Ascend UIUC Chapter
Instagram: @ascend_uiuc
Ascend is the largest Pan-Asian interest business organization in North America. Our goal is to foster professional growth and leadership in students by helping them build the skills needed to thrive as leaders in today's workforce. The UIUC Ascend chapter is driven by the 40 events and activities we host each semester, exposing members to different industries through our career development presentations, connecting members through our social events, and giving back to the community through philanthropy. Ascend UIUC is open to all students of all backgrounds and all majors. Application and recruitment information can be found on our Instagram @ascend_uiuc and website https://www.ascenduiuc.org
Asian American Association
Instagram: @aaa_uiuc
The Asian American Association at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign was founded in 1986 as a small support group for a network of Asian-American students on campus. Since then, AAA, or commonly referred to as "triple A", has evolved into one of the largest pan-Asian organizations in the Midwest. AAA strives to foster community and celebrate culture by offering a variety of ways to get involved with the Asian American community through celebration of culture, social gatherings, dance, sports, and much more. Whether it be through our annual dance show hosted in the spring (Fashion Show), philanthropy drives, volleyball nights or chill family boba runs, we guarantee that there's a place and activity for you. So, whether you are looking to learn more about various cultures, meet new friends, or simply try something new, come join us at an AAA event!
Asian American Student Housing Organization
Instagram: @aasho.uiuc
The Asian American Student Housing Organization (AASHO) is a housing organization that has been a cultural and educational presence in the campus community since 2003. Rooted in the mission to promote awareness and appreciation of Asian history, culture, and identity, AASHO creates space for learning, connection, and celebration within the university’s residence halls. Each month, AASHO hosts themed events that range from cultural celebrations and social mixers. Our most popular events are Spicy Ramen Challenge, Pepero Day, and the Chinatown Trip. These events are designed to foster engagement to create a sense of belonging for students of all backgrounds, especially those who are new to campus life. Whether you're looking to learn more about Asian pop culture, a new snack from Asia, or simply meet new people, AASHO offers an inclusive and welcoming environment for all. Through its consistent campus presence and dedication to advocacy, AASHO continues to uplift student growth within and out of the organization.
Asian Pre-Law Association
Instagram: @illinoisapla
The Asian Pre-Law Association (APLA) at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is a student organization dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive community for Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders, and all individuals interested in AAPI-related issues, law, and international policy. Our mission is to create a supportive space where students can connect and undergo career enrichment regarding the unique challenges the AAPI community faces in the legal world. Through professional development workshops, law school application support, networking, cultural, and social events, APLA empowers students pursuing careers in law and politics. Some of our events include law school chats, intimate group conversations with practicing attorneys, resume-building workshops, and guided tours of law schools. Our organization is committed to addressing the underrepresentation of AAPI individuals in legal and policy professions and advocates for greater visibility and inclusion within these fields. With APLA, you'll find a community equipped to support you every step of the way in your pre-law journey.
Asian-American Coalition to Combat Oppression, Racism, and Discrimination (ACCORD)
Instagram: @accorduiuc
ACCORD is dedicated to uplifting and empowering AAPI students through advocacy, dialogue, and community action. Founded on principles of equity and justice, ACCORD focuses on creating intentional spaces for students to engage in dialogue regarding social justice and politics surrounding the Asian American identity and its various intersecting identities. Beyond discussion, ACCORD is committed to taking meaningful action such as organizing campaigns, educational workshops, and collaborative events aimed at fostering safety, inclusion, and solidarity on campus. Through coalition-building and student engagement, ACCORD seeks to amplify AAPI voices, challenge systems of oppression, and create lasting change to make our community safer and better for AAPI folx on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus.
Bengali Students' Association - Abol Tabol
Instagram: @aboltaboluiuc
Abol Tabol is UIUC's Bengali Student Organization (BSO) a fun, welcoming space to celebrate all things Bengali! From lively festivals like Durga Puja and Pohela Boishakh, to cultural showcases, music, food, and addas (hangouts), we bring the joy of Bengal right here to campus.You don't need to be Bengali to join — our doors are open to everyone who wants to explore and enjoy the culture. Abol Tabol is all about friendship, community, and sharing traditions while making new memories together.So whether you're looking for delicious misti (sweets), cultural performances, or just a group of people who feel like family, come be part of Abol Tabol and add your voice to our vibrant community at UIUC.
Chinese Language Association for International Development (CLAID)
Instagram: @claiduiuc
CLAID aims to build connections between students who share a passion for the Chinese language and Chinese culture, as well as to bridge the gap between Chinese international and domestic students. Our overarching goal is to spread and celebrate Chinese culture with the campus community through public events that allow students to interact and engage with one another. CLAID hosts social and cultural events, weekly Chinese language learning sessions, and an annual performance showcase in February, as well as performances throughout the school year.
Hong Kong Student Association
Instagram: @uiuc.hksa
HKSA is a social and cultural RSO that aims to spread awareness, understanding, and appreciation for Hong Kong culture. We encourage students from different cultural backgrounds to join, and host weekly Mahjong Nights (open to beginners and non-beginners!) at Noyes Laboratory 157 on Saturdays from 6-9pm. Whether you're coming for the mahjong, karaoke, or just the overall vibes, our Mahjong Nights are a great way to get involved with HKSA! We also have weekly tutoring lessons where we teach Cantonese, and fun events from potlucks to cooking classes to Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations! If you're interested in being more than a general member, we have many opportunities to get further involved within our organization -- from our event, fundraising, social, and tutoring committees to our exec board interns! Whether you're looking to learn, lead, or just have fun, HKSA is a place where you grow and connect. We hope that you'll join us in celebrating Hong Kong's multifaceted traditions and culture, while making great memories along the way.
In Between at UIUC
Instagram: @inbetweenuiuc
In Between at UIUC is a social and cultural RSO that focuses on creating a community of Asian Americans and Adoptees who don't strongly align with their Asian or American identities! It was founded in 2020 by Asian Adoptees who wanted to create a space that was felt missing between other cultural circles. We have a smaller but welcoming community of people and run a few events every month. We host monthly Round Table Discussions on topics such as family traditions, media, food, relationships, and how those influence our sense of identity. For example, we talk about how food has influenced our connection to the culture of our family or others, and how that affects which ones we feel close or are exposed to, regardless of how we look. We also host Adoptee Conversation Tables to foster a community of adoptees with on and off-campus events! Additionally, we do collaborative events with other Asian-interest RSOs and do social events like Valentine's Day crafts and food nights.
Indian Graduate Student Association
Instagram: @igsa_uiuc
At IGSA, we're not just an organization; we're a vibrant community of Indian graduate students on campus, fostering connections, and creating a shared space for meaningful interactions. Our mission is clear: to be your go-to platform for forging connections, providing valuable insights, and ensuring that your journey in this new chapter of life is nothing short of extraordinary.
Kappa Pi Beta
Instagram: @uiuckpib
Kappa Pi Beta Fraternity, Inc. (KΠB) is a social and service fraternity that strives toward excellence and seeks to be a voice for the APIDA community. While we are an Asian-interest fraternity, we are not Asian-exclusive and welcome people of all backgrounds! Founded on March 16th, 2000, our fraternity is celebrating our 25th year. Our Gamma Chapter here at UIUC was founded as a colony in Spring 2018 and inducted as Gamma Chapter in Summer 2019.We are excited to offer the opportunity to join our Xi class this upcoming Fall 2025 semester. We will be hosting a recruitment period during the first two weeks of the semester, featuring a variety of fun events and free food, to help you get to know our brothers and others in the Greek community.
Korean American Student Association
Instagram: @kasauiuc
Founded in 1979, the Korean American Student Association is a social and cultural RSO dedicated to building a strong, inclusive community centered around Korean and Korean American culture. KASA was created with the intention of supporting the Korean American population on campus by offering a welcoming community for students to connect and build friendships, share their experiences as a Korean American, and celebrate their cultural identity. Over the years, KASA has grown into a vibrant space to grow both cultural appreciation and relationships within the community. Through a variety of events, KASA strives to strengthen bonds between members while promoting a more intimate understanding of one's Korean heritage. Although rooted in the Korean American experience, KASA welcomes all students who are interested in Korean culture to learn more about Korean traditions and customs. Our mission as an organization is to foster meaningful connections through cultural exchange and help individuals to engage and familiarize themselves with Korean culture or learn about one another.
Malaysian Student Association
Instagram: @masauiuc
Malaysian Student Association (MaSA) at UIUC is a student-led organization committed to representing and supporting Malaysian students on campus. Founded to foster a strong sense of identity and well-being, MaSA organizes cultural celebrations, social events, professional development programs, and mental health initiatives. Through events like Hari Raya, Chinese New Year, and Deepavali, MaSA preserves and shares Malaysia's rich and diverse heritage with the wider campus community. Members benefit from a welcoming community, opportunities to connect with Malaysians across the U.S., and access to delicious Malaysian food such as Nasi Lemak, Laksa, Satay, and many more. While MaSA primarily serves Malaysian students, we warmly welcome anyone, regardless of background, who is interested in learning about and celebrating Malaysian culture. Whether you're looking to make new friends, reconnect with your roots, or find a home away from home, MaSA offers a vibrant and supportive space to grow, celebrate, and belong.
Mixed Student Union
Instagram: @msu_uiuc
Our mission is to advocate for the needs and issues facing Mixed students and provide a safe space on our campus for students to openly discuss and explore their mixed identities. We also collaborate with other student organizations and campus partners to promote an inclusive and positive campus climate for Mixed students. MSU is a great organization to find friends and make connections across majors and years, bonded by our shared mixed experience! We hold events celebrating a diverse set of holidays, intending to celebrate a range of cultures of members come from. We meet twice a month for a mix of social and discussion events, with topics like belonging to a mixed family or finding a community in Illinois campus. We also partner with other cultural organizations and the cultural houses to bring an array of experiences and cultural education for our members. If you're multiracial and looking for a space to express your identity at Illinois. join Mixed Student Union!
Philippine Student Association
Instagram: @psa_uiuc
The Philippine Student Association (PSA) is a registered student organization (RSO) at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC). PSA is the largest Filipino-interest organization and one of the largest Asian-interest organizations on UIUC campus. Since its founding in 1919, PSA has been celebrating Filipino culture and identity and promoting cultural awareness for Filipino culture and the broader Asian and Pacific Islander community.
Sigma Psi Zeta Sorority Inc.
Instagram: @uiucsyz
Sigma Psi Zeta is an Asian-interest greek organization that strives to promote cultural awareness, education, service, and leadership to support women in creating change within their communities. Additionally, our national philanthropy focuses on combating violence against women through education, volunteering, and fundraising to bring awareness towards this cause.
SKY Meditation at UIUC
Instagram: @skyatuiuc
SKY Meditation at UIUC focuses on bringing meditation, breathwork, emotional intelligence, social connection, and service leadership to UIUC students, faculty and staff. We envision happy and mindful campus communities where students, faculty, & staff thrive in life and lead with clarity of mind, resilience, purpose & belonging. To do this, our organization teaches science-based yoga, breathwork, and meditation practices, while fostering social connection and building a strong, connected community on campus. We host weekly yoga and meditation sessions, as well as various other events open to all and free of cost, such as Yoga on the Quad, Paint and Meditate, and our flagship event, the SKY Happiness Retreat. The SKY Happiness Retreat is our flagship event, a fun-filled, 3 day, on-campus retreat. Participants learn breathwork and meditation practices which make up Sudharshan Kriya Yoga (SKY), along with games, activities, and powerful processes designed to empower participants to thrive in life with strength, resilience, and clarity.
Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers
Instagram: @sase_uiuc
The Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers (SASE) is a student-run organization dedicated to helping Asian and Asian American students unlock their full potential through career, professional, and social development while celebrating Asian American culture. Our primary goal is to promote and foster leadership and career skills to close the Asian leadership gap within the engineering and science workplace. We also aim to celebrate the many Asian cultures within the Asian community and do this by hosting events to celebrate cultural holidays throughout the school year. The UIUC branch is one of the many chapters of SASE and this connection allows members to have exclusive networking and professional opportunities such as the SASE National Convention and Midwest Regional Conference.
Taiwanese American Students Club
Instagram: @tascuiuc
We are the Taiwanese American Students Club at UIUC. Since our founding in 1991, we have been dedicated to providing a community for Taiwanese American students and those interested in Taiwanese culture.We host a variety of events throughout the year, including social events, cultural events, and philanthropic events. We also collaborate with other student organizations and community to further our mission.
Vietnamese Student Association
Instagram: @vsauiuc
The Vietnamese Student Association is an organization dedicated to promoting cultural awareness through a variety of events on campus and in the Urbana-Champaign community. VSA strives to establish a supportive environment for those of Vietnamese and non-Vietnamese descent to interact and engage in activities that preserve and appreciate the Vietnamese culture and heritage. VSA is open to everyone that is interested in learning or sharing Vietnamese culture.