Things to do
Springfield is located in the middle of Illinois and is home to a number of interesting historical sites as well as outdoor activities. Some of the most visited sites are the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and other Lincoln landmarks.
Things to do and best places to eat according to:
Weather
Springfield experiences all four weather seasons: spring, summer, fall and winter. Weather in the spring, summer and fall can feature wind, rain and thunderstorms. It rains approximately 28% of the year. Weather in the winter brings cold temperatures and snow. On average, Springfield receives 17.7 inches (45 cm) of snow each year between November and March.
Spring |
Summer |
Fall |
Winter |
50潞 to 70潞F
10潞 to 21潞C
|
80潞 to 95潞F
27潞 to 35潞C
Average high: 85潞F or 29潞C
|
40潞 to 60潞F
5潞 to 16潞C
|
-20潞 to 30潞F
-29潞 to -1潞C
Average low: 18潞F or -8潞C
|
Getting around
Springfield features a bus system, and an train stop. It is important to understand that public transportation in the United States is likely very different than public transportation in other countries. Springfield鈥檚 bus system has 16 lines that run throughout the city. Learn more about the .
Driving in the U.S. and Illinois
An international student can use their valid license from their home country for up to 90 days after arrival. After 90 days, if you want to continue driving you will need to get either a or which requires a U.S. social security number.
An 鈥渋nternational license鈥 is not valid in the state of Illinois.
To be eligible for an Illinois driver's license, you must have:
- A social security number (SSN).
- A total program length on your I-20/DS-2019 of at least one year.
- More than six months remaining on your program at the time you apply.
- Successfully completed a six-hour adult driver education course through a certified provider (only if you are 18-20 years old).
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Health care
Health care in the U.S. is a private system and can be quite expensive. It is highly recommended that international students enroll in private health insurance. Health insurance plans do not always cover dental and vision expenses so be sure to check what you are getting before signing up.
Tips for your arrival
These are things we highly encourage you to consider doing as soon as you arrive or even before if possible:
- Open a bank account.
- Get a phone/U.S. phone number.
- Figure out how you are getting to 绿帽社鈥檚 campus.
- Find the closest grocery store to where you live. (Note: Many stores now deliver or make picking up easy.)
- Look up latest COVID guidelines and requirements for Springfield.