Programs
Holidays and Social Events
University Housing’s Apartment Communities celebrate a variety of holidays including Lunar New Year, Diwali and Halloween. We host an annual International Food Festival to showcase the food from the many cultures represented in our community. Special events include theme parties, bingo nights, family game nights, celebrations of cultural holidays, as well as events marking the beginning and end of the academic year.
International Hospitality Committee
The International Hospitality Committee (IHC) is an organization dedicated to promoting and aiding the international community of Urbana-Champaign through friendship groups, English classes, the Lending Storeroom and more. See the IHC website for more information.
Educational Workshops
Educational workshops offer residents valuable opportunities to learn about a variety of topics. Workshop topics have included the Stress Management Workshop, Domestic Violence Workshop and Winter Survival Workshop.
Children’s Programs
If you are looking for a family-friendly atmosphere, University Housing apartments have a space for you. Many families choose to live in our on-campus apartments. Designed for families like yours, our apartment communities offer a variety of children’s programs including a preschool, after-school programs and weekly parent-child playgroups.
Kids club
Kids Club is an after school program made for children between the ages of five and ten. Activities include arts and crafts, games, sports, outdoor education and more. Kids Club also partners with the America Reads Tutoring program, which gives children the opportunity to meet with tutors for homework assistance. Kids Club meets Monday to Friday from 3 to 5:30 p.m. at the Orchard Downs Community Center.
To register for Kids Club, please complete this form.
Preschool
University Housing’s apartment community at Orchard Downs features a preschool. Orchard Downs Preschool accepts students ages three to five who are toilet trained. Classes are offered during the academic year, following the University of Illinois’ academic calendar.
The school provides a stimulating and diverse environment for the growth of each child and offers programming built around weekly themes meant to build confidence, self-esteem and love of learning. Themes might include music, art, math, literature, science and more.