FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

    Registration

  1. Can I still apply/attend the summer school?
  2. Does the summer school provide any financial aid?
  3. How can I pay for the registration fee?
  4. Can I pay the registration fee with a credit card?
  5. What is covered in the registration fee?
  6. When will the registration be and what if I arrive late?

    Travel and Accomodation

  7. What should I do about checking-in to the Hendrick House if I arrive late?
  8. Can I stay longer before/after the summer school?
  9. Are parking and internet access available in Hendrick House?
  10. Would it be possible to have a room to myself?
  11. How does Hendrick House verify names of participants?
  12. How does the pairing of room-mates work and would people know who they would share rooms with before arrival?
  13. What does the Hendrick House provide?
  14. What should we do about our meals?
  15. Where can I eat?

  16. What airport should I fly to?
  17. Is there any shuttle service between Chicago/Indianapolis airports and the University campus?

    Other

  18. Will the course material be posted on a public web page?
  19. Where can I find more details on community resources?
  20. What are the plans for the weekend?
  21. Will participants have access to the gym or pool?
  22. I am not sure whether I could legally stay in the US for the Summer School without a visa, or if this is not the case, what visa I would need. Do you know what the current regulations are and can you sponsor my visa application?
  23. Am I registered as a UIUC student for the summer school?


  1. Q: Can I still apply/attend the summer school?
    A: Unfortunately, there is no more a chance to apply for the program. We had more than 200 applicants who applied before the deadline (Apr. 2) for the summer school, but we can only accept 80 of them. We now have a very long waiting list, and there is no chance that any other application will be considered.

  2. Q: Does the summer school provide any financial aid?
    A: Unfortunately we are unable to provide any financial assistance.

  3. Q: How can I pay for the registration fee?
    A: Either by Cashiers checks (the best) or by Money Orders. A check from your University will also be accepted. However, we cannot accept any credit card.

  4. Q: Can I pay the registration fee with a credit card?
    A: We are sorry that we cannot accept any credit card payment.

  5. Q: What is covered in the registration fee?
    A: Shared housing (two people per room) is included in the registration fee. School material and instructions will be provided for free. However, meals are not included. We estimate the meals cost about $20 to $30 daily.

  6. Q: When will the registration be and what if I arrive late?
    A: The registration desk will open on Monday 6/2 at 8am in the morning, in the hall outside the Beckman Institute Auditorium. The desk will stay open until noon that day, and then again on the morning of 6/3, the same location, starting at 9am.

  7. Q: What should I do about checking-in to Hendrick House if I arrive late?
    A: If you arrive after regular business hours (7pm) you should go to the main entrance of the Hendrick House located at 904 W. Green St. At the main entrance, they will have the name and telephone extension of the attendant on-call with a large arrow pointing to the house phone you should use. Just call that attendant and they will let you in and take care of the housing check-in.

  8. Q: Can I stay longer before/after the summer school?
    A: We only provide housing between 06/01 to 06/14. You have to arrange with Hendrick House by yourself if you would like to stay longer. You may also check other hotels located in Champaign or Urbana.

  9. Q: Are parking and internet access available in Hendrick House?
    A: Hendrick House provide both parking and internet access for visitors. The cost for parking is $21/week. There is no need for an early reservation. You can arrange the parking when you check in. The cost for internet access is $75 for two weeks. Participants of the summer school will have to arrange and pay for both on their own.

  10. Q: Would it be possible to have a room to myself?
    A: We are able to pay housing costs in full for participants sharing dual occupancy rooms. If a single room is available and if you would be willing to pay the difference (est. $250 for the entire period or a little higher), having a room to yourself could be considered.

  11. Q: How does Hendrick House verify names of participants?
    A: Hendrick House staff will receive from us the final list of participants a week before the event. Participants will have to present their picture IDs when checking in.

  12. Q: How does the pairing of room-mates work and would people know who they would share rooms with before arrival?
    A: Pairing will be mostly done at check-in time. Participants will not be notified in advance.

  13. Q: What does the Hendrick House provide?
    A: The Hendrick House provides sheets, blankets, pillows, bath towls and soap.

  14. Q: What should we do about our meals?
    A:The summer school will provide morning coffe breaks during weekdays and is organizing a banquet on the evening of June 3. Other than that the participants are on their own for food. Getting the Hendrick House meal plan could be a good idea for you, though it may restrict your flexibility in case you'd like to sample other eateries in the community. We are leaving this for you to decide.

  15. Q: Where can I eat?
    A: There is a cafeteria in the Hendrick House that you would stay. You can set up any combination or simply three meals a day if you would prefer: $3.75 (breakfast), $5.75 (lunch), and $7.25 (dinner); 3 meals per day, 5 days per week (Mon-Fri) for $80 or 6 days per week (Mon-Sat) for $96. The summer school provide coffee break in the morning. There are many other restaurants with good price in the campus town within a few minutes walking distance. Please check Champaign/Urbana restaurant guide for more information.

  16. Q: What airport should I fly to?
    A: Willard airport in Champaign is the closest airport (10 min. driving) to the campus of university of Illinois. You can also fly to Chicago O'Hare airport (3 hr. driving to Champaign), to Indianpolis International airport (2 hr. driving), or to Bloomington, IL (45 min.). From Willard airport you can take Taxi (about $12) or Bus to the campus. From other airports, please check this question for the shuttle information.

  17. Q: Is there any shuttle service between Chicago/Indianapolis airports and the University campus?
    A: Yes. Bluebird Charter Coach and LEX (Lincolnland Express) provide shuttle services from Chicago O'Hare, Midway airports and Indianapolis International airport to our campus. You need to make a reservation beforehand. From Chicago area you may also check Suburban Express, Baldwin Shuttle and Greyhound for transportation to Champaign-Urbana.

  18. Q: Will the course material be posted on a public web page?
    A: Yes.

  19. Q: Where can I find more details on community resources?
    A: You may check the Local Resources on the summer school announcement or to other usefule pages such as

  20. Q: What are the plans for the weekend?
    A: It is not clear yet and any activities that might be organized would be optional. Participants can make their own plans for the weekend. There will not be access to the computer labs over the weekend.

  21. Q: Will participants have access to the gym or pool?
    A: Regarding access to the gym or pool -- the UIUC facilities are not available for visitors unless you have a local friend who could take you there for a nominal fee. You may want to check on your own the 'local resources' link on the summer school announcement for similar services in the community.

  22. Q: I am not sure whether I could legally stay in the US for the Summer School without a visa, or if this is not the case, what visa I would need. Do you know what the current regulations are and can you sponsor my visa application?

    A: Please check all US entry-related matters on your end, as different countries have different immigration agreements with the US. We are not able to help with the entry process to the US.

    Note that the admission notice you'd received from us by email, and the summer school information available on our site may be useful for securing your entry. If needed, please email us your mailing address and fax number and we will provide a signed hard copy letter with the admission notice text.

  23. Q: Am I registered as a UIUC students for the summer school?
    A: No. The summer school participants are not legally registered as students at UIUC. Attending the summer school is comparable to participation in any confrence or a professional meeting and does not establish any formal association with UIUC.