University of Illinois Chicago

Discover what it means to be part of the UIC community

With one of the most diverse student populations in the nation, the University of Illinois Chicago is dedicated to providing a welcoming environment for its students and fostering a sense of belonging. We’re located in a bustling city, and there’s no shortage of exciting opportunities right here on campus. Get involved in UIC’s rich campus life by joining a variety of student groups and attending fun events.

Student Affairs

Discover programs, services and facilities to enhance your life at UIC

Campus Housing

Learn about living on campus, near your classes and all that Chicago has to offer

Student Centers

Two hubs of student life where you can relax, study, eat and hang out

Getting started at UIC

So, you want to get involved. But where to start? As a freshmen you’ll get an introduction to campus life during Orientation. Then, check out the UIC Involvement Fair, held once each semester, to meet with members of UIC’s many student organizations. Make the most of your college career by participating in the UIC Impact, a collection of fun activities that will enhance your studies at UIC.

Spark

Spark joins the diverse campus together in droves to enjoy performances from student DJs and bands with the world’s top artists. At the top of the year, hallways buzz with anticipation for the mystery guest artist.”

—Darrow V Richmond II, communications student

More about Spark

Recreation

Student exercising at the UIC Rec Center

Whether you’re looking for a place to work out or an intramural sport to join, UIC has plenty of options. The Student Recreation Facility and the Sport & Fitness Center offer fitness classes, swimming lessons and a 43-foot rock-climbing wall.

UIC intramural sports clubs, from cricket to flag football, let you enjoy time with friends while competing as a recreational athlete. Outdoor intramural teams compete at UIC’s Outdoor Field Complex, which has more than 214,000 square feet of artificial turf and two multipurpose fields.

Athletics

The UIC Flames compete in 18 NCAA Division I sports as members of the Missouri Valley Conference, which includes 12 public and private institutions that have strong academic reputations and a tradition of athletic success. UIC’s own success includes more than 70 conference championships and nearly 50 NCAA Championship appearances. Cheering on UIC’s 300 student-athletes is fun and admission to all home events is FREE for UIC students. Hang out with Sparky, our official mascot, at Credit Union 1 Arena, Flames Field, or Granderson Stadium, built in 2014 with help of a gift from UIC alumnus and 16-year Major League Baseball veteran Curtis Granderson (B.S., ’03).

Group of students at the ARC building. Photo: Jenny Fontaine

UIC's diversity

Diversity is embraced at UIC. Among UIC’s over 33,700 students, there’s no racial or ethnic majority. Our cultural centers and organizations serve a diverse population, and foster success and a sense of community.

“I love the diversity that exists at UIC. The student population consists of so many nationalities. The common ground for us all remains that we are here to learn.”

—Matthew Maggit, Business student

More about cultural centers

Arts and entertainment

Ladysmith Black Mambazo leads students in a dance during master class

UIC offers plenty of great entertainment opportunities right on campus. The Credit Union 1 Arena hosts concerts, athletic events, festivals and cultural events. It’s also home to the UIC men’s and women’s basketball teams and the Windy City Rollers. The Isadore and Sadie Dorin Forum hosts a variety of events, from lectures and performances to galas and conventions.

Students take center stage to showcase their acting skills in UIC Theatre productions.

Visit UIC’s Gallery 400 to experience contemporary art, architecture, and design through engaging exhibitions and programs. And on UIC Radio you can get involved and host a show — or just sit back and listen to the music you love.

LOL @ UIC

Ready to laugh? Every spring, the Student Activities Board hosts a free comedy show for UIC students with headliners such as Kenan Thompson, B.J. Novak, and Marlon and Shawn Wayans.

“It’s grown into a really great event and it’s something that’s really special to our campus.”

—Sladjana Grbic, Center for Student Involvement

More about LOL @ UIC