Eastern Illinois University

What are the popular events and traditions at Eastern Illinois University?

Homecoming is one of Eastern Illinois University's recurring campus traditions, bringing together students, alumni and the Charleston community around a changing schedule of university events. It is also an occasion for alumni to reconnect with the institution.

Welcome Weekend serves a different purpose: it helps arriving students begin the academic year and learn how to navigate campus. Throughout the year, the University Board, cultural organizations, academic units and performing groups contribute additional events. Calendars and activities can change annually, so students interested in a specific celebration or performance should use that year's university schedule rather than assume a past program will recur unchanged.

What are the student housing and dining options at Eastern Illinois University?

Eastern Illinois University offers university-operated, coeducational housing for undergraduates, including residence-hall options. Students considering campus housing should compare room types, eligibility, contract dates and meal-plan terms rather than assume all spaces or arrangements are interchangeable.

Campus dining and meal plans are particularly relevant for residence-hall students, but a plan's value depends on where and when the student expects to eat. Housing availability does not by itself guarantee a preferred building or room, and students should follow the university's housing application and assignment process after admission. Those planning to live off campus should account for leases, utilities, food and transportation separately; a lower advertised rent does not necessarily mean a lower total living cost.