resources on campus, and viewing your final grades.

What is a UIN?
UIN stands for “University Identification Number” and is unique to you and your account. You will use this number frequently throughout your time at UIC. A good practice is to include your UIN in your UIC email signature as you will be asked for this regularly.

What is a Token?
The Token Number is a number you will only use one time to create your account. You do not have to remember this number.

When you receive your UIN and Token through your personal email address, there will be a link to activate your NetID and create your password. Make sure you remember your NetID and password!

What is Duo Two Factor Authentication?
2FA helps secure your account, and the University’s sensitive data, by adding an extra layer of security. When logging in to university systems using your NetID and password, 2FA requires you to verify your identity using a second factor such as a mobile device and prevents anyone but you from logging in. UIC uses 2FA service provided by Duo Security, an industry leader in cybersecurity services.

Instructions for setting up Duo 2FA, can be found at this link.

What if I didn’t receive a UIN and Token?
You will only receive a UIN and Token after completing all the admissions steps and are accepted to the university. If you cannot access your account, please click “Forgot NetID” or “Forgot Password” on this page.

After you receive the electronic copy of your I-20, complete the following steps before booking your visa appointment:

1. Schedule a free visa information and preparation session with your personal Enrollment Advisor.
2. Check that the details on your I-20 are correct (including your date of birth) and make sure your name is the same as it appears on your passport.
3. Prepare the documents you will need to take to the embassy when attending your visa interview.

After you complete the above steps, you should apply for your visa as soon as possible. It requires an interview with the U.S. Embassy and can sometimes take several weeks to schedule.

Can’t see the video? Look on Youku.

Other links that international students find useful:

• Visa appointment and processing wait time
• Visa photo requirements
• Studying in the U.S.

We are so excited for you to join us on campus! To ensure a smooth transition to your new home, plan to arrive on or before the UIC Global scheduled move-in day. Airport pickup is available at O’Hare International Airport (ORD) to campus on our scheduled arrival day only.

Once you book your flights, you must fill out the student arrival form. The deadline to submit your arrival information is December 13th, 2024.

​​For program dates, click here.
​​For discounted international travel, click here.

Spring 2025 Arrival/ Transport Service Information

Transport Policies for arrival before January 6th, 2025:
Transportation prior to January 6th will be the responsibility of the student

Transport Policy on Check-In/Arrival Day:
Campus team will be at Chicago O’Hare to help guide students to campus via our transportation services beginning at 8:AM CST until 8 PM CST. Arrival at the airport after 8:00PM CST on the scheduled Arrival Day will be coordinated through Lyft. If the Lyft does not work, the student must book their own transportation.

Transport Policy after Check-In/Arrival Day:
The Transport Support Line is not available after the arrival date. Students must book their own transportation.

Housing Check-In Policies prior to Check-In/Arrival Date:
No early move-ins are allowed. Students should be prepared to book a hotel of their choosing or request a hotel room from our partner hotels (at the student’s expense).

Housing Check-In Policies on Check-In/Arrival Date:
On-Campus and Campus Adjacent Housing Check-In begins at 9:00AM CST.

Make your payment in full two weeks before the scheduled arrival date to avoid enrollment delays and ensure an on-time start.

Follow the instructions below to submit payment for tuition and fees:

Flywire for International Wire Transfer: To submit international and domestic ACH payments via UIC’s Flywire portal:

• Flywire payment options include international wires, international credit cards, and other country specific payment options.
• Flywire guarantees the best exchange rates, offers 24/7 multilingual customer service, and provides payment tracking and an instant payment receipt.
• Flywire will be accepting U.S. bank accounts.

If you are interested in learning about student loan information, contact:

FERPA Disclosure form

UIC Liability Waiver

All first-year undergraduate students are guaranteed apartment-style accommodations as part of the program. Living in UIC Global Program-Managed housing is required for the length of your UIC Global program. The UIC Global housing preference form must be completed before December 13th, 2024 in order for your preferences to be taken into consideration

Student assignments are based on availability and therefore, students may be assigned a housing option that was ranked lower in their preference form or assigned housing that was not ranked at all. A student’s housing assignment can change as late as the arrival date. Please note that your preference is taken into account, but preferred pick is not guaranteed. Final Housing Assignments may vary from the first Statement of Fees a student receives. If final housing assignment costs less than what was charged, affected students are eligible to request a refund of the difference after program completion. The program will adjust the student’s account during the student’s first term so that the correct housing is reflected. If the final housing assignment costs more than what was charged, the student is responsible for paying the difference.

Your selections are preferences only, we cannot guarantee you will receive your preference(s), We do our best to try to assign rooms based on preferences and other important factors.

-Refer to the Housing Costs page for the most current housing costs: https://shorelight.com/universities/undergraduate/university-of-illinois-at-chicago/#costs

-Please note that while housing is guaranteed, we cannot promise we will be able to match each student with their preferred housing option.

-All Program-Managed – housing options are fully furnished with a kitchen and include cable/Wi-Fi access and in-building laundry.

-Housing Waiver requests are subject to review 30 days prior to the published arrival date. Housing waivers can be rejected and will not be reviewed after a final decision has been made. No waivers will be issued after arrival.

– Students who complete the university campus housing forms will be subject to the $500 cancellation fee assessed. The cancellation fee will not be waived for any circumstances.

All UIC Global undergraduate students are required to complete placement exams before arriving on campus. The placement test due date is December 13th, 2024. Do not wait until you have a visa to complete your placement tests. These must be completed before you arrive. Test results are valid for one year, if you do not receive a visa, your tests results will still apply for future.

Failure to complete these tests by the due date will delay course registration and final program placement (confirmation).

Depending on your UIC Global Program and major, you may have several tests to complete to determine the correct course placement at UIC.

Please follow the steps below to access and complete all necessary placement exams prior to arrival:

• Step 1: Verify which placement tests are required for you using the chart below.
• Step 2: Access placement exams in your UIC Student Portal.
• Step 3: Complete all placement exams in your UIC Student Portal. Please use your UIC Orientation Blackboard course to find answers to FAQs.
• Please visit our Testing FAQs page for additional information on completing your placement exams.

Important Disclaimers:

All communication regarding your testing will be sent to the email address we have on file from your application. If you do not have access to that email, please notify your UIC Global Student Success Advisor.

Your final program placement will be determined upon arrival to campus. The results of the placement tests are used to place you on the program track that is appropriate for your skill level, and which may be different from what was indicated in your conditional offer letter. If your assessment test score does not meet the criteria for your assigned program track, you will not be able to enroll on that track. As a result, the length of study may be longer than originally anticipated and involve additional costs.

International Direct Students: The results of the Academic English writing exam will determine your placement in English composition classes.

Accelerator Students (AAP and EAP):

• You are required to take an iTEP for program placement. If you have already taken iTEP for admissions, you do still need to complete the one through UIC Global. Instructions will be sent to the email used on your application for this test.
• Upon arrival at UIC, you will take an English language proficiency test. Your placement in English composition or English language classes will depend upon your proficiency test results. You may also be required to take additional English language courses as part of a UIC Global Accelerator program or enroll in full-time English language study at UIC.

Contact newstudentadvising@uicglobal.org with questions or concerns.
*Applies to undergraduate students only

All incoming UIC Global students are required to submit their immigration documents prior to enrolling in classes.

You must complete the following items before being permitted to begin your classes at UIC:

• Attend mandatory orientation with UIC Global (date and time are listed in your UIC Global acceptance letter)
• Submit completed Immunization Form to UIC Global (Instructions can be found on your UIC Global Orientation Blackboard course)
• Complete your tuition and fees payment Complete required placement tests

Bring the following documents to the UIC Global orientation:

• Original valid passport
• Original I-20 Form(s)
• F-1 visa (stamped on your passport)/F-2 visa (for dependents)
• Copy of your Form I-94 (to print your Form I-94, please visit i94.cbp.dhs.gov)

Note: If you have not submitted original financial documents (no photocopies) before your I-20 was issued, you will be required to bring them with you when you attend the UIC Global orientation.

All new students are required to attend the UIC Global Flames First Week. UIC Global Flames First Week is not offered virtually. Some departments and programs may require additional programming attendance. To learn more, you must visit your UIC Global Flames First Week: FFW to Success Blackboard course.

Spring 2025 UIC Global Flames First Week includes all dates below:

January 6th: All students are expected to arrive by this date. This is the official move in date. On the move-in date, all students are expected to check in with the UIC Global team at the designated check-in location. Students will receive this information during the Before You Start Webinars and can find more information on their UIC Global Flames First Week course in Blackboard. Please note that students will complete additional check-ins with the university throughout the UIC Global First Week as well.

If you arrive early, please consult your UIC Global Flames First Week course in Blackboard for hotel and transportation recommendations.

• January 7th: Flames First Week Session Day 1 (9AM CST to 7PM CST)
• January 8th: Flames First Week Session Day 2 (9AM CST to 7PM CST)
• January 9th: Flames First Week Session Day 3 (9AM CST to 7PM CST)
• January 10th: Flames First Week Session Day 4 (9AM CST to 7PM CST)
• January 11th & 12th: Flames First Weekend Activities
• January 13th: Classes begin

For all new students, Flames First Week will take place from January 6th through January 12th, 2025. Flames First Week is an important and mandatory program that will introduce you to the academic, social, and cultural life at the University of Illinois, Chicago. The First Week programming will be in-person so please plan your travel to arrive on or before January 6th, 2025. We look forward to seeing you soon!

All students are required to arrive by the program start date of January 6th. If you have an emergency that prevents you from arriving and starting your program on time, you must schedule an appointment with your Student Success Advisor for approval before travelling. Arriving after the start date without approval may result in not being able to start your program.

There are many things to consider when preparing for university, let alone moving to a new country! To make your transition to the US easier, we’ve put together a list of everyday necessities.

We’ve partnered with campusSIMS to help connect you with mobile phone service. Get your US phone number in your home country and have service that’s ready to use as soon as you land. Click here lto get your free SIM card.

campusSIMS helps international students get connected with mobile phone service in the US. Through campusSIMS’ exclusive partner Mint Mobile, students can sign up and get their US phone number while in their home country, and have mobile phone service ready to use as soon as they land.

Students can get low-cost, reliable mobile phone service starting at as low as $15 per month that includes:

• A free SIM card
• Unlimited talk and text
• High speed data
• Nationwide coverage on the fastest, most advanced network

For more information, visit campussims.com.

Center for Academic Success

A website with access to virtual tutors, career advisors, and online resources to help you throughout your university studies

Getting ready to study abroad can be challenging! Would you like some help with that? Shorelight’s Center for Academic Success (CAS) has many free resources for you! For example, you can watch a quick webinar on Culture Shock and Mental Health, or take a short eLearning course on Obtaining Your Visa, Understanding Health Insurance, Major & Career Exploration, and so much more.

If you wish you could just ask a real person a question, you can also use the Live Chat button to reach one of our highly-trained support staff, or you can schedule a Zoom session with one of our friendly Student Success Coaches, Professional Tutors, or Career Services staff—all of whom are experts at helping international students with anything from pre-arrival support and campus life to academic subject areas and career guidance.

Don’t wait to activate your free account at CAS—you are eligible as soon as you pay your university deposit.

After you register:

• After self-registering, you’ll receive an email within two business days to let you know that your account is approved (or if not, how to fix the problem). Just follow the link to log in!
• Check your spam folder if you don’t see our email within two days—or just return to the Home page linked above to try logging in with your email and password. If you encounter any trouble, just use the Live Chat button at the bottom of our Home page.

If you were pre-registered:

• Some students may be admin-registered at the request of their university to save you the trouble of signing up.
• If you get an email from Shorelight’s Center for Academic Success saying that your account has been created, just follow the link to complete your registration. You only need to create your password and check the boxes (Steps 5-10 above).
• If you are told that you were admin-registered, but you can’t find our welcome email, just go to our Home page, click “Sign up now” and complete Steps 3-10. If you can’t guess the right email or how your name was entered, use our LiveChat to get help.