Future engineers start here: A guide to prospective and admitted student visits
Future engineers start here: A guide to prospective and admitted student visits
- Experiences
- Undergraduate
April 20, 2026
Planning a campus visit can feel overwhelming, especially with so many event options to choose from! You might be wondering which visit is right for you, what you’ll actually experience at each one and how to make the most of your time on campus.
To help, we’ve broken down our Grainger Engineering visit experiences so you can choose the one that best fits what you want to see, do and learn as you explore your future at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
Prospective and Admitted Students
If you want to explore campus, including labs:
Our Grainger Engineering Prospective Student Info Session & Tour is the visit for you! These visits are ongoing, so you can choose the date that works best for you when registering.
You'll attend a 30-minute presentation about our college, majors and admissions process, followed by a 90-minute walking tour of our engineering buildings, classrooms and lab spaces. This event is perfect for students who are interested in becoming engineers and want to experience firsthand what our college has to offer.
- Who it's for: Prospective students, but admitted students are always welcome
- While you’re here: Join our Grainger Engineering Prospective Student Q&A Open House the same afternoon, and consider signing up for The Illinois Experience & Campus Tour (hosted by the University Office of Undergraduate Admissions) for a campus-level introduction to the university
If you want to ask questions and hear directly from Grainger Engineering staff:
We recommend our Grainger Engineering Prospective Student Q&A Open House. These visits are ongoing, so you can choose the date that works best for you when registering.
You'll participate in a 30-minute informal session with a college advisor or assistant dean from Grainger Engineering, who will answer any questions you have about our college, majors, curriculum, resources and student opportunities. This is your chance to ask your own questions, determine the topics of discussion, and hear directly from our staff!
- Who it's for: Prospective students, but admitted students are always welcome
- While you’re here: Join our Grainger Engineering Prospective Student Info Session & Tour the same morning, and consider signing up for The Illinois Experience & Campus Tour (hosted by the University Office of Undergraduate Admissions) for a campus-level introduction to the university
If you’re looking for student organizations in action:
Come to our Engineering Open House, where you will explore over 130 student-run exhibits, contests and demonstrations. This is your chance to watch current Grainger Engineering students showcase their scientific and technological innovations.
The Engineering Open House has a rich history. It's also open to the public, so you don’t have to register!
- Who it's for: Prospective and admitted students
- While you’re here: Check out our many department happenings each day, or join a Grainger Engineering Prospective or Admitted Student Info Session & Tour
Admitted Students
If you're looking to experience a typical day as a Grainger engineer:
We encourage you to Shadow an Engineer! This is an exciting opportunity for admitted students to gain an authentic, firsthand look at a day in the life of a Grainger Engineering student on campus. Those who register for Shadow an Engineer will be matched with current Grainger engineers who are pursuing the same major.
During the visit, you'll follow your host through a typical day, attending classes, exploring facilities and experiencing campus from a student’s perspective. You'll coordinate your time and a meeting place with your host in advance, and your schedule will vary depending on the host’s availability.
Please note that this event is organized by one of our registered student organizations, and professional staff won't be present during the entirety of the event.
- Who it's for: Admitted students
- While you’re here: Join our Grainger Engineering Admitted Student Info Session & Tour, if your schedule allows
If you want to hear directly from students and explore campus, including labs:
Attend our Choose Grainger Engineering Admitted Student Info Session & Tour! These visits span from February through April, so you can choose the date that works best for you when registering.
During your visit, you'll hear about life on campus as a Grainger Engineering student directly from our students through an informational presentation, student panel and a 90-minute walking tour of the Grainger Engineering campus.
- Who it's for: Admitted students
- While you’re here: Join our Grainger Engineering Admitted Student Q&A Open House immediately after this event, and consider signing up for an Admitted Student Info Session & Campus Tour (hosted by the University Office of Undergraduate Admissions) for a campus-level introduction to the university
If you're looking for an open Q&A about Grainger Engineering:
Join our Grainger Engineering Admitted Student Q&A Open House! These visits span from February through April, so you can choose the date that works best for you when registering.
You'll participate in a 30-minute informal session with a college advisor or assistant dean in Grainger Engineering. They can answer your questions about our college, majors, curriculum, resources and student opportunities. This is a great chance for attendees to ask personalized questions and learn more about our college.
- Who it's for: Admitted students
- While you’re here: Join our Grainger Engineering Admitted Student Info Session & Tour immediately before this event, and consider signing up for an Admitted Student Info Session & Campus Tour (hosted by the University Office of Undergraduate Admissions) for a campus-level introduction to the university
If you’re looking for a community experience, including an overnight stay:
Check out our Student Introduction to Engineering (SITE) visit! Hosted by the Engineering Outreach Bureau (EOB) and the Undergraduate Recruitment Department, this dynamic, three-day immersive program is designed for newly admitted Grainger Engineering students.
During the weekend, you'll stay at the Illini Union Hotel and get the full Grainger Engineering experience through interactive activities, hands-on design challenges and opportunities to make campus connections. You'll have access to department tours, student organization showcases and exclusive Q&A panels that cover research, internships and study abroad opportunities.
This is your chance to explore our resources, eat in the dining halls and learn about student life directly from current Grainger Engineering students.
- Who it's for: Admitted students
- While you’re here: Enjoy your experience!
If you’re looking for a full campus experience:
Attend Illinois Bound: Admitted Student Day, a campus-wide event where you and your family can experience Illinois firsthand. Throughout the day, you’ll have the opportunity to explore housing, dine in residence halls, attend financial aid sessions and get a feel for campus life.
As part of this visit, Grainger Engineering hosts a dedicated half-day experience for admitted engineering students. You’ll explore our college through a resource and student organization fair, connect with academic departments during breakout sessions and student panels, and take part in engineering campus tours.
- Who it's for: Admitted students and their families
- While you’re here: Plan to explore Grainger Engineering-specific programming to make the most of your visit
Whatever visit experience you choose, we can't wait to welcome you to our campus. If you're interested in viewing more options, we also have offerings at our department level and at the campus level. Take this chance to explore Grainger Engineering to its fullest, and remember to bring your best walking shoes. We'll see you soon!