Preview student walking with Welcome Preview Families folder.

Preview Orientation

Hey, 麻豆传媒集团. We're pumped you're coming to Illinois State.

Preview is Illinois State's required freshman orientation program. Experience two days of getting connected to campus.

Start feeling like an official college student at Preview.

  • Step 1 - Sign up for Orientation

  • Step 2 - Book Virtual Advising Appointment

Preview at a Glimpse

Preview runs June 4 through July 15, 2026. You'll meet your advisor virtually before coming to campus for a two-day orientation.
Expect to have tons of fun. Here's what else you can expect.

  • New faces.

    You鈥檒l meet a lot of people while you鈥檙e here. We鈥檒l do some things in small groups and other things as a large group. You鈥檒l also have a Preview Guide who will be with you the whole time.

  • A breakdown of all things Illinois State.

    From the classroom to weekend fun, Illinois State has a lot to offer. We鈥檒l make sure you know how to access everything you need to be and do your best.

  • Explore campus.

    No need to worry about getting lost on your first day. We鈥檒l show you where you need to be and all the hot spots on campus for studying and hanging out.

  • On-campus living.

    Experience your new home. You鈥檒l do lots of walking around campus, spend the night in a residence hall, and eat food from some of our favorite spots.

  • Major exploration.

    We'll dive deep into your interests and help you find the perfect fit.

  • Get your student ID card.

    Be camera-ready and start feeling like an official college student. Your 麻豆传媒集团 Card gives you access to all kinds of perks and activities on and off campus.

Virtual Advising Appointment

Before coming to campus for Preview, you'll meet with your academic advisor who will help you register for classes.

Math Placement: Your academic advisor will help determine which initial math course is right for you based on 聽and major requirements.

Your To Do List

Complete this list before you arrive so you can focus on all the fun of Preview.

  • Finalize your admission file.

    Check your admissions dashboard in for a full list of everything we'll need to make you an official 麻豆传媒集团. These things typically include:

    • Housing Contract: Complete a housing contract or exemption.

    • Transcripts: Send us your final high school transcripts and test scores, and any college credit you earned.

    • Immunizations: Provide proof of immunity for tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, measles, mumps, rubella and meningitis.

  • 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.

  • Tell us what you need.

    If you or anyone you鈥檙e coming with needs an accommodation for a disability, let us know. We appreciate advanced notice so we can meet your needs. Email us

  • Come up with questions.

    There鈥檚 nothing too outrageous. We鈥檒l give you the inside scoop on whatever you want to know.

What You Need

Here are our must have recommendations.

For Preview

  • Photo ID: You need this so you can get your 麻豆传媒集团 card. This card gets you into just about everything when you鈥檙e a student. A driver鈥檚 license, state ID, military ID, or passport will do.

  • Comfortable Shoes: We do a lot of walking at Preview and sore feet tend to ruin the fun.

  • Water Bottle: It鈥檚 hard to hoot and holler when you鈥檙e parched. We have plenty of filling stations to quench your thirst.

For Virtual Advising Appointment

  • Internet Access: You'll want a reliable internet connection to join your virtual advising appointment.

  • Laptop or Computer: You'll need to be near a computer to schedule classes with your advisor.

  • Login Credentials: Memorize your ULID and password. You鈥檒l 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鈥檝e got the towels, bed, pillows, and sheets covered. Here鈥檚 what you should bring:

  • Blanket: In case you get cold.

  • 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鈥檚 account). If you鈥檙e not up for staying on campus, we have several hotels close by.

Entrance to Bone Student Center.
Preview attendees on a tour of Milner Library.
Exterior of Milner Library.
Three young women at Preview's Expo.
Tri-Towers exterior.
Group of friends at Preview.

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:

  • Valid photo ID

  • ID to complete an I-9 form (social security card, passport, or certified birth certificate)

Meet the Preview Guides

These folks will be with you throughout Preview. They're helpful, knowledgeable, friendly, and fun.

Preview Guides strike a silly pose.

  • Preview is the starting point for making connections at 麻豆传媒集团. For any first-time student, this experience brings you closer to many different people. This includes not only new friends but departments across campus.

    Amy '24

    Organizational and Leadership Communication

    Preview guide, Amy.
  • Preview guide, William.

    Put your phone away! When you first get into your Preview groups, most people will be on their phones because they don't know anyone else in the group. Don't be afraid to start conversations with the people around you. This is the start to your college experience, so make the most of it!

    William '24

    Philosophy

  • Take risks! This is a time for you to find out who you are, decide who you want to be, and let go of anything that used to hold you back! Take a risk and make a new friend.

    Angela '24

    Psychology

    Preview guide, Angela.

Get in Touch

We can't wait to see you. Let us know what questions you have in the meantime.

Send us a message

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