Student Life Resources
Weather in Bloomington-Normal
Bloomington-Normal experiences four seasons: fall, winter, spring and summer.
Weather can be quite extreme; average summer temperatures can reach 95 degrees Fahrenheit/35 degrees. Celsius and average winter temperatures can be as low as -20 degrees Fahrenheit/-29 degrees Celsius.
Be sure to pack a variety of clothes, including clothing for snow and rain, so you are prepared for any situation.
Average Temperatures
Fall
40° to 60°F
5° to 16°C
Winter
-20° to 30°F
-29° to -1°C
Spring
50° to 70°F
10° to 21°C
Summer
80° to 95°F
27° to 35°C
Transportation
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Airport
Central Illinois Regional Airport, 3201 CIRA Drive, Bloomington, serves as a hub for connecting flights on Delta, American Airlines, and Allegiant Air. Parking is free and the airport is also accessible by Connect Transit.
Fly out of CIRA to catch connections to your home country from most major cities in the United States. Visit CIRA's website for more information.
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Local Bus
Connect Transit is the public transit system in Bloomington-Normal. Use one of the 11 different routes to access shopping, entertainment and dining in Bloomington-Normal. By using your Redbird ID card, you can ride Connect Transit for free.
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Train
Amtrak (station located in Uptown Normal) provides rail service to Chicago and St. Louis on the Illinois and Texas Eagle services. Please visit Amtrak.com for schedules and rates.
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Long-Distance Bus
Access Chicago, St. Louis, and other major cities by Greyhound, Peoria Charter, Megabus, and Burlington Trailways. Visit their websites or contact them for rates and schedules.
Driving in Illinois
Here's what you need to know if you plan to drive while you're studying at Illinois State.
- Can I drive with my home country's license?
Only for 90 days. You may drive with a valid license from your home country for up to 90 days after your arrival. Please note that an "International License" is not valid in the State of Illinois.
- Can I get an Illinois driver's license?
A driver's license is used for both driving and as a form of identification (when banking, traveling, etc.).
Eligibility
To be eligible for an Illinois driver's license, you must have:
- a Social Security Number (SSN)
- successfully completed a 6-hour adult driver education course through a certified provider (only if you are 18-20 years old)
- work authorization through CPT or OPT
- for CPT, you must bring your I-20
- for OPT, you must bring either your I-20 (Approved status) or your EAD card
- If you do not have work authorization through CPT or OPT, you must have:
- a total program length on your I-20/DS-2019 of at least one year
- more than 6 months remaining on your program at the time you apply
Steps to Apply
- Review the Rules of the Road
- Apply in person at the DMV. The Bloomington DMV is located at 1510 W. Market St., Bloomington, IL 61701. You do not need to apply at the Bloomington DMV, but you must apply at a DMV located within the state of Illinois. Use the Secretary of State Facility Finder to help you locate your preferred DMV office.
- Bring the following with you:
- Certificate of Completion for adult driver's education (only if 18-20)
- Passport, I-20/DS-2019, and I-94 Printout
- Social Security Card
- One document that verifies your IL address (see Group D on List of Acceptable ID Documents). Most international students at ISU use their ISU tuition statement or their apartment lease agreement.
- Pay fee: 18-20 years old = $5; 21-68 years old = $30
- You will be asked whether you want to register to vote. You MUST decline.
- Pass a vision and written test
- Pass a driving test (you must have a vehicle and proof of auto insurance)
- Canadian citizens do NOT need to take the driving test.
- Citizens of England, France, and Germany do not need to take the driving test, if they submit a letter from their country's embassy/consulate.
- Can I get an Illinois Temporary Visitor Driver's License (TVDL)?
A temporary visitor driver's license is for driving only and cannot be used as a form of identificaton.
Eligibility
You will need to meet the same eligibility requirements listed above for an Illinois driver's license, except you must be ineligible for a Social Security Number.
Steps to Apply
The Illinois Secretary of State website explains the application requirements and steps for obtaining an Illinois Temporary Visitor Driver’s License.
- Can I get a State ID card?
A state ID card is for identification only and cannot be used to drive. You must have a Social Security Number to be eligible for an Illinois State ID Card.
The Illinois Secretary of State website explains the application requirements and steps for obtaining an Illinois State ID Card.