University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Top Questions

I've said this before, but there are so many different students at Illinois. They're different in race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, backgrounds, interests, ability and more. You can meet someone new and different everyday- but that's up to you. Admittedly, same type of students usually stick together, but there isn't an unspoken rule that you can only hang out with people similar to you.

I've said this before and will probably say it a million more times, but there are so many different types of people here at Illinois, and no matter what clique you came from in high school, what your cultural background is, or what your interests are, you will find at least one other person who shares them here. It's hard to characterize or describe the students here because do vary so much from college to college, major to major, and person to person. You hear some things about how everybody at "College X" is "preppy" or a "stoner" or "crazy hippy" or whatever, but at Illinois, we have everybody. If you like wearing Northface, Uggs, and leggings to every class, there are hundreds of clones here like you. if you are a dyed-in-the-wool (er, flannel) hipster, then you can discuss bands nobody else has heard of with several hundred other hipsters in horn-rimmed glasses. If you are a passionate activist, you will have plenty of friends here. If you don't care about anything, you will have other apathetic buddies. I think most people here could just be described as "normal." We go to class, hang out with friends, and try to be good people. That being said, like any place in the world, there are sometimes conflicts. Although the university as a whole is very accepting of people of all races, sexual orientations, and economic backgrounds, you will always find some closed-minded people who just can't see past others' differences. Fortunately, those people are few and far between.

UofI is very fostering for people of all kinds of backgrounds. When going through the application process I heard the word diversity so many times I forgot what it meant. You don't really understand what "diversity" colleges are talking about until you get there. At UofI there are students from all over the world. There are students of every age, race, religion, economic background, and sexual orientation. I don't think any student would have a hard time finding someone like themselves unless they were trying NOT to meet people. Anyone can feel at home. Most students probably come from middle class families in the Chicago suburbs area, but there are also a lot of out of state students, and international students, especially from Asia.

The students at the University of Illinois are all from completely different backgrounds and places in the world. However, one thing everyone has in common is school spirit. Before coming to the University of Illinois I had never seen so many orange clothes in my life! Illinois students are dedicated to their schoolwork and take academics very seriously. The prestige this school holds ensures that students will not waste their time here. On the other side of things, the University also has a huge social life. Whether students make friends by getting involved in clubs, Greek life or just in their dorms, there are endless opportunities to have fun and students often take advantage of things like swimming at the recreational facilities, rock climbing, ice skating, going to the mall or movies, biking, seeing live music and comedy performances or just hanging out together. With 40,000 students on campus the options are endless to find that perfect fit for you.

If I had only one word to describe the students at U of I, that word would be diverse. There are students from all 50 states and almost 120 countries enrolled at the U of I. 17{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of the student population is comprised of international students. Due to the diverse make-up of the student body, there is truly a place for everybody at the University of Illinois. In two of my three years of living in the on-campus dorms, I had the opportunity to live with students of a different ethnicity, which allowed me to experience different cultures. The University of Illinois is also known for its four cultural centers (Asian American Cultural Center, African American Cultural Center, Japan House, and La Casa Cultural Latina). These centers put on events throughout the year for all students to come and experience their respective cultures. Each dorm also has at least one multicultural advocate that plans events to promote diversity. U of I students have the opportunity to join one of over 1,000 registered organizations, that focus on things from sports to politics, religion to volunteering. Students also can join one of the 68 fraternities or 36 sororities on campus that comprise the largest Greek life in the nation.

Students are pretty accepting of other students for the most part. Some students that may feel out of place are students from rural areas, out of state, or international students. There are so many students from the suburbs (over 80{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c}) that some of these other students feel out of place. However, I would stress there is a place for everyone on this campus. There are international organizations and other groups that are very inclusive. Students wear pretty much anything to class from pajamas to jeans and a polo. The environment is very relaxed in terms of what students wear. Students in class do try to interact with each other. Middle-class students are the majority on campus. There are preps/suburban kids, international students, and rural backgrounds. These are the main types of students on campus. Some are quiet and some are social. Everyone seems friendly and relaxed. There are many students very involved on campus and politically aware. I would say there are a fair share of left, right, and center. Most students never talk to each other about how much they will earn, politics, and grades to each other. People seem sensitive to this type of information. Outside of class they talk about things that are not related to academics.

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign uses affirmative action and boasts a diverse population. The campus is 6{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} black, 6{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} Latina/o, 15{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} Asian, and 10{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of the students are international students. Many cultural organizations hold events that offer the opportunity for an integrated, unique education. LGBT groups have held vigils in support of gay rights. There are many social justice organizations that focus around, opportunities for equal access to education, international politics, volunteer work in the local community and many others. There are a range of financial backgrounds. Most students are liberal. The graduate student teaching assistants in November of 2009 were facing cuts to their tuition waivers and their union led a two-day strike to advocate for better treatment. There is a wealth of activism at the University of Illinois.

The students at the University of Illinois are all from completely different backgrounds and places in the world. However, one thing everyone has in common is school spirit. Before coming to the University of Illinois I had never seen so many orange clothes in my life! Illinois students are dedicated to their schoolwork and take academics very seriously. The prestige this school holds ensures that students will not waste their time here. On the other side of things, the University also has a huge social life. Whether students make friends by getting involved in clubs, Greek life, or just in their dorms, there are endless opportunities to have fun and students often take advantage of things like swimming at the recreational facilities, rock climbing, ice skating, going to the mall or movies, biking, seeing live music and comedy performances or just hanging out together. With 40,000 students on campus the options are endless to find that perfect fit for you.

The students at the University of Illinois are all from completely different backgrounds and places in the world. However, one thing everyone has in common is school spirit. Before coming to the University of Illinois I had never seen so many orange clothes in my life! Illinois students are dedicated to their schoolwork and take academics very seriously. The prestige this school holds ensures that students will not waste their time here. On the other side of things, the University also has a huge social life. Whether students make friends by getting involved in clubs, Greek life, or just in their dorms, there are endless opportunities to have fun and students often take advantage of things like swimming at the recreational facilities, rock climbing, ice skating, going to the mall or movies, biking, seeing live music and comedy performances or just hanging out together. With 40,000 students on campus the options are endless to find that perfect fit for you.

With hundreds of Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) on campus, there is a place for everyone here, regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, or political affiliation. Students are very motivated and involved in every aspect of student life. They care about their futures and get as much job experience as possible prior to graduation.

Although we all consider ourselves to be part of a larger institution as Fighting Illini, Illinois students aren't afraid to display their individuality. It is difficult to derive an overarching fact that includes all students because there are so many different thoughts, ideas, opinions, and beliefs floating around campus. As such, Illinois is home to over 1,000 registered student organizations (RSOs) that reflect the many interests of Illinois' diverse student body. We have everything from academic, religious, and service organizations to social and recreational clubs. Illinois students come from all different backgrounds, and there is a general level of respect from one person to the next. Everyone finds their niche at Illinois.

You'll find every religion, race, and attitude here. There's 30,000+ students, if you can't find people to hang out with, look inward. There is definitely a large amount of foreign exchange students, and students who simply cannot efficiently speak English - especially in the science programs. This can be extremely frustrating. Group projects can become nightmares, and peer support (even from TA's) is also hit-or-miss for the average student. I stress individual learning ability as a necessity for all potential students. However, that's really the only complaint I have. If I wear something with a collar on it, I'm at the absolute top limit for typical class attire. You can roll out of bed in gym shorts and a white tee and be fine, as long as you're comfortable. I feel perfectly find in a t-shirt and sweats in lecture, and I would say jeans is extremely common. You'll never wear dress attire unless its a big-time presentation or something extracurricular. However, the weather here can be volatile. Winters are no joke, and I've had one day cancelled due to weather in 4 years. Its hot and humid in the summer, windy and piercing in the winter. If you're from Chicagoland, its nothing new. This school, like most around the Midwest, is largely (and usually annoyingly) liberal. If you're into demonstrations, public awareness, rallies, or anything for large-scale change - you can find a fit here. You don't have to be a crazy college kid fighting for change to get along, though. You'll find the liberal dimension at almost every university and you won't be overcome by its strength, but there's definitely a presence. It isn't like a weekend at Michigan, though.

Dedicated and scientific.

My classmates at the University of Illinois are well rounded, and by that I mean they are scholars, sports fans, club members, athletes... the list goes on and every single person is unique and different.

All you have to do is watch the ocean of orange in the student cheering section of any Illini football or basketball game to understand how important Illini pride is to every student at the school.

I'm an ethnic minority and my experiences on campus have been pleasant. Everyone here pushes diversity and I have never felt excluded or discriminated against. Although Illinois has a large international student body, most students here are from Chicago.

More tha anything, my classmates are diverse in just about every way imaginable.

Depending on the major, the majority of the students here are career-driven and hardworking (although uncaring students aren't too hard to come by, either).

My classmates are intelligent, hard working, and know how to have fun.

Bright, driven

They are very culturally diverse. If i walk around my campus it is very common to hear many other languages than english.

Most of my classmates are from Illinois and they generally seem to be suburban or city kids from around Chicago or top students from smaller communities throughout the state, but they are all cream-of-the-crop students and the girls are beautiful.

My classmates are intelligent people that present their own ideas and are fun to work with.

Fun, movitated , intellectual, extroverted, and outgoing are representations of what classmate of U of I are like: words cannot describe how unique each person here is.

My classmates came from various socio-economic backgrounds. Since I was a very social person my classmates and friends ranged from the medical students from affluent families to the inner city youth committed to becoming first generation college degree earners. There was a group for all students to attain friendships within people of the same background as well as those who wanted to divert from their own socio-economic

Describing the student body at the University of Illinois is a very hard task, but there is one thing that describes every single student here: the fact that they are extremely ambitious and motivated to achieve their goals, because everyone you meet here has an aspiration that they work towards day by day, second by second.

My classmates seem just like me: nervous, quiet, anxious, and overwhelmed by both the heavy work load and the many events going on in the first week.

Everyone's a bit shy at first because it's a new experience for everyone. But my classmates were very persistent and willing to learn. There are people who make the effort to participate in class and there are those that sit quietly and listen to what others have to say.

MY calssmates are all determined individuals with oreinted goals that will be reached by the year of 2012.

My classmates are diverse, hard-working, social, and all together well-rounded people.

Fun, yet driven students who know how to work hard and then have fun after the work is done.

My classmtes are a diverse student body yet most of these diverse groups seem to form exclusive social groups centered on their ethnicity.

My classmates are intelligent, helpful, and fun to be around.

My classmates are very responsive in each and every class, but at the same time they maintain respect for those around them.

My classmates vary from different ethnicites and cultres. It's a very diverse enviornment and classroom setting.

Many of my classmates are outgoing in the discussions and are enthusiastic about learning.

Most of your classmates might seem like they are not willing to speak to you, but once you speak to them they are more comfortable with talking to you.

All from different backgrounds, all intelligent, all ambitious.

My classmate are very diverse. There are people from all backgrounds, countries, religions, sexual orientation and majors. Everyone is hardworking, focused but also having fun.

At the University of Illinois, my classmates are intelligent. By intelligent, I don't mean they just scored high on their ACTs and SATs, but they are the well-rounded students that are the future of the country. They are passionate about what they study, motivated to succeed, interested in active in learning and participating in class and dedicated to the university and all it has to offer.

Multi-ethnic, upwardly mobile, and driven individuals who are cautiously tip-toeing into their responsibility as the next-generation of an emerging globally focused society.

My classmates, graduation class of 2013, are achievers with potential to perform to the highest expectations, greater than anyone alone can reach, with the virtues of team work and confidence coinciding; all this to enhance lives of those willing to surpass any negative contrary belief that may hinder diversity and one?s political and religious views.

Classmates are really intelligent and focused.

Due to the rigid curriculum of my major, Landscape Architecture, my classmates consist of about 40 individuals whom I see everyday. However, these 40 or so people could not be more diverse. There are people from all socio-economic backgrounds, from different countries, different lifestyles. Even with such seemingly opposite backgrounds, we all cooperate and help one another as any group of friends would. It is a surprisingly beautiful thing.

My classmates are eager to learn more about a specific field of study.

Very smart, many are shy, but if you engage them, they are very friendly and looking for classmates to study with. Many of my classmates have become good friends of mine that I hang out with on the weekends and get lunch with during the week. Most colleges (Engineering, Business, etc.) have college specific classes, which makes it very easy to arrange to have classes with friends. I have met amazing people, that are now my really good friends.

A diversified group of intelligent career driven individuals open to new experiences and opportunities.

Diverse group of individuals who come prepared to learn.

There is a large variety of individuals within one classroom, who all have different backgrounds and opinions, but ultimately share the common goal of wanting to persue and broaden their education, which is something to truly appreciate.

My classmates generally have outgoing and friendly personalities and they work hard and strive to receive good grades which in turn inspires me to do well myself as we usually compare grades on exams and projects.