Read and learn all about the fantastic people behind the scenes at the Tutorium. They work very hard to ensure your journey here is a great one. When you see them around campus, say hello. They are happy to see you! 

Left to Right: Vit, Beata, Kristina

Vit

Fun facts: English is not my first language, but I've taught English for over 20 years and published a 4-book fantasy novel written in English. I run and ride my bike regularly. 

I can help you with ... UIC information, academic advising, and registration for the next semester. I work with our instructors to make sure they have everything they need to teach great classes.

Beata

Fun Facts: I grew up in Poland and speak English, Polish, and Spanish, but I also studied German and Latin. I’ve been to over 20 countries!

I can help you with... ELPA (the English Language Proficiency Assessment for UIC admission), the Grad+ program, and questions about applying to UIC degree programs. I also work behind the scenes with Kristina and Vit on just about everything, so if you’re not sure who to ask, I’m always happy to help point you in the right direction.

Kristina

Fun Facts: I spent one year studying in Italy during high school and another year in college. I speak English, French, Italian, Spanish, and a little Arabic.

I can help you with... U- Pass information, how to make tuition payments, UIC information, general Tutorium Information, and how to become a Social Media Ambassador! Also, if you just want to chat and get some candy, come see me at the front desk!

All students that attend UIC and live in the U.S. must have health insurance.

If you have not shown us proof of your insurance or filled out the insurance waiver form, this is a reminder!

Be careful! Scammers try to scare international students.

International Students will NEVER get a phone call from an official agency. If you get a phone call talking about immigration problems or money issues, it is a scam.

Scammers use technology to pretend that they are from official phone numbers. They also use psychology to make you scared. If you get a phone call, hang up the phone. Then, talk to someone from the Tutorium or the OIS office about the phone call if it is about immigration issues.

In the future, if you ever receive a phone call and feel unsure, please speak with a teacher or Tutorium staff member. To find more information about scams and phone calls, read more>>.

Are you shivering in the cold, waiting for the campus shuttle or your CTA bus? Then, add these us these two services on your phone to help you track when your bus arrives:

-UIC Shuttle Tracker App (Apple or Android) and CTA Bus Tracker Website

-To learn some tips for surviving winter in Chicago, read more>>. 

UIC requires all new students to show that they are vaccinated for the following diseases: 

Measles (Rubeola) – two (2) doses at least 28 days apart

Rubella (German Measles) – two (2) doses at least 28 days apart

Mumps – two (2) doses at least 28 days apart.

TD (Tetanus and Diphtheria) – at least  one (1) dose within past 10 years

Meningitis – Required for students under the age of 22 – Must be given on or after 16th birthday

COVID Vaccine and Booster (Not required but strongly encouraged)

If you are missing any of these, you should get them now. Make sure you have papers from your doctor showing you have these done. You will need to show them to UIC.

Have you checked your UI-Pay account to understand how to pay your tuition? Tuition is due next month! Set up your payment this week!

If you have questions or issues with your bill, please contact tutorium@uic.edu 

Last Tuesday, we enjoyed playing games, chatting, and eating food together! Did you miss out? Check out the other events below!

Are you planning to apply to a university or college in the USA? Do you need help with understanding the meaning of credit and credit hours? Have you ever wondered the difference between a major or minor, certificate, or specialization? Do you have so many questions and need help figuring out where to start? Applying to a university or college in the USA can be scary and challenging. The good news is that you are not alone. We are here to help! 

Join us on Wednesday, February 4th, from 2:30-3:30 pm in AH 104 for our first university seminar. Come ask all your questions about higher education in the USA and learn some helpful vocabulary, too! 

If you want to ask questions ahead of time, email tutorium@uic.edu. 

At Lunch & Learn you can share your favorite hobby, special skill, passion, your culture, or just something you love!

Some fun idea examples:

● Teaching everyone a 30-second TikTok dance
● Showing how to make perfect arepas / kimchi / lumpia
● Sharing the story behind a beloved childhood song
● Quick henna/hand art demo
● Explaining why Messi/Ronaldo is the GOAT (with funny memes!)

Please feel no pressure to speak perfectly! Speak at your own level – we celebrate effort & courage, not perfection!

Sign-up HERE by January 29th!

Attention all Level 4 and above students!

Recruitment for the spring 2026 cohort of Intercultural Connections is now live!

If you would like to learn more about Intercultural Connections, please click here.

Applications are due by February 6th.

Join OIS and the UIC international community on an outing to the Chicago Auto Show. The event and transportation to the event is all FREE! You will be responsible for arranging your own transportation home.

If you would like to participate in this event, please register NOW at the OIS front desk. Registration closes on Friday, Feb. 6, or when capacity is reached. Seats are limited!

For more information, please click here.

Have you checked out UIC's Student Recreation Facility. Here's your chance to visit and explore all the center has to offer at this year's Rec Live event.

Date: Thursday, January 29th 

Time: 4:30PM  - 6:30PM

At Rec Live, you'll have the opportunity to: 

Grab a friend and plan to spend some time at Rec Live together. 

English Tip: At the event, try to learn a few new words and then use them in conversation. Also, be brave and ask a few questions in ENGLISH. Remember, this activity can count as a listening and speaking log assignment as long as you use English during your time there. 

What if you run into trouble with your homework? How can you get help? Not sure where the homework is? Not sure when the homework is due? 
Read more for advice>>

Here are facts you should know: 

Did you know? 

To learn more about the differences between colleges, universities, and community colleges, read more>>. 

Although the semester has just begun, you might be wondering about your grades. Guess what? You can check the grades for your assignments, tests, projects, and homework in Blackboard. Here’s how to view them

1. In Blackboard, select your course.

2. Click “My Grades” on the navigation bar.

3. Review your scores.  Look for missing assignments.  Read comments from your teacher.

To learn more about viewing your grades, read more>>. 

Email questions to tutorium@uic.edu.
Or contact us to schedule a virtual or in-person meeting.