After You're Admitted
The Graduate School is home to all graduate students at Illinois State regardless of the program you are pursuing. The Graduate School has a lot to offer students, including a Professional Development Workshop series, thesis and dissertation assistance, Three Minute Thesis competition, University Research Symposium, and more. The Graduate School staff are helpful resources as you navigate life as a graduate student. Let us know how we can make the most of your time as a graduate student.
Secure Your Enrollment by Paying the Deposit
A non-refundable enrollment deposit fee (EDF) of $150 will be required for all new graduate students prior to course registration or the issue of immigration documents. Students will only pay the enrollment deposit one time. Any student enrolling in multiple or additional programs, or needing to defer to a future semester, will not have to pay a subsequent enrollment deposit.
Please refer to this webpage for more information on how to pay your EDF.
Contact your Graduate Coordinator and Review Your Degree Requirements
Your graduate coordinator is your go-to person for issues regarding graduate education in your discipline. A coordinator's responsibilities may vary from department to department, but you can expect your coordinator to oversee your advising process and academic progress, administer your academic paperwork and assist in the hiring of graduate assistants or other graduate employment.
We encourage you to review the graduate catalog to understand your degree requirements and university policies. You can review your course options which will help you determine your program plan of study with your graduate coordinator.
View a list of graduate coordinators
Know Your Funding Opportunities
We know funding plays an important role in selecting your graduate school and Illinois State is committed to helping make graduate school affordable. Graduate Assistantships are a popular source of funding for students. Take an in-depth look online at all of your funding opportunities including assistantship waivers, scholarships, and loan options.
Learn about your funding opportunities
Decide Your Living Arrangements
While the University owns and manages two apartment complexes on School Street and Fell Avenue which house upper class and graduate students without dependents, most Illinois State graduate students live off campus. With multiple off-campus housing options in the area, students are likely to find the right fit for their lifestyle. The Off-Campus Housing Marketplace or the Illinois State Facebook community group is a good place to start to search for off-campus listings, roommates, and subleasors. It can also be helpful to talk to your department or other students in your program for housing suggestions.
Know Your Parking and Transportation Options
You can purchase a computer parking permit if you plan to drive to campus. Illinois State's shuttle bus or Bloomington-Normal public transit is free to ride with your Redbird ID card. Find out about costs, parking locations and bus service by visiting the Office of Parking and Transportation.
Visit the Office of Parking and Transportation
Register for Classes and Get Your Redbird ID Card
Discuss your plan of study with your Graduate Coordinator before registering for classes. Advance course registration is available to graduate students a few months before the semester begins. A personalized list of textbooks are available by your professors when you enroll in classes on your My.Illinoisstate.edu portal. You can obtain your Redbird ID card after you have registered for at least one class. The Redbird Card Office is located on the first floor of the Bone Student Center.
View complete registration instructions
Check Your Email
Don't forget to check your preferred email for Admission messages and your new Illinois State email address for departmental communications. Your Redbird email is your ULID@ilstu.edu which can be accessed at My.IllinoisState.edu.
Submit Your Health Records
You must have proof of all required health immunizations on file with Student Health Services before the start of your first term to avoid a late fee and being blocked from future class registrations. A list of immunizations required by the State of Illinois and instructions on how to submit materials can be found on the Student Health Services website.
View requirements and submit immunization records
Pay Your Bill
At the beginning of each semester, you must either pay your tuition and fees in full or enroll in a monthly installment plan. You can find out everything you need to know about tuition rates, general fees, billing due dates, and payment options on the Student Accounts website.
Learn more about paying your bill and due dates
Follow the Graduate School on Social Media
Learn what it’s like to be a graduate student at Illinois State and stay connected with the latest information on Facebook and Twitter. The Graduate School hosts events for current students on a range of topics throughout the year.
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram