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Back to school: Students begin fall semester

Students returned to campus after the quiet summer months with undeniable energy, as Welcome Week helped new Redbirds transition into the first week of classes at Illinois State University, which began Monday, August 18.
Madeline Sievers | Wed, Aug 20, 2025

Students returned to campus after the quiet summer months with undeniable energy, as Welcome Week helped new Redbirds transition into the first week of classes at Illinois State University, which began Monday, August 18. From move-in and RSO festivities to studying and enjoying the sun-soaked Quad, our Birds wasted no time exploring their college home.

Here are some of the best snapshots capturing these spirited moments.

Student holding a large axe-like guitar prop at Illinois State University Move-In.
Students moving into Watterson Towers prepare to make their rooms feel like home.
President Aondover Tarhule meets with a student during move-in.
Group of students dancing, throwing their hair in the air.
A dance party takes place at Welcome Week: After Dark.
@cheesewai

my mom did me dirty with this video. but i miss you already, loser 🥲@soph #college #ISU #moveinday #sisters #sad

♬ original sound – laney
Viral videos from Move-In, Welcome Week, and the first week of classes flooded social media channels.
Person in a red shirt handing a Fear the Bird branded tote bag to a student.
Free Fear the Bird merch is given away during Welcome Week.
A crowd of people in a dark room with light-up headphones dance at a silent disco party.
Students enjoy a silent disco event.
A large audience in the Brown Ballroom watches a drag show.
The Brown Ballroom is filled with students for the Drag Desserts and Laughs event.
A young woman in a pink-themed outfit smiles happily on stage.
Performers take the stage in vibrant outfits.
A large hot-air balloon inflatable reading Illinois State University Welcome Week is surrounded by campus flowers.
The Welcome Week balloon sits high on the Quad.
Two people pose on a large red inflatable chair that reads Redbird Life, as another person in a pink shirt takes their photo from below.
Redbird Life’s massive inflatable chair is always a can’t-miss photo op.
A person hands a bamboo plant to another person on the Illinois State University Quad.
Bamboo plants are assembled and given away to students for free during Welcome Week.
A paint tattoo artist sprays a girls arm with vibrant colors in front of quad scenery.
A spray paint artist works at Fun in the Sun on the Quad.
Students pose with a balloon art frame reading ISU 2025 with a small redbird balloon animal in the corner.
Redbirds gather to celebrate Welcome Week.
Student crew members make TikToks to promote the week’s activities.
Reggie Redbird poses with a group of students holding inflatable swords.
Reggie Redbird takes a group photo with his fellow Redbirds.
A group of girls in matching red shirts pose with balloon animals in the Bone Student Center.
Chi Omega students pose with balloon animal creations.
Three people holding plates of nachos smile at the camera in a dimly lit ballroom.
Students enjoy free food and entertainment in the Brown Ballroom.
Redbird parents gave advice to their students on the official Illinois State University Instagram page.
Levester "LJ" Johnson speaks with a group of students outside Watterson Towers during move-in.
Dr. Levester Johnson, vice president for Student Affairs, speaks with students during move-in.
Three people wearing Illinois State University merch smile and pose at the camera in front of Watterson Towers.
Student move-in crew members at Watterson Towers.
A group of friends in Illinois State University apparel laugh as they walk down a quaint sidewalk.
New Redbirds explore Uptown Normal during a Scavenger Hunt.
Redbird Life and Redbird Housing social media accounts post behind-the-scenes photos of Welcome Week fun.
A group of boys take selfies with each other in front of a colorful mural.
Sam Byrd, Davian Islas, Hayden Engelsman, Bill Hein, and Tyson Duda take selfies.
Cheerleaders entertain a large crowd of red at CEFCU Arena.
The Redbird Rally takes place at CEFCU Arena.
Two people walk in front of the Old Union clock on campus.
Students cross in front of the Old Union clock during the first day of classes.
Three people take a selfie on the Quad.
Soccer student-athletes Erica Wells, Ashley Wolfe, and Ava Watson take a selfie during the first day of classes.
A crowd of students walks across the Illinois State University bridge on a sunny day.
A crowd of students cross the College Avenue bridge to the Bone Student Center during the first day of classes.
A full lecture hall on the first day of classes, with students and laptops open.
A lecture hall is full on the first day of classes.
Two people smile at the camera on the lush sidewalk.
On the way to class, students pose for a first-day photo on campus.
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