New Graduate Student Steps to Success

All students are required to arrive prior to the start of the Fall semester.

*International students should plan to arrive on campus by the program start date listed on your I-20. If you anticipate visa processing to delay your arrival, please let our department know as soon as possible. In the case of visa delay, the Graduate College and MatSE recommend your arrival on campus no later than the 10th day of instruction of the Fall  semester.

Transportation | Graduate College

Transportation | ISSS

All International students are required to check in with International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) upon arrival to campus. ISSS will provide updates for all your needs, including check-in, ISSS orientation, transportation, welcome events and much more. For questions, please contact ISSS directly and be sure to review all important ISSS links below:

• Pre Arrival: https://isss.illinois.edu/students/incoming/index.html
• Check In: https://isss.illinois.edu/students/incoming/checkin/index.html
• Orientation: https://isss.illinois.edu/students/incoming/orientation/index.html
• I-20 issuance: Once your I-20 has been issued, you will receive notification directly from Grad College https://grad.illinois.edu/admissions/faqs-international

You will need to register for classes via the UI Integrate Self-Service. (You can begin registration prior to arrival and/or once registration time ticket has opened to all graduate students for the term.)

For guidance on course suggestions and planning your first semester, check out these resources:

• MatSE PhD Degree Requirements
• MatSE MS Degree Requirements
• MatSE Graduate Course Guides

Ensure you register for required MSE courses inlcuding MSE 595 colloquium and MSE 529 or 559 to meet your seminar requirements in the fall semester as noted in MatSE's degree requirements.

For variable credit hour classes, please see here for instructions to update credit hour using the enhanced registration screen.

For comparison textbook shopping, visit the Illini Union Bookstore.

• Master's students: Your advisor will be assigned to you after you begin the Fall semester.
• Doctoral students: If you haven't already done so, please reach out to a MatSE faculty member of interest directly. You will be required to confirm your research group after the start of the semester. More information about advisor/group selection will be provided at orientation.
  • For more guidance, see our advice on choosing an advisor. You can also explore MatSE's faculty by our various research areas.

Please be sure to review the Timeline to MatSE document here.

You will need to check-in with the MatSE Human Resource Office to complete your new-hire paperwork prior to August 16th, if possible. *Check in dates can be scheduled beginning July 24. Be sure to have a form of state-issued identification card, such as a driver's license, passport or social security card.

After completing your new-hire paperwork, you will receive your first paycheck in September. For more information, check out the Graduate College's assistantship policies and also Grad Map for new assistants.

• For all students,
  • Security Compliance Mandate
    • Important information for scheduling I-9.
  • Banking and Other Resources

• For international students, 
  • Attaining your Social Security Card
    • Must complete I-9 process prior to obtaining your social security card, if needed.
  • Foreign Tax Consultation
    • Must present your new social security card to the department prior to scheduling a tax review appointment.

*Please note: If you have completed the FAFSA and received a financial aid award letter provided by the University, assistantship with stipend and waiver information provided by our department will not be listed. Applicable tuition and fee waivers are not applied to your student account until after the start of the Fall term, once your assistantship appointment and/or any applicable fellowship waiver has been processed.

Need help finding your home away from home? Check out your housing options with the Graduate College's Housing Map.

For on-campus housing, explore the Graduate Upper-Division Halls. If you're considering an off-campus housing option, make sure to check with Off-Campus Community Living before signing a lease.