The Chinese New Year is one of the most important festivals in Chinese culture, full of traditions and cultural significance. This celebration follows the lunar cycle rather than the calendar we commonly use.

The Chinese calendar operates based on the cycles of the moon and the sun, and the New Year begins with the second new moon after the winter solstice, so it does not have an exact date and the date varies each year. Each year is associated with one of the twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac, such as the rat, dragon, or pig, and also with one of the five elements: wood, fire, earth, metal, or water. During the festival, various activities take place that reflect Chinese culture. Families gather for a special dinner with traditional dishes full of meaning, representing prosperity and abundance. Also, days before the Chinese New Year, houses are thoroughly cleaned to remove accumulated bad luck and attract good fortune. Among these activities, fireworks stand out, which are set off to scare away evil spirits. There are also lion and dragon dances, which are colorful and energetic performances symbolizing strength and protection. Additionally, children receive something called hongbao, which are red envelopes with money symbolizing good luck.

The Chinese New Year is an amazing festival that reflects the symbolism and traditions of this culture, the love for family, and the hope for a year full of prosperity, strengthening customs and the community.

Lunar New Year for Kids | Educational Video

Did you already know about the Chinese New Year?

Meet the writer: 

Alexandra Paredes is from Mexico. Her hobby is hiking. Her goal is to speak very well and also complete a career at the university.

Have you had time to visit UIC's library? Whether you need to do research for your paper or you need a nice spot to work on your group project, the library provides the perfect atmosphere for studying, collaborating, and even conversing. The best part is you can visit the library in person or access library materials online. If you need assistance during your visit, a librarian is always available to help you. Plan your visit to the library today!

Are you studying with us next semester? Did you know that TIE students may audit courses without fees as long as they receive approval from the college offering the course and collect the required signatures on the audit form? The time frame for getting permission and signing up is short and is at the beginning of each semester.

You can find the form, along with more information on auditing, here: https://registrar.uic.edu/registration/audit/. You would register as a non-degree undergraduate student. The paperwork must be completed before the last day of late registration and cannot be done before the first day of instruction.

Remember to register for classes for your next semester (Summer or Fall). Register by Tuesday, April 28 for a 5% discount! You have received an email with instructions on how to register. Search for “Time to register for Summer courses” in your UIC email. If you try to register and you receive a HOLD message, be sure to contact tutorium@uic.edu.

At the end of every term, we make a short video celebrating the completion of another semester, and we include all of the pictures our students share with us.

We especially love photos of you and your classmates in class, exploring Chicago, at class parties, and having fun with your teachers.

Please send us any photos that you took this semester for us to share in the Tutorium End-of-Session video. You can send the photos to us at tutorium@uic.edu.  

You can also tag #tieuic in your photos on Facebook and Instagram so we can find and share your memories. View past End of Session videos on the Tutorium YouTube channel.

Teachers Sally and Nora led our conversation about spring break this past week! Many adventures were shared, from staycations to Utah, Georgia, and even Toronto, Canada! Join us in a few weeks for our last conversation hour of the semester! 

Join UIC's Recreation & Wellbeing this Earth day to help pick up trash around campus, learn more about sustainability practices, and watch or participate in a daring climbing competition!

Click here for more information.

Come out to watch UIC's annual BATTLE OF THE BANDS featuring UIC musicians!

Date: Wednesday, April 22nd
Time: 5pm - 8:30pm
Place: UH Lawn (in between the Commons dorm and ADS)

Click here for more information.

Travel back a decade and join us for an outdoor UIC event where students can relive the music, trends, and energy of 2016 while letting loose and enjoying a nostalgic night on Wednesday, April 29 at 4-8p!

Have you ever felt like you’re not yourself in English? Maybe you feel like you tell better jokes in your first language. Maybe you’re really good at graphic design, but you don’t know how to communicate that part of yourself in English. Did you know that learning another language is almost like learning a new personality, too? It’s normal to feel like you’re not yourself in another language. To learn how to stay true to yourself even when speaking another language, read more>>.

Thinking about changing your major? There are many reasons why students change their major throughout their college career. However, before making such a big decision, there are a few things to consider read more>>. 

You will have final exams in your classes very soon! Final exams is the week of April 27th - 30th. 

Tips for Preparing for Final Exams

Are you worried about your upcoming exams? Are you feeling a little bit frazzled lately? This is a good time to review everything you have learned so far.  Check out the study tips on these websites.

Studying | Wellness Center | University of Illinois Chicago 

How To Prep for an Exam (After Event Tips) | Wellness Center | University of Illinois Chicago 

Here are some of the best tips:

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