The different cadence of summer can offer space to rest and recharge, to make progress in areas of your academic and professional growth, or to explore new activities or habits. While campus is definitely quieter in the summer, there are still many opportunities to build connections and community, to care for yourself, to pursue academic goals, and to find moments of fun and relaxation. We’ve compiled a list of summer activities in our latest issue of GradLIFE.

July 6 is the last day to change your curriculum for the current term. This includes adding or dropping a campus approved minor or concentration. Please check your student program information in Self-Service to verify your program information is listed correctly. Information on how to change your curriculum is available online.

May 30 is the last day to drop a S1 (4 week) course via Self-Service, to add a SF (12 week) course via Self-Service, to drop a SF (12 week) course and receive a refund if reducing assessment range (if you are not enrolled in courses in any other summer terms), and to submit a form to elect to audit a SF (12 week) course. Students enrolled in non-standard part of term courses should refer to their graduate program for deadline information. Have questions about registration deadlines or submitting an Audit form? Click here for an advising appointment!

Registration closes May 30 for the Office of External Fellowships' six-week writing lab for applicants to the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program (NSF-GRFP). US citizens, nationals, and permanent residents who are incoming first- and rising second-year grad students plus senior undergrads in all eligible STEM and STEM education fields are welcome to join. Participants will benefit from virtual weekly meetings, tailored workshops, writing exercises, and structured peer review. Find additional details and the registration link in our calendar listing.

The Writers Workshop will host independent writing time in the mornings (Monday through Friday) and optional *in-person only* workshops in the afternoons (Monday through Wednesday). Register in advance and view the entire schedule on our event calendar. Learn more about our writing groups and retreats. We look forward to writing and connecting with you!

Connect with others and get some writing done at the Writers Workshop's Graduate Writing Retreat. During the week-long retreat, you’ll benefit by establishing a regular and sustainable writing habit, becoming more aware of your own writing processes, setting and reflecting on writing goals, and refining your revision strategies. Register: https://forms.illinois.edu/sec/867194007

If you are taking a preliminary or final exam this semester, make sure to start the committee appointment process through the Graduate College Student Portal. Once you've completed your request, it will be sent to your department for review and submission to the Graduate College. You can learn more and committee policies and access tutorials for the student portal on the Graduate College website.

If you are taking a preliminary or final exam this semester, make sure that you submit your request through the Graduate College Student Portal at least THREE WEEKS BEFORE your exam will take place. Late requests may require additional documentation. Please reach out to thesis@illinois.edu if you have questions.

The Career Exploration Group provides a collaborative environment for grad students and postdocs from all fields who want to learn more about career options. Participants work with a career advisor to identify and evaluate career paths that fit their skills, interests, and values. This is a unique opportunity to share and learn about exploring careers through discussion and open dialogue with peers. Participants commit to meeting three times over three weeks. Career Exploration Group will meet in person from 3:30 - 5 PM on 6/17, 6/24, and 7/1. Registration is required.

Summer is a great time to rest and recharge, and it's also a great time to make progress in other areas of your life. This summer, you have the opportunity advance your research, your job search, or your broader academic and career goals. In this workshop, get specific advice and strategies to help you relax this summer while accomplishing what you need to succeed. You will leave the workshop with a concrete plan for identifying and achieving an important goal this summer. This interactive, hands-on workshop will take place in person at the Graduate College. 

Career exploration and planning can help you be flexible, prepare for multiple possible futures, and navigate whatever might be in store. Whether graduation is coming up or still a few years off, Graduate College Career Development is here to support you as you get ready to navigate an uncertain future. One-on-one advising can help you explore, plan, and pursue your career during and after graduate school.  Our advisors specialize in the needs of grad students and postdocs. Visit https://go.grad.illinois.edu/careeradvising to make an appointment.

Help judge the 4-H Show at Parkland College on Friday, July 11, 2025 from 12-6pm and Saturday, July 12, 2025 from 9am - 4pm. Judging times are separated into 3-hour blocks but often do not take the entire time. Lunch will be provided. 4-H members learn about projects such as Aerospace, Gardening, Art, Welding, Animal Science, Cooking, Robotics, and more. Volunteer judges are expected to interview the child about their project and fill out a simple scorecard. If you want to volunteer, please select the projects that interest you on the survey https://go.illinois.edu/4-HJudging2025.

Join us for a panel discussion at Krannert Art Museum in conjunction with Making Place for the Arts at Home: Performance and Midcentury Modern Architecture. Featured panelists: Quinn Adamowski, Landmarks Illinois; Elizabeth Blasius, Preservation Futures; Chris Enck, Revive Architecture LLC; and Kathryn E. Holliday, U of I School of Architecture. Presented by Krannert Art Museum, School of Architecture, and Champaign County History Museum. Free and open to everyone.

McKinley Health Center serves on-campus students at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. 

The University of Illinois Counseling Center provides mental health counseling and well-being education for students. 

If you or a student you know may need support with their basic needs or financial stressors, please reach out.