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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.
Schedule
Experience two days of getting connected to campus.
Student
Day One
- 10:00 a.m.Check-in / Redbird Card PhotoCheck in at Milner Library. Be camera-ready. This is where we'll take your photo for your Redbird ID card.
- 10:15 a.m.Small Group SessionMeet your Preview guide and fellow students, review the schedule, and ask any questions about Preview and Illinois State!
- 11:30 a.m.Welcome SessionJoin parents and guests and hear from University College to understand more about your academic experience.
- 12:15 p.m.LunchYour Preview guide will take you to Watterson Dining Commons to grab lunch and eat with your group.
- 1:30 -2:30 p.m.Explore ISU Your WayUse this time to create your own orientation. Choose what interests you most and check it off your list.
- 2:30 -2:45 p.m.Break
- 2:45 -4 p.m.Afternoon Sessions: Safety, Mental Health, and HousingLearn about campus safety, housing, and well-being resources.
- 4:15 -5:15 p.m.Housing Check-inIf you are staying overnight, check in and receive your dining vouchers. Check in at the same time as another student if staying together.
- 4:15 -6:00 p.m.Dinner BreakEnjoy dinner at Watterson Dining Commons. Cost is included if you’re staying in the residence hall. The dining centers only accept credit/debit cards.
- 6:15 p.m.Resident Assistants and Redbird BeginningsTalk about making the most of your first year! Learn more about living in the residence halls from Resident Assistants and a student who's lived on campus.
- 7:30 -9:30 p.m.Evening ActivitiesJoin Preview Guides for games and entertainment. Sit back, relax, and get to know other students.
Day Two
- 6:30 -7:15 a.m.Sunrise Yoga (optional)Get energized with Sunrise Yoga! Discover Campus Recreation programs and grab a spot. Mats provided. Space is limited.
- 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. The dining centers only accept credit/debit cards.
- 8:15 -9 a.m.Redbird Resource 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.
- 9:15 -10:15 a.m.Student Affairs and Academic RemindersKick things off with Student Affairs to learn how to get involved and stay connected. Afterward, we’ll review key details from your first advisement appointment to help you prep for your upcoming departmental session.
- 10:30 a.m.College and Department MeetingsConnect with your academic department to explore ways to get involved, meet faculty and staff, and build relationships with other students in your major.
- 11:15 a.m.Redbird RecapSmall group session focused on final next steps and helpful advice from current students to help you get ready for your Redbird journey.
- 12 p.m.Afternoon OpportunitiesUse this time to do a walk-through of your class schedule, visit the Share Shop, grab some Redbird gear at the Redbird Spirit Store, or talk to TechZone staff.
- Open til4 p.m.Redbird Card pickupBe sure to pick up your Redbird Card ID before you leave campus. Make sure to bring a government issued ID, like a driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID.
Guest
Day One
- 10:00 a.m.Check-inExplore Bone Student Center. Doors to Braden Auditorium open at 10:30 a.m.
- 10:50 a.m.Welcome Session
- 12:15 p.m.Lunch (on your own)Students eat on campus with their Preview group, while parents and guests can grab lunch at the Bone Student Center or nearby in Uptown Normal.
- 1:30 -2:30 p.m.Explore ISU Your WayMeet back with your student and use this time to create your own orientation. Choose what interests you most and check it off your list.
- 2:30 -2:45 p.m.Break
- 2:45 -4 p.m.Afternoon Sessions: Safety, Mental Health, and HousingLearn about campus safety, housing, and well-being resources.
- 4:15 -5:15 p.m.Housing Check-inIf you are staying overnight, check in and receive your dining vouchers. Check in at the same time as your student if staying together.
- 4:15 -6:00 p.m.Dinner BreakEnjoy dinner at Watterson Dining Commons. Cost is included if you’re staying in the residence hall. The dining centers only accept credit/debit cards.
- 6:15 -9:30 p.m.Explore BN CommunityStudents will enjoy group sessions, social activities, and the gaming centers until 9:30 p.m. Parents and guests are free to explore the Bloomington-Normal community!
Day Two
- 6:30 -7:15 a.m.Sunrise Yoga (optional)Get energized with Sunrise Yoga! Discover Campus Recreation programs and grab a spot. Mats provided. Space is limited.
- 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. The dining centers only accept credit/debit cards.
- 8:15 -9 a.m.Redbird Resource 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.
- 9:15 -10:15 a.m.Student Affairs and Academic RemindersKick things off with Student Affairs to learn how to get involved and stay connected. Afterward, we’ll review key details from your first advisement appointment to help you prep for your upcoming departmental session.
- 10:30 a.m.College and Department MeetingsConnect with your student's academic department to explore ways to get involved and meet faculty and staff.
- 11:15 a.m.Parent and Guest SessionsExplore the academic support services designed to help your student stay on track and thrive throughout college.
- 12 p.m.Afternoon OpportunitiesUse this time to do a walk-through of your class schedule, visit the Share Shop, grab some Redbird gear at the Redbird Spirit Store, or talk to TechZone staff.
- Open til4 p.m.Redbird Card pickupBe sure your student picks up their Redbird Card ID before they leave campus.
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 lots.
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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Finalize your admission file.
Check your admissions dashboard in My Illinois State for a full list of everything we'll need to make you an official Redbird. 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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Complete the Prep for Preview module.
We put together a little something with must-know details on what to expect at Preview and how to prepare for your virtual academic advising appointment so you can smoothly register for classes. It should only take about 20 minutes to finish. Go through the module
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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 You Need
Here are our must have recommendations.
For Preview
For Virtual Advising Appointment
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Internet Access: You'll want a reliable internet connection to join your virtual advising appointment.
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Laptop or Computer: You'll need to be near a computer to schedule classes with your advisor.
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Login Credentials: Memorize your ULID and password. You’ll need to know them when you register.
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.
You can 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. Cost is $61.28 per person (charged to the student’s account). 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)