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UIUC has a stress management program that helps students manage their stress and relax. The aim of this program is to help students maintain a healthy level of stress to allow them to work efficiently everyday. Stress management coordinators are also available to help students reduce their stress through discussions about time management and self-esteem. Currently, there are online relaxation exercise available to give students the opportunity to manage their stress at home.

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The Stress Management Program offers a variety of opportunities for students to explore stress management strategies and relaxation techniques that meet their individual needs. The goal of the Stress Management Program is to help students maintain comfortable and productive levels of daily stress.

Individual Appointments

The Stress Management Coordinator is available to address such issues as stress, time management, self-esteem, and assertiveness. To schedule an appointment with a stress management coordinator, call Health Education at 217-333-2700. Appointments are kept confidential, informal, and generally last about an hour.

Outreach Programs

Stress Management Workshops and Wellness programs can be requested for your group or organization. If one of our existing programs does not meet your needs, we are happy to tailor a program for your group. Call 217-333-2700 to inquire about program selections.

Web-based Relaxation Exercises

Finding time to relax can feel limited. Try out one of our online relaxation exercises and feel free to download them to your MP3 player for ease and convenience. Remember, relaxation exercises should be performed/practiced when you are NOT operating a vehicle or other machinery.

Stress Relief Packs

Every semester around finals, stress relief packs are available to students filled with a variety of stress management tips, snacks, coupons, games, and more to help you get through this stressful time. These are distributed at McKinley's Health Resource Center's while supplies last.

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The Stress Management Program offers a variety of opportunities for students to explore stress management strategies and relaxation techniques that meet their individual needs. The goal of the Stress Management Program is to help students maintain comfortable and productive levels of daily stress.

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The main mode of transportation within the UIUC is bus, through the Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District (MTD). The MTD provides a bus service that students can access by simply using their university i-card as an unlimited bus pass. The bus service is frequent due to there being four different routes with each approximately ten minutes long.

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Facilities and Services University of Illinois Urbana Champaign

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The University of Illinois is fortunate to have an exceptional public transit network available for students, faculty, staff, and visitors.

Buses

The university contracts with the MTD to provide bus service throughout campus. Because of this agreement, the university i-card serves as a full-access MTD bus pass for any route served by the bus service. MTD schedules, maps, and transit district information are available online at MTD.org. Learn more about riding on MTD buses on MTD's Riding Tips. All MTD buses are ADA accessible and equipped with a lift and a bike rack (can accommodate two bicycles at a time).

Track Your Ride

MTD's STOPwatch technology tracks the exact location of each bus and projects the departure time for any given stop location in real time. Every intersection and major destination in the community has a unique identifying number, so riders can use text messaging, the internet, or the stationary displays throughout campus to know when to catch the bus.

There are several web and mobile applications to plan your trips or track your ride.Read more about these apps here. Following are the recommended apps for Web, Android, and iOS users:

Web: MTD.org, UIUC Bus
Android: Token Transit, Transit: Real-time Transit App, CU Transit: Bus and Navigation
iOS: Token Transit, Transit for CUMTD, My Bus Helper: MTD

Plan your trips using the aforementioned apps or go to MTD's Trip Planner.

SafeRides

The purpose of 335 SafeRides Connect is to provide safe transportation to individuals who are generally traveling alone and when no other means of safe transportation are available within the designated 335 SafeRides Connect boundaries. SafeRides are available from dusk (7 p.m./5 p.m.) until 6 a.m. There is a maximum limit of three persons per pick-up location. SafeRides does not duplicate fixed-route service already provided by MTD. SafeRides does not provide emergency transportation services to medical facilities. SafeRides does not provide service to and from bars.

Download the SafeRides Connect App from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store and register yourself. Open the App, enter your origin, destination, number of people, and tap "Create Journey." The App will determine if a fixed-route trip is appropriate and will provide an itinerary. If no fixed route is appropriate, a 335 SafeRide Connect trip will be offered. Tap "Book Trip" to accept the ride. Then monitor the App for updated trip information.

You can also call 217.265.7433. Provide the dispatcher with the following information: your name (first and last), phone number, email address, pick-up location (street address/landmark), and destination. If your trip is within the 335 SafeRides Connect boundaries, the dispatcher will enter the trip into the system and will give you the details of the trip.

Expect waiting times of 15 minutes during the week, and up to 30 minutes on the weekend when demand is higher. Upon arriving at a pick-up location, the 335 SafeRides Connect operator will only wait two minutes for passengers to board before continuing to the next scheduled pick-up/drop-off location. Requests for 335 SafeRides Connect will be taken until 6 a.m. for trips to be completed by 6:30 a.m. Learn more about SafeRides here.

SafeWalks

SafeWalks is a courtesy service provided by the University of Illinois Public Safety department to University of Illinois students, faculty, and staff. To request a SafeWalks escort, call 217-333-1216. You can also use an emergency phone to contact a dispatcher.
Please give at least 15 minutes notice.
Hours of Operation

9 p.m. to 2:30 a.m., Sunday through Wednesday (calls taken until 2:15 a.m.)
9 p.m. to 3 a.m., Thursday, Friday or Saturday (calls taken until 2:45 a.m.)

SafeWalks is a free service provided by Student Patrol. Visit our employment page for more information on how to join Student Patrol. Read more about SafeWalks and SafeRides here.

Campus Routes

Bus routes such as Green, Gold, Yellow, and Teal, create a box pattern and connect the four corners of campus with the Champaign and Urbana downtown areas. These are high-frequency routes with 10-minute service. There are several other bus routes that connect our campus to the communities. The Illini and Silver routes are dedicated to serving the campus and have bus service every 10-minute during the academic year. Learn more about MTD routes and bus services here.

Traveling with Bikes

MTD buses are equipped with bike racks that hold two bicycles at a time. There is no extra charge for using the bike racks, but if the racks are full, you may need to wait for the next bus. Properly folded folding bikes may be brought on board if they do not block the aisle or doors. MTD's Riding Tips offers more information about traveling with a bike.

CUMTD Bus Lunch and Learn Program

Want to teach your group more about taking the local buses? Think employees or students will benefit from knowing more about transit? F&S and CU-MTD have teamed up to provide a free one hour session explaining the bus service on campus, the benefits to using buses, and answering and questions about transit in the area.

Paratransit

Disability Resources and Educational Services ( DRES) provides disability-related supports and services for students with disabilities at the University of Illinois, including assistance with academics, living accommodations, athletics, campus life, health and wellness, and paratransit. DRES' Office of Accessibility and Transportation Services offers regular route rides, night rides, call-in service, and rides for special events within the University Campus District. In addition, DRES provides rides to Willard Airport, the Illinois Terminal, and various off-campus locations. All buses are lift-equipped. DRES' Getting Around page provides more information.

MTD also has a ADA paratransit transportation system. Click here for additional information.

Intercity Travel

Illinois Terminal at 45 E. University Avenue in Champaign provides a central transfer point for the local MTD bus service, intercity buses, and Amtrak train service.

Greyhound, Burlington Trailways, Peoria Charter, and Bestway Charter Transportation are some of the charter companies that provide transportation to other cities from the Illinois Terminal and/or campus location(s).

Amtrak provides train service at the Illinois Terminal station for the daily Chicago-Carbondale Illini and Saluki trains, and the Chicago-New Orleans City of New Orleans, also operating daily.

Amtrak operates passenger rail service throughout most of the United States, serving cities and towns in 45 states. Customers should visit the Illinois Terminal Station in Champaign, call 1-800-USA-RAIL, or see an authorized Amtrak travel agent, for details on any Amtrak service. Ticketing, schedules, and service information are also available at the Amtrak site.

University of Illinois Willard Airport offers daily flights to three destinations: Chicago, Detroit, and Dallas/Ft. Worth, including regional jet service to Chicago O'Hare Airport.

Transit Safety

Wait for the bus well back from the road.

Do not step into the roadway until the bus has stopped and the door has opened.

Use the handrail when boarding and exiting.

Cross at least 10 feet in front of a bus so other drivers can see you.

Special areas are designated for elderly customers and those with disabilities. Please surrender these seats when needed.

Never stick your arms or legs in the doors to prevent them from closing.

Never put your head, arms or hands out of the window.

Keep aisles clear of feet, books, bags, etc.

Allow other passengers to exit before you board.

Never leave any personal belongings unattended. Carry your valuables inside your garment. Securely clasp your purse or bag.

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Facilities and Services University of Illinois Urbana Champaign

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The University of Illinois is fortunate to have an exceptional public transit network available for students, faculty, staff, and visitors. The university contracts with the MTD to provide bus service throughout campus. Because of this agreement, the university i-card serves as a full-access MTD bus pass for any route served by the bus service.

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There are seven dining halls at UIUC, with one of them (Pennsylvania Avenue Dining Hall) being only "grab and go." There are also a la carte locations which offer full meals and often food to-go. There are also many restaurants that sell a variety of foods such as vegetarian, American, and Asian foods.

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We're located across campus, never far from class or home.

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There are 90 fraternities and sororities in UIUC: 51 fraternities, 38 sororities, and 1 coed. They exist for the ultimate goal of bringing like-minded individuals together for multiple purposes. They offer various programs such as Alumni Hall of Fame, Beyond Fit, and Emerging Leaders. They also provide their members with services such as council advising and academic grade reports.

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Featured Graphic Items

FSA services have moved online

Our number one priority is the health and safety of our students, staff, and community. In response to the rapidly evolving COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, we are moving our services online. All in-person services are temporarily discontinued.

Please email fsaffairs@illinois.edu or call (217) 333-7062 before visiting our office and visit covid-19.illinois.edu for current updates regarding the University of Illinois' response.

Additional resources are available here.

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Our number one priority is the health and safety of our students, staff, and community. In response to the rapidly evolving COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, we are moving our services online. All in-person services are temporarily discontinued. Please email fsaffairs@illinois.edu or call (217) 333-7062 before visiting our office and visit covid-19.illinois.edu for current updates regarding the University of Illinois' response.

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Apartments are available to all students who are sophomore and above. There are only three apartment buildings that are owned by UIUC: Orchard Downs, Goodwin-Green, and Ashton Woods. Orchard downs offers single and two bedroom apartments, Goodwin-Green offers apartments that one-bedroom, and Ashton Woods only offers two-bedroom apartments. All apartments come either furnished or unfurnished. UIUC also provides short-stay options. I would want to live in apartment because of the increased freedom and comfort that can be associated with it. For example, apartments have their own kitchens and bathrooms which makes living in them more comfortable overall.

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For sophomores and up, graduate students, families, faculty, staff, and visiting scholars.

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Residence halls are accessible to undergraduate and graduate students. Undergraduate halls are located in Urbana North, Urbana South, Ikenberry Commons North, and Ikenberry Commons South. In some halls there are LLCs (Living Learning Communities) that provide students with credit courses such as the Business LLC, Global Crossroads, and Honors LLC. I would want to live in the student residence halls because of the benefits of the LLCs such as providing courses that are outside of my field of focus. Furthermore, transportation tends to be easier, due to them being close to bus stops and to my department building.

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University Housing's residence halls are home to first-year, transfer, upper-division, and graduate students. Living on campus means living among friends, being close to classes, getting access to helpful resources, and feeling connected to the University.

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University Housing's residence halls are home to first-year, transfer, upper-division, and graduate students. Living on campus means living among friends, being close to classes, getting access to helpful resources, and feeling connected to the University.

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UIUC hosts time management workshops. Parts of these workshops are provided online to make them accessible despite the issues with COVID-19.

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The University of Illinois Counseling Center strives to offer students the tools they need to be successful. It's common for students to need assistance building skills to cope with the stress and challenges of college life and beyond. As such, we offer several series of "mini-courses" designed to help build academic and stress management skills. For more information about the series that we offer, please select the options you're interested in learning more about.

In Focus: Assists students who have ADHD or ADHD-like symptoms.

Perfectionism: Focuses on recognizing when perfectionistic tendencies can be harmful and how to implement coping strategies to better manage.

Power of Purpose: Develops goal-setting, planning and perserverance skills.

RIO: Offers students a chance to develop skills to recognize and understand their emotions and use mindfulness principles to regulate emotions and determine what changes they'd like to make in their lives. RIO stands for recognition, insight, and openness.

Test Anxiety: This workshop discusses effective ways to manage test anxiety and perform better on exams.

Time Management: This workshop will help you reflect on how you prioritize, learn task-management and motivation strategies, and understand the importance of self-care and allowing yourself breaks.

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The University of Illinois Counseling Center strives to offer students the tools they need to be successful. It's common for students to need assistance building skills to cope with the stress and challenges of college life and beyond. As such, we offer several series of "mini-courses" designed to help build academic and stress management skills.

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The university plans on implementing a combination of virtual and in-person classes for the fall semester. At the moment the dates of the fall semester have not change, and the university is considering limiting the number of students on campus to maximize safety of students and staff. The ultimate goal of the university is to maximize safety and in-person classes to help education continue as usual.

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COVID-19 - Information from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

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Allows students to pay tuition, housing, and other fees through a maximum of six separate payments for each of the two semesters. Certain requirements are needed to be eligible for the payment plan, such as being free of debt and having a minimum of 500 dollars available in the account. The cost to participate in the plan includes 40 dollars (non-refundable) for enrollment and 30 dollars (also non-refundable) in case a payment is returned.

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The University of Illinois provides an optional Payment Plan that allows students/authorized payers to spread payment of anticipated tuition, mandatory fees, room, and board expenses over 6 installments for the Fall and Spring semesters. The Payment Plan is an alternative option to the regular University payment policy and is administered by Nelnet Business Solutions. Students will not be assessed monthly late payment fees on their student account while enrolled in the Payment Plan.

1. Any University of Illinois undergraduate, graduate, or professional school student, or the Authorized Payer of such student, is eligible to participate in the Payment Plan.

2. Enrollment is not automatic for current participants. A student must be re-enrolled on a semester basis.

3. Your student account must be in good standing. Students with past due balances must contact University Bursar to find out about alternative arrangements.

4. You must allow automatic withdrawals from your U.S. checking or savings account; or automatic charges to your U.S. credit card account. Students with two or more invalid checks (paper check and/or e-check) payments are not eligible to use a checking or saving account. Students with prior disputed credit card payments are not eligible to use a credit card.

5. Summer charges are not eligible for this plan and must be paid when billed.

6. Only tuition, mandatory fees, housing, and meal plan charges are eligible to be included in your Payment Plan budget. Please note: Certified housing is not assessed to student's accounts and is therefore not eligible to be included in the Payment Plan.

7. Your Payment Plan budget must have a minimum balance of $500.00

Cost to Participate

$40 per semester non-refundable enrollment fee

$30 non-refundable fee if a payment is returned

For more information about the Payment Plan, please see Payment Plan FAQs.

Enrollment deadlines
Payment Plan enrollment for the Fall 2020 semester opens June 1, 2020. Enrollment for the Spring 2021 semester opens November 2, 2020. All payments will be processed on the 20th of the month.
Fall 2020

*33% payment of the student account balance required at the time of enrollment for the 2 month plan.

Spring 2021

*25% payment of the student account balance required at the time of enrollment for the 3 month plan.

Enrollment Instructions

Students

Log into UI-Pay, follow the login instructions for your university, and then select "Student Account", then "Payment Plan".

Authorized Payers

Log in as an Authorized Payer, then select "Payment Plan".

CollegeInsure Plan

Payment Plan owners are covered under the Nelnet Business Solutions CollegeInsure Plan. Insurance benefits are payable to the University of Illinois under this plan.

Insurance Coverage Summary

The CollegeInsure Plan pays the remaining education obligation for the current school year, limited to the Maximum Benefit Amount.
The Benefit described in this Insurance Coverage Summary is effective only if You are eligible for the insurance, become insured and remain insured as described in the Certificate of Insurance and according to the terms and conditions of the Insurance Policy. This Insurance Coverage Summary is for illustration purposes only and highlights specific points within The Certificate of Insurance issued to Nelnet Business Solutions, Inc. (NBS).
Maximum Benefit Amount: Forty Thousand Dollars (USD $40,000)

The Maximum Benefit Amount applies to each NBS Tuition Payment Agreement and payments are initiated upon death of the covered person. Covered person means that one person who is indicated on the NBS Tuition Payment Agreement to be the tuition payer. The covered person must be under the age of 70 on the later of the day insurance is elected or the NBS Tuition Payment Agreement is signed. Electronic signatures are allowed.

The amount of Benefit payable is limited to the outstanding balance owed to the student(s)' educational institution, as budgeted through NBS, up to the Maximum Benefit Amount. Payments in arrears, if any, are not covered. The Benefit is payable directly to the institution specified on the NBS Tuition Payment Agreement.

The coverage effective date is the date on which the NBS Tuition Payment Agreement is executed by the covered person. Coverage ends on the due date of the last scheduled NBS tuition payment.

Proof of Loss is required to obtain this Benefit. A certified copy of the death certificate, indicating cause of death, must be provided to NBS.

Mutual of Omaha Companies
United of Omaha Life Insurance Company
Coverage Provider
Mailing Address:
Mutual of Omaha Plaza
Omaha, NE 68175

Questions:

Please contact Nelnet Business Solutions at 866-506-4637 for additional information.

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The University of Illinois provides an optional Payment Plan that allows students/authorized payers to spread payment of anticipated tuition, mandatory fees, room, and board expenses over 6 installments for the Fall and Spring semesters. The Payment Plan is an alternative option to the regular University payment policy and is administered by Nelnet Business Solutions.

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My ideal study environment would be one that is completely quiet or close to it. Therefore, the UIUC library would be an ideal place to study during my time at the university. However, due to COVID-19, the library is currently closed, and will not open until UIUC is at phase 4 of its plan to deal with the pandemic. At that point, the library will be open for only in-person appointments. However, when phase 5 is reached that library will be fully open.

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In Phase 4, the Library will focus on digitizing both circulating and special collections materials to support instruction and research, including patron requests. When providing research support requires access to physical reference materials or equipment, such as microfilm readers (initially, microfilm access will be supported for short-term consultation and reference use), in-person appointments will be utilized.

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- Prepaid tuition: allows students to pay future tuition and other fees ahead of time and at current prices.
- Financial Wellness Program: helps students manage their money by providing multiple, free of charge, benefits including: one-on-one guidance with trained educators regarding budgeting and a center containing beneficial budgeting resources.
- Other resources: personal expense sheets and college monthly budget worksheets are available for students to complete to monitor their spending at an individual level.

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Our suggestions will help you manage your college finances successfully.

Know Your Payment Options

Explore payment plan options to pay your University of Illinois charges:

Payment Plans

University Payment Plans are administered through the University Bursar, which lets you spread out payment of anticipated tuition, mandatory fees, and university housing expenses if you do not plan on paying your student account balance in full by the billing due date.

Know Your Saving Options

Families can save for college in numerous ways. Here are a just a few you can take advantage of:

Prepaid Tuition

College Illinois is a 529 prepaid tuition plan administered through the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC), which lets you prepay tomorrow's tuition and fees at today's prices.

Savings Program

Bright Start Savings, a tax advantaged savings program under Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code, is specifically designed to help you build college savings. It's treated as investment income and should be reported on the FAFSA. If you have a college savings plan, the net worth of the plan is listed as a current investment.

Illinois College Savings Bonds

Illinois College Savings Bonds are specifically geared to help families fund the cost of their children's higher education, although they don't have to be used for college.

Illinois College Savings Bonds can be purchased from a brokerage firm. Prices of the bonds are subject to change, depending on the market conditions at the time of the sale. They aren't subject to state or federal taxes, and they're zero-coupon bonds, meaning they'll be sold at a price lower than their final maturity. Instead of paying periodic interest, these bonds offer a fixed-cash payment at maturity.

In addition, the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) has a Bonus Incentive Grant (BIG) program for students who pay for in-state college education with Illinois College Bonds. At the time the bond matures, you'll need to contact the administrator of the BIG program at the ISAC.

For more college savings tips, visit the College Savings Plans Network.

Utilize Our Services

University of Illinois Extension offers a Financial Wellness program to help you learn to manage your money more effectively and make wise financial decisions. It provides the following services free of charge to students:

One-on-one assistance by trained peer educators on budgeting, credit issues, and utilizing job benefits

Presentations to campus clubs and organizations

A resource center with helpful financial education materials

Referrals to related community and university financial services

Student Wellness Resources Program educators are conveniently located in the Wellness Resource Center inside the Activities and Recreation Center (ARC). Give them a call at 217-244-5580.

Spend Wisely

You may have a large balance in your account at the beginning of the year if you've received financial aid. However, it's budgeted to last the entire semester and will go quickly if you don't properly manage your spending.

Set a Realistic Budget & Track Your Expenses

If you have a budget, youll be better prepared, but you also have to follow through. Otherwise, you may not have enough funds to cover the cost of your education.

You can set a realistic budget by recording your sources of income versus your expenses, which will enable you to see how much you can spend each month. Follow these steps:

1. Fill out the Personal Expense Sheet. Use past receipts, your checkbook register, and your online bank account to estimate the amount needed to cover these expenses.

2. Keep track of your actual spending each day for 1 month.

3. At the end of the month, add your expenses from the Personal Expenses Sheet and put the totals on your College Monthly Budget Worksheet in the actual column. Subtract the actual column from the budgeted column and analyze the results by answering these questions:

Did you stick to your budget, overspend, or underspend?

In areas where you overspent, why did you?

Is there any way you can cut back on spending?

If your balance shows that you spent a lot more money during the month than you accounted for on your personal record sheets, try to pay more attention to your impulse purchases. They may be the cause of the discrepancy.

If you spend beyond your budget and can't cut back, you'll need to look for additional sources of income, such as a part-time job or loans for which you may be eligible.

Avoid Credit Card Debt

A major problem for college students is credit card debt. To prevent this problem, you must acknowledge how easy it is to go into debt. Not paying your college bills or not paying back your loans can become a serious problem, ruining your credit rating for a long time.

Having a credit card is a big responsibility, and you should have an income to support it. You shouldn't accept every card offered to you. Be sure that you're in control of your spending, and work out a budget ahead of time so your credit card spending doesn't get out of hand. Only use your credit card in an emergency, and pay it off as soon as the bill arrives.

If you need help managing your debt, our university's Financial Wellness program can offer assistance.

Maintain Focus

Your goal is to receive a degree from Illinois. Because a college education is expensive, you'll need to focus on this goal throughout your college years. Paying bills on time and staying out of debt is key to having a good credit rating and starting off on the right foot after college. Use these tips and the other resources we provide whenever you need them.

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Our suggestions will help you manage your college finances successfully. Explore payment plan options to pay your University of Illinois charges: University Payment Plans are administered through the University Bursar , which lets you spread out payment of anticipated tuition, mandatory fees, and university housing expenses if you do not plan on paying your student account balance in full by the billing due date.