Students: 10 campus resources to know

As the fall semester begins, discover resources to help you make the most of your time at UIC. (Photo: Martin Hernandez/UIC)

There's a lot to figure out when you start college, from finding your way around campus to where to meet new friends. But here's the good news: UIC has resources to help you succeed in class, find your community, stay healthy and make the most of your college experience.

Here are 10 UIC resources worth knowing as you start your semester.

Get help with your writing

Get help with everything from class assignments and lab reports to resumes and personal statements at the UIC Writing Center. You can reserve a time to meet in person in Grant Hall or online. The Writing Center also offers daily drop-in sessions for projects that will take less than 20 minutes.

UIC shuttle buses help you get around campus. (Photo: Jenny Fontaine/UIC)

Connect with your advisor

Your academic advisor can help you choose courses, stay on track to graduate and answer questions about your degree program. Schedule an appointment through iAdvise for in-person or virtual advising, depending on your college.

Catch the shuttle

For free shuttle rides around campus, use the Intracampus Bus Service. Track your bus using the free TripShot app, available in the App Store and Google Play. You can also use the app to schedule late-night Night Ride service on demand.

Find food resources

The Flames Food Pantry, operated by the UIC Wellness Center, provides free food and staples to students experiencing food insecurity. During the fall and spring semesters, the pantry is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays in the Montgomery Ward Gallery, Student Center East Tower. Another location is planned for the west side of campus.

Take care of your mental health

The UIC Counseling Center provides free and confidential mental health services for UIC students, including consultations, individual and group therapy and wellness workshops. Services are available virtually and in person from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday in Room 2010 of the Student Services Building.

The UIC Gender and Sexuality Center, one of the Centers for Cultural Understanding and Social Change, hosts a Pride Picnic each June. (Photo: Jenny Fontaine/UIC)

Find your community

At UIC's Centers for Cultural Understanding and Social Change, students can connect, explore culture and identity, attend events, find mentorship and more. With seven centers across campus, there are many ways to get involved and learn something new.

Stay prepared

The UIC Office of Preparedness and Response offers resources to help you feel prepared and connected on campus, including the UIC Safe app. Use the app to share your location with friends and family, request a walking safety escort, register your bike, access emergency guidance and more.

Start your career

UIC Career Services can help you explore majors, prepare for interviews and find internships or part-time jobs while you're in school. If you're registered for classes at UIC, you can access job listings through the Handshake website with your UIC credentials.

Take a climbing-wall class at the Student Recreation Facility.

Take a break

UIC's Recreation and Wellbeing facilities offer plenty of ways to get moving, meet new friends and take a break from studying. Try a fitness class, join an intramural sport, take a climbing-wall class, book a massage and more.

Explore Chicago

Your UIC experience doesn't stop on campus. Through Flames in the City, you can see Broadway in Chicago productions at a discount, cheer on your favorite sports teams on UIC-themed nights and take part in Chicago outings and events with other UIC students.

A few more to know:

Campus maps: Find buildings and transportation around campus.

Center for Student Involvement: Discover student organizations, events and leadership opportunities.

Commuter and Off-Campus Life: Find resources and programs for students who live off campus.

Disability Resource Center: Request accommodations and access support.

Office of the Dean of Students: Find support for basic needs, emergency funding, student legal services and more.

Student Financial Aid and Scholarships: Find information about grants, loans and scholarships.

Technology Solutions: Get help with Wi-Fi, find a printer, borrow equipment and more.

UIC Library: Find research tools, study spots, archives and events.

Undergraduate Research Hub: Connect to research opportunities.