Welcome New Exploratory Studies Students
We are excited to meet you at New Student Registration! Whether we see you on-campus or virtually, the information below will be helpful as you begin your exploring journey at Illinois. Our purpose is to help you find yours and we can’t wait to get started!
Preparing for Your In-Person NSR Day
- Complete Your New Student Registration Pre-Advising Worksheet
Be sure to indicate majors of interest, all AP exams taken, and any previous credit you may have earned. It’s okay if you change your mind on majors or forget to add something. Just be sure to tell your academic advisor when you see them! - Complete All Required Placement Exams
Exploratory Studies students are minimally required to complete the Math and Chemistry placement exams, regardless of your major interests. There may be more required exams pending your academic interest. There’s no way to fail these exams. They are an advising tool so we can help you get started in courses. Just make sure you take your time and log in from a computer. - Setup your NetID before your New Student Registration date
Access “NetID and Computing” through the Admitted Student Checklist. Don’t forget your password! You will need this to register for classes. - Stay on Top of Your Checklist
Keep an eye on your admitted student checklist. It has everything you need to take care of before arriving on campus this fall.
Preparing for Your Virtual NSR Day
- Complete Your New Student Registration Pre-Advising Worksheet
Be sure to indicate majors of interest, all AP exams taken, and any previous credit you may have earned. It’s okay if you change your mind on majors or forget to add something. Just be sure to tell your academic advisor when you see them! - Complete All Required Placement Exams
Exploratory Studies students are minimally required to complete the Math and Chemistry placement exams, regardless of your major interests. There may be more required exams pending your academic interest. There’s no way to fail these exams. They are an advising tool so we can help you get started in courses. Just make sure you take your time and log in from a computer. - Setup your NetID before your New Student Registration date
Access “NetID and Computing” through the Admitted Student Checklist.
Don’t forget your password! You will need this to register for classes. - Download Zoom Client for Meetings (prior to any virtual advising appointments)
If you are attending New Student Registration virtually, you’ll need to download Zoom. Be sure to practice screen sharing ahead of time. Make sure you are able to use a computer for your advising appointment. You will not be able to register for courses on your phone or a tablet. - Stay on Top of Your Checklist
Keep an eye on your admitted student checklist. It has everything you need to take care of before arriving on campus this fall.
Exploratory Studies Programs
Click on the following links for information on any Exploratory Studies programs that you may be part of:
- Enrichment Experience Program
- Illinois Scholars Program
- Morrill Engineering Program – ENG 111 Course
- James Scholar Program
- MERIT Program – For students with interests in STEM majors who have been invited.
Course Registration Information
How to Register Using Class Registration
Step-by-step instructions for online registration in the Class Registration system.
Registering for Your Courses
Tips on registering for your courses online, general education requirements and common error messages.
Resources For Family Members
Welcome & College Meeting
Hear from our Director, Sarah Watson, and learn how advising works in Exploratory Studies and how we’ll support your student. If you’re attending New Student Registration in person, you will attend this session on that day.
Family Resources
Browse through additional resources for parents and family members and find helpful tips and strategies.
Student Resources
Learn how academic advising works in the Division of Exploratory Studies.
A schedule of classes by term, a database of general education course, and access to popular course resources.
Additional tips on course registration provided by the Office of the Registrar.
Procedures and requirements for declaring majors at Illinois. Exploratory Studies students will be able to declare after your first year of college if you have met major requirements.
Explore all 150 majors at Illinois with our Major Handbook.
If you are an international student, visit the ISSS website for information regarding your arrival on campus.
A listing of the many tutoring resources available to students.