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Photo ID: You need this so you can get your Redbird card. This card gets you into just about everything when you’re a student. A driver’s license, state ID, military ID, or passport will do.
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Comfortable Shoes: We do a lot of walking at Preview and sore feet tend to ruin the fun.
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Water Bottle: It’s hard to hoot and holler when you’re parched. We have plenty of filling stations to quench your thirst.
Preview
Preview is Illinois State's freshman orientation program. Experience two days of getting connected to campus.
Pick or change your preview date
Schedule
Includes a packed two day schedule
Student
Day One
- 8:45 a.m.Check-inCheck in at Milner Library. Be camera-ready. This is where we'll take your photo for your Redbird ID card.
- 8:45 a.m.Check-inCheck in at Milner Library. Be camera-ready. This is where we'll take your photo for your Redbird ID card.
- 9:00 -10:30 a.m.Meet your Preview GuideGet to know your Preview Guide and group, get a breakdown of your day, and ask any questions you have about Preview.
- 10:45 -11:55 a.m.Welcome from Academic Affairs and Advisement InformationOur official welcome to Preview and advisement prep.
- 11:55 -12:55 p.m.Lunch with your Preview Guide and group
- 1:10 -2:20 p.m.Academic AdvisementMeet your advisor and get one-on-one details on educational planning. You can use the Reggie Guide with your advisor to make important decisions about your class schedule.
- 2:35 -3:05 p.m.College and Department Meetings: Investigating Your MajorLearn about specific requirements and opportunities for your major. Undeclared and undecided students can attend a session designed to help students with major exploration.
- 3:15 -4 p.m.Afternoon Sessions: Safety, Mental Health, and HousingHear more information about resources available to you as a student and important tips for success.
- 4:15 -5:15 p.m.Housing Check-inCheck in for your overnight stay and receive your dining vouchers.
- 5:15 -6:30 p.m.Dinner BreakExperience dinner in Watterson Dining Commons. Cost is included if you’re staying in the residence hall. Please note: Campus Dining Services only accepts credit/debit cards at our dining centers. Cards must be signed to be accepted.
- 6:30 -6:50 p.m.Floor Meeting with Resident AssistantsLearn more about living in the residence halls from Resident Assistants, student housing staff that are here for you during the academic year.
- 6:50 -7:30 p.m.Redbird BeginningsFind out how to make the most of your first year at Illinois State.
- 7:45 -9 p.m.Evening ActivitiesJoin Preview Guides for games and entertainment. Sit back, relax, and get to know other students.
Day Two
- 7-8 a.m.Housing Check-out and BreakfastReturn your key to the checkout station in the lobby of your residence hall.
Breakfast cost is included if you’re staying in the residence hall. Campus Dining Services only accepts credit/debit cards at our dining centers. - 8:15 -9 a.m.Morning Sessions: Student Affairs, Multicultural Center, and Academic TipsLearn about programming, services, and how to get involved on campus. Review important information regarding course registration, finances, and planning ahead.
- 9:05 -9:45 a.m.Preview Guide SessionReconnect with your group to ask final questions and officially join our Redbird community.
- 9:45 a.m.Course RegistrationYour Preview Guide will take you to your assigned computer lab, where your academic advisor will help you plan and register for fall classes.
- 10:45 -11:45 a.m.Redbird Resource and Student Involvement FairMeet back up with your guests at the Bone Student Center for an essential information fair about all things Illinois State in one convenient location.
- Open til5 p.m.Student IDs at the Redbird Card OfficeComplete Preview check-out. Head over to the Bone Student Center Redbird Card Office. Make sure to bring a government issued ID, like a driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID.
Optional Breakout Sessions
- 11:45 a.m.Textbooks and Course Materials
- 11:45 a.m.On-campus job opportunities
- 11:45 a.m.Multicultural Center Tour
- 11:45 a.m.Share Shop
- 11:45 a.m.Technology Q&A
- 11:45 a.m.ROTC
- 11:45 a.m.Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
- 11:45 a.m.Civic Engagement
Guest
Schedule for guests coming soon.
Parking, Maps, and Lodging
Parking
Don't let a parking ticket get in the way of a good time. Preview parking is only available in the following lot.
Maps and Floor Plans
Lodging
Your To Do List
Complete this list before you arrive
Log in for an interactive to do list.
Your To Do List
Complete this list before you arrive so you can focus on all the fun of Preview.
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Finish your admission requirements.
Check your To Do List and Tasks in My Illinois State for an official list of essential information we need from you. These things typically include:
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Housing Contract: Complete a housing contract or exemption.
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Transcripts: Send us your final high school transcripts and test scores, and any college credit you earned.
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Immunizations: Provide proof of immunity for tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, measles, mumps, rubella and meningitis.
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Watch the module.
We put together a little something with must-know details on what to expect at Preview and how to prepare. Go through the module
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Take the ALEKS Math Placement.
The result of your exam places you in a freshman math class that’s a good fit. Take ALEKS
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Complete your advisement sheet.
This will help you get the most out of your advising session at Preview. You can find the sheet in your My Illinois State account.
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Tell us what you need.
If you or anyone you’re coming with needs an accommodation for a disability, let us know. We appreciate advanced notice so we can meet your needs. Email us
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Come up with questions.
There’s nothing too outrageous. We’ll give you the inside scoop on whatever you want to know.
What to Bring
Here are our must haves.
What to Bring
Here are our must have recommendations.
For Preview
For an Overnight Stay
One of the best parts of Preview is staying in the residence halls. We’ve got the towels, bed, pillows, and sheets covered. Here’s what you should bring:
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Blanket: In case you get cold.
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Toiletries: To stay fresh.
Pack light. Our storage space is limited. If you're driving to Preview, we recommend keeping your overnight things in your car.
We'll give you your room assignment when you arrive. You can also room with a friend if you want. Just make sure you check in together. No reservation necessary!
Parents and guests can also stay in the residence halls and are housed separately from students. Cost is $66.18 per person (charged to the student’s account) and includes lodging, breakfast, and dinner. If you’re not up for staying on campus, we have several hotels close by. Find hotels in Bloomington-Normal
For Job Seekers
On-campus jobs are convenient and fun. Might as well secure one before the semester starts. Have these things handy if you want to apply:
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Valid photo ID
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ID to complete an I-9 form (social security card, passport, or certified birth certificate)