University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Top Questions

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Overall, I am happy I attend U of I. It is a great school with a very strong reputation in the midwest as well as across the country and internationally. There are very strong programs in a variety of fields, and the large size allows for numerous opportunities that do not exist at many smaller schools. That being said, it does take some time to find your "group" where one will feel comfortable, at home, and enjoy attending classes each day. The key to doing this is being persistent- it definitely takes more work than it would at most high schools and smaller universities! It is definitely you're stereotypical college town, with Green Street having a variety of restaurants, bars, and stores that one would need on a daily basis. Overall, I'm proud to be an Illini!

Overall, I feel lucky to attend the University of Illinois and find that I continue to discover new things about it every day.

U of I is large, but that is one of its biggest strengths. Everyone finds their niche and has their own crew, but it is easy to diversify your friendships and get involved with anything you are interested in. I love U of I. Your college experience can be anything you want it to be by taking advantage of all the opportunities we offer.

University of Illinois is perfect for me, and can be perfect for anyone. Although it is a large school with 30,000 undergrads, there are so many different RSOs and clubs to get involved in it is easy to make it your own. I spend most of my time at Chabad, which is Jewish student organization. I am the student president this year and it keeps me very busy! Although the university's leadership has gone through lots of changes, there will be a new president next year who will be great and can hopefully give the school some stability.

First, most of the freshman dorms are in a great location on campus. If you're lucky enough to live in the 6-pack (the centrally located dorms I previously referred to), you will be right near the AMAZING activities and recreation center (the ARC), the Ikenberry dining hall (the largest student dining hall on campus), and a short walk or bus ride away from the quad. Additionally, almost every professor I have had has been completely approachable and flexible with meeting times and office hours. You will never get bored here, as there are hundreds of things to do. At night, there are dozens of frat houses to stop by or bars to go to, which are 19 and older (many students love the bar age here as it is an advantage over many other schools). I spend a lot of my time at the Marketplace Mall, which is only around an 8-minute drive from central campus or a 15-20 minute bus ride (which are all free for students!). Although there are many amazing things about UIUC, the administration has been flaky the last half of decade, as recently the president resigned due to issues of integrity. However, I do not at all feel affected by the flaky administration. The students here love Illini football and basketball, and there are plenty of other sports to watch and support in addition to the big two. If you live north of campus in Illinois, there are two main bus routes that will take you back to malls south of and north of the Chicagoland area for a small fee. Although Champaign and Urbana are not exciting towns on their own, this little college town on campus is incredible and definitely something worth visiting. I love UIUC!

I like all the opportunities UIUC has to offer. There are many ways to take leadership positions, get to know professors and work with them on research projects, and more. It is a big school, but it is also very easy to find your niche and make it your own. CU is a college town, but I love it. Everyone is a big supporter of the school and the energy around town is awesome.

This is the most amazing school ever. The atmosphere is so relaxed and welcoming. It has a great reputation for both its academics and its social life. Everyone who goes here loves it.

I love the University of Illinois! The academics at Illinois are challenging and prepare its students for a great career. The school is a very diverse community and the people are great. The school may seem large at the beginning, but the teachers try to make their classes into an individual experience including learning everyone's name. Campus pride is a huge part of Illinois. Everywhere I go I see orange and blue shirts and sweatshirts. I bleed orange and blue and am really glad I decided to come to Illinois.

The University of Illinois is a great school. The best thing about the university is the rewarding feeling you get from succeeding. Yes, this is a tough school, and yes you will struggle at times and feel like it is too difficult, however, when you do put the work in and succeed, that feeling is great. The university is full of opportunities that most people do not take full advantage of. There's always someone who can help you with your classes (professors, TAs, friends, tutors, etc.) and there is plenty of volunteering opportunities to gain leadership and put things on your resume. Some people complain about the school being too large. I would agree that it is very large, however, if you are ok with taking a bus daily or walking/biking at least 10-30 minutes a day I am sure you won't mind how big it is. Lectures are quite large, my biggest was around 800 students. However the discussion section of classes are only about 20-30 students. I spend most of my time at my apartment or out studying, usually at the Illini Union. There are plenty of good study spots around campus, you just have to find yours. You could definitely say this is a college town with a lot of school spirit. The football and basketball games are a great experience and you really get to see what it feels like to be part of a great school with a lot of pride.

The University of Illinois is a studious party school. The phrase "studios party school" is an oxymoron, but not when it comes to the students of this University. It appears if almost every student lives by the motto "work hard, play harder". Throughout the day, all of the main libraries are crowded with students working either together or independently on their studies. However, once it hits about 10 o'clock at night, one can see waves of students making their way to fraternity houses, apartments for parties or straight to the bars to get the party started. and this just isn't on the weekend nights of Friday and Saturday; this happens on any given night of the week, sometimes even Sunday. I am not exaggerating by any means. for as long as I've been here, I've had friends inviting me to go out Monday night, Tuesday night, Wednesday night and Thursday night. I know if i want to participate, the responsible thing to do is finish my homework first. but in the same regard, if my homework is not done, I simply tell them I have to stay in and pull an all-nighter on a paper, and my friends understand because they've all been there before.

The U of I has the best of both worlds. We have the city-like parts, with all the shopping, foods (overload of ethnic foods), and bars. But, we also have the beautiful quad, Japan House, Botanical Gardens, and many other grassy green areas where one can have a picnic, lay out on the grass, and feed the squirrels. There are so many activities to be involved in both on and off campus. The Union offers bowling and an arcade, the Krannert Center holds daily performances and shows, and the ARC offers an outdoor pool for those who want to swim or tan; the shopping mall and main-chain restaurants are just a bus ride away. Coming to the U of I was the best decision I've ever made. I have met people from all over the world and made friends who became family.

Too big but amazing. Diverse student body but does not mingle too much amongst each other.

My opinion about U of I is it is phenomenal! The only aspect about U of I that I don't particularly like is that it is far away from my home. However, this can be to my advantage some times. I love my school because I feel there are so many opportunities and new experiences to be made. The campus is so active and lively that you will never be bored. One thing I would change is the cost. I would definitely lower the cost to make it more affordable for those students that have financial problems. I know several students that have been unable to return for a semester because of lack of financial aid. I know that a lot of people say that U of I is too big but I do not believe that is an issue at all. If you get involved in RSOs or with an intimate group of people it makes the immensity of the university more manageable. You don't realize that the campus is so large if you're focused on those close friendships and responsibilities you have for your organization.Whenever I tell people I go to U of I they automatically think that I am having the time of my life drinking and partying every night, which is definitely not the case. Sure there is plenty to do on campus but that doesn't mean I go out every single night. I definitely spend most of my time on campus in my friends' dorms and apartments. I love interacting with others and having fun. One of the biggest controversies that I have hard about is the Law school and its credibility, which was extremely recent. They had been intentionally increasing the LSAT average in order to make the school appear better on paper. I do believe that a lot of students are proud to come here to school. You can see this by the amount of people that go to the football games and how much spiritwear they wear.

I love that it is a college bubble. I love that the students live here, work here, play here, etc. Your friends are always going to be within a ten minute bus ride of you.

I'm not one for school spirit, because people bleed orange and blue. Our football team might not be great, but Illini basketball is a big deal. Greek life is booming, with a huge number of frats and sororities. The Activities and Recreation Center (ARC) is a state of the art workout facility including 12 basketball courts, swimming pools, a climbing wall and hundreds of other activities. It is constantly busy with students and facility. Bars are pretty big on campus as well with Kam's, Red Lion and Joe's being the most popular. The campus is big, but not overwhelming making buildings pretty easy to find. The bus system is efficient and safe. Champaign's a great college town.

I definitely love UIUC. I think the best thing about this school is the enthusiasm. Everyone is energetic and friendly, which makes this school an excellent place to learn and experience life - as we all know academics are not the only thing about college. Another good thing about UIUC is the diversity. The school is rather large, but I think this is a good size because only with this size do students get to experience living in a society, meeting people from different backgrounds, and broadening their horizons. Also, there is a lot of school pride. In town you will always see buildings in orange and blue, stores selling orange and blue products, and people dressing in orange and blue! Also on game days, students gather and watch the games in high spirits - it is fun!

The best things in our school is diversity. You can find many professors and students with different backgrounds and come from different countries. It is very interesting for me to meet people from different country and learning their culture. The school is really large, if you have class cross campus, it will take about 15 mintunes to walk from one building to another. However, out campus is really beautiful. I spend most of my time in library, because the environment is very nice and our library the the third largest library in the u.s.

The school is indeed very big. It has its benefits and drawbacks. On one hand we do have lots of restaurants, bars, apartments on campus. The bus system is reliable and very convenient if you happen to live somewhere off center or during bad weathers. On the other hand the huge campus might make you feel overwhelmed and not so welcoming at first, leaving your small but familiar home town for the first time. There's a campus town (along Green street), and there's a Champaign city for you to explore over the years. The Urbana side is quiet and classy, but many of us won't find it particularly exciting. For school pride we do have lots of academic achievements and famous graduates over the years, and our Fighting Illini football is one of the big ten. We kick off each year with a homecoming event... I am never a sports person, but the school pride definitely influenced everybody to some extent.

I have had a fantastic experience at the University of Illinois. The campus can be big and small at the same time, depending on the community you surround yourself with. The school is full of incredible diversity, great student talent and a wonderful faculty. I have found that it is very much true that "you can make a big campus small but you can't make a small campus big." With a great group of friends and organizations that I have been heavily involved in, I have found a niche community that has made the big campus feel much smaller than it really is. And I have been able to fully take advantage of the incredible opportunities, technology, resources and programs offered at the school, which wouldn't be possible at a smaller campus. The University of Illinois has above average school pride with a great social life on campus. I feel like the school has the right balance of work-hard play-hard, with motivated students who still have the opportunity to enjoy the typical college lifestyle if and when they want.

The college is located in a town where there is no big agency or shopping mall, but pretty much you got everything you need here. Life here without friends or frat could be extremely boring. However, here you can get the best engineering education in the world. UIUC has prestigious engineering departments, especially Electrical and computer engineering and computer science. Also, UIUC's Accounting is top in US. What's more, we have great football team and basketball team 'Fighting Illini'.

The college is located in a town where there is no big agency or shopping mall, but pretty much you got everything you need here. Life here without friends or frat could be extremely boring. However, here you can get the best engineering education in the world. UIUC has prestigious engineering departments, especially Electrical and computer engineering and computer science. Also, UIUC's Accounting is top in US.

The University of Illinois boasts roughly 50,000 students. This number can seem intimidating for students, like myself, who come from a small high school. However, there are many ways to make friends and enjoy your college experience. The University of Illinois has over 1100 RSO's (Registered Student Organizations) which are the equivalent of clubs in high school. These are great opportunities to do service and find other individuals who enjoy the same things as you do. Illinois has many resources that you simply just cannot find at a smaller school. The school is a nest for fostering your academic ability and social growth. Most of your time will be spent on Campus. It is a very large campus, but there is also a town located just off of campus which allows versatility with where you want to hang out and study. A great benefit of Illinois is that the professors are required to teach their lectures. The discussion sections are taught by the TA's which gives a whole view of the material. The buildings on campus are full of history and really gives the old "land grant" school feeling as you walk through the halls.

As a graduate student, my experiences are very different than that of undergraduates (by this I mean I spend quite a bit of time studying and not too much of the social), but overall, I would say that my experiences thus have been positive.

The University of Illinois has pleasantly surprised me. I was unsure whether or not such a large school would be right for me. I've always enjoyed hands on teaching, and I knew that at a school of 40,000 I would probably not experience this same kind of teaching. But what I love about the school is the freedom I have to do what I please and the feeling that I'm not actually in school, but working in a large community, almost a city. Champaign-Urbana is definitely a college town. There are residential neighborhoods close by, but walking down Green Street, which is basically the main street on campus, it seems that all you see are college students. Concentrating 40,000 students to one town truly makes it seem like the town is run by students, and for the most part, it is. It's college students working and communicating with college students in every aspect of life, whether it be at the Rec Center or a restaurant. Another aspect of the school which goes along with the feeling of community is the school spirit. Even for sports like football, where Illinois has never been a powerhouse, there are people getting excited for each and every game and the student section is always filled. There are people wearing orange wherever you go, and this sense of unity is comforting and makes the school seem that much smaller. In addition to the social aspect of the school, the actual intellectual aspect of school is fantastic. While the classes are not as personal as I wish they would be, there are constant opportunities to get involved outside of class and to meet people, whether professors or students, with similar interests. In such instances, the professors don't treat you like a student, but an equal person with common goals. There are constant opportunities to progress in any direction you please. You really have the ability to choose the path you want to, and there are so many directions which you can take. One concern I had, which I am sure I shared with many freshman coming into the school, is the prospect of needing to meet an entirely new group of people. My concerns were soon forgotten, as the dorms serve as the perfect environment to meet new people, and clubs serve as an opportunity to find people with similar interests. My most comforting memory thus far is meeting the two guys across the hall from me who actually went to a high school very close to my hometown. I soon had friends not only at school, but that I would be with even when I was home. The social constructs at University of Illinois make it very easy to meet people. Much of my time at school is spent in the dorms, either doing homework in the lobby or socializing with the guys in my hall. The dining hall where I currently live is unbelievable, although it is only accessible by walking outside, which will prove to be an obstacle come winter. However, this is a small price to pay for the variety of food that I have to choose from at the dining hall. My overall opinion of the school is very positive, and I would recommend coming here to almost anyone.

I think it's fair to say that I "bleed orange and blue." Though cliche', I believe that's and accurate way of putting my feelings for this university into words. I get excited every time I see someone else with a big orange "I" t-shirt walking around the world. I just want to shout "I-L-L" in hopes that faintly in the distance, I'll get an "I-N-I." Now that I've thoroughly expressed my love for this school, there's something to be said about life here. I love that we're so diverse, that is, we have more than 1000 student organizations catering to different interests and a array of represented ethnic groups. There's always something to do here, and something to learn as well. For anyone stuck in their comfort zone, they'll learn to break out of it and experience something new once they step on campus grounds. Encountering people of different races every day is something I'm sure to take for granted out in the real world, because we're a melting pot, the the corporate world can't really compare. People need that exposure to people who don't look like them or do the same things they do, and U of I gives that to them. Our school is very large, but there's a home for everyone. Like I previously mentioned, the many organizations available to join make it easier to find friends and venture into the unknown to find something else you like. I feel like I'm an individual even amongst 39,900 students. Going off of that, there's so many opportunities to become a leader on campus. I love U of I because it' prepares you for the real world, and prepares you to stand tall in all that you do in the future by giving you the chance to practice it everyday. No campus is golden, and we've had our share of controversies, however. Most recently, our mascot was removed from campus. Every shred of "Chief Illiniwek's" existence has been taken down, painted over or tucked in the memories of those who actually got the see him dance at halftime. Native American interest groups viewed the mascot as a modern-day minstrel show, mocking the rich Native American culture they cling to. There were protests and boycotts by the small group represented by about 100 students and community leaders. Their small voice was heard, and the mascot was taken away. Of course, many people hated the idea of not having a mascot, I actually came here once it was taken out. So I never got to see this amazing dance in person. However, I've learned so much about the culture from the controversy. I think others did too even though their feelings are on the fence. One of my favorite memories here is the moment I read my Resident Advisor job offer. They offered to pay my room and board, which has ballooned to almost $1000 more than tuition, and a monthly stipend. I can honestly say that I wouldn't be a student here if I hadn't gotten that job. Financially, my family struggles, and I needed every scholarship and grant I could get. Upon opening the letter, I jumped up and down, spun around an yelled at the top of my lungs. It was such a joyous moment for me because I had worked so hard for it. My experiences as an RA have been beneficial to my professional goals and personal growth in more ways than I can write on paper. i loved ever minute I spent with my residents, helping them to grow into young leaders making them feel at home here. If I could touch the lives of more people before I graduate, I would. It's the greatest feeling in the world.

I hated the U of I during my first year. It felt like such a huge place with a focus on partying and drinking. Until you own your experience (like I did by joining the honors program) you won't have a place here.

I absolutely love the University of Illinois. Being on such a large campus, there are always things to do, places to see, and people to meet. Some people may find the size daunting, and sometimes it is difficult to reach professors but I have not had any problems yet. The large size can have its benefits; I really enjoy the large-scale size and always meeting new people in classes and student organizations. The town of Champaign-Urbana is amazing for a college. Green Street is the heart of the campus, providing students with great food and entertainment. Probably one of my fondest memories of college so far is walking up and down Green Street after a big football win; there were so many people lining the streets with orange and blue and cheering on the Illini, it was a great environment. Speaking of football, we have some of the best school spirit around for all of our sports. Going to a football, volleyball, or basketball game is bound to have some fun with all the crazy cheers, especially in the student sections. There really isn't a lot of negative things to say about U of I!

I absolutely love the University of Illinois. Being on such a large campus, there are always things to do, places to see, and people to meet. Some people may find the size daunting, and sometimes it is difficult to reach professors but I have not had any problems yet. The large size can have its benefits; I really enjoy the large-scale size and always meeting new people in classes and student organizations. The town of Champaign-Urbana is amazing for a college. Green Street is the heart of the campus, providing students with great food and entertainment. Probably one of my fondest memories of college so far is walking up and down Green Street after a big football win; there were so many people lining the streets with orange and blue and cheering on the Illini, it was a great environment. Speaking of football, we have some of the best school spirit around for all of our sports. Going to a football, volleyball, or basketball game is bound to have some fun with all the crazy cheers, especially in the student sections. There really isn't a lot of negative things to say about U of I!

I believe that the best thing about U of I is its ability to give students something to do no matter what the time or his or her interests. It caters to several different needs, hobbies, and interests. The environment is micro-urban, so it makes the town feel that much more homey, including the surrounding area in Savoy. Personally, I would change the efficiency of the wi-fi across the campus because, at times, I feel a little in the dark. At first, I thought this university would be too big, but it is just right. People seem fairly impressed when I tell them that I am at a prestigious college like U of I. I spend most of my time in my dorm, my friends' dorms, at the gym, or just out roaming campus. Champaign-Urbana truly is a college town. Concerning the administration, I have no complaints, but at one point, there was some controversy over GPAs dealing with the 2014 class. Honestly, you will never find a school with more pride than UIUC. Coming from a school that was lacking in pride, I feel so proud and at home here, that I find myself cheering just as crazy as everyone else. On game days, campus is a sea of orange and blue. One of the most unusual things about this school is its unique architecture and graffiti. Most student complaints either come from the overcrowded buses in the winter or their frequent inability to show up on time when one really needs to get somewhere.

The best thing about going to the University of Illinois is that I know employers will like the fact that I will have a degree from a prestigious university. The one thing I would change would be that sometimes it feels like I lose my identity as a student since the school is so massive. That personal experience can be hard to carve out when you feel like you're just a number. Urbana-Champaign is absolutely a college town. The university is so large that the school dominates a large portion of the cities. Without the school, Urbana-Champaign would actually be a really depressing place to live since the surrounding neighborhoods aren't that pleasant. There are many "crime-alerts" that the police send out about shootings or robberies that occur on campus that are from residents off-campus coming to exploit the wealthier, more sheltered student body. The biggest recent controversy or incident would have to be when a member of our football team got shot at a party a few weeks ago. It is just hard to believe that level of violence can occur so close to where I live. This is also a big source of student complaints because many fear that it will become unsafe to walk to class. Not too many weeks ago, a man was threatened with a gun and had his iPad taken in the heart of campus-town in the middle of the day. No one wants to feel like they can't take their valuables with them to class because they might get robbed. Following the clout controversy of a few years ago, naturally my opinion of my school's administration isn't too high. However, I hope that they have figured all that out by now and that shouldn't affect prospective students from wanting to go here. There is definitely a lot of school pride here on campus. The football and basketball games are always a big source of excitement and students always take the opportunity to get decked out in orange and blue to show their support. I don't necessarily feel a lot of school spirit, but I've never really been one to be like that. However, watching a football game with a lot of friends and fans is usually a good time no matter who you are. I know it sounds very stereotypical, but one of the main experiences that stick out in my mind is the fiasco that is Unofficial St. Patrick's day. It is insane just how "college" everything is on that one day a year and it sums up the student body pretty well. A large portion of students wear green and start drinking at 8am one Friday every March, much to the dismay of the local law enforcement. It is the definition of "I'm young so I can do these kind of things." At a big university such as this one that is known for partying, Unofficial is an experience to remember. Overall, I like the University of Illinois. I don't love it, but I don't hate it, either. I feel like I may have been more satisfied somewhere else but I have never felt so strongly that I wanted to switch schools. There is a lot being offered here with many opportunities to get involved and make a difference.

I think it's fair to say that I "bleed orange and blue." Thought cliche', I believe that's and accurate way of putting my feelings for this university into words. I get excited every time I see someone else with a big orange "I" t-shirt walking around the world. I just want to shout "I-L-L" in hopes that faintly in the distance, I'll get an "I-N-I." Now that I've thoroughly shown my love for this school, there's something to be said about life here. I love that we're so diverse, that is, we have more than 1000 student organizations catering to different interests and a array of represented ethnic groups. There's always something to do here, and something to learn as well. For anyone stuck in their comfort zone, they'll learn to break out of it and experience something new once they step on campus grounds. Encountering people of different races every day is something I'm sure to take for granted out in the real world, because we're a melting pot, the the corporate world can't really compare. People need that exposure to people who don't look like them or do the same things they do, and U of I gives that to them. Our school is very large, but there's a home for everyone. Like I previously mentioned, the many organizations available to join make it easier to find friends and venture into the unknown to find something else you like. I feel like I'm an individual even amongst 39,900 students. Going off of that, there's so many opportunities to become a leader on campus. I love U of I because it' prepares you for the real world, and prepares you to stand tall in all that you do in the future by giving you the chance to practice it everyday. No campus is golden, and we've had our share of controversies, however. Most recently, our mascot was removed from campus. Every shred of "Chief Illiniwek's" existence has been taken down, painted over or tucked in the memories of those who actually got the see him dance at halftime. Native American interest groups viewed the mascot as a modern-day minstrel show, mocking the rich Native American culture they cling to. There were protests and boycotts by the small group represented by about 100 students and community leaders. Their small voice was heard, and the mascot was taken away. Of course, many people hated the idea of not having a mascot, I actually came here once it was taken out. So I never got to see this amazing dance in person. However, I've learned so much about the culture from the controversy. I think others did too even though their feelings are on the fence. One of my favorite memories here is the moment I read my Resident Advisor job offer. They offered to pay my room and board, which has ballooned to almost $1000 more than tuition, and a monthly stipend. I can honestly say that I wouldn't be a student here if I hadn't gotten that job. Financially, my family struggles, and I needed every scholarship and grant I could get. Upon opening the letter, I jumped up and down, spun around an yelled at the top of my lungs. It was such a joyous moment for me because I had worked so hard for it. My experiences as an RA have been beneficial to my professional goals and personal growth in more ways than I can write on paper. i loved ever minute I spent with my residents, helping them to grow into young leaders making them feel at home here. If I could touch the lives of more people before I graduate, I would. It's the greatest feeling in the world.

I think it's fair to say that I "bleed orange and blue." Thought cliche', I believe that's and accurate way of putting my feelings for this university into words. I get excited every time I see someone else with a big orange "I" t-shirt walking around the world. I just want to shout "I-L-L" in hopes that faintly in the distance, I'll get an "I-N-I." Now that I've thoroughly shown my love for this school, there's something to be said about life here. I love that we're so diverse, that is, we have more than 1000 student organizations catering to different interests and a array of represented ethnic groups. There's always something to do here, and something to learn as well. For anyone stuck in their comfort zone, they'll learn to break out of it and experience something new once they step on campus grounds. Encountering people of different races every day is something I'm sure to take for granted out in the real world, because we're a melting pot, the the corporate world can't really compare. People need that exposure to people who don't look like them or do the same things they do, and U of I gives that to them. Our school is very large, but there's a home for everyone. Like I previously mentioned, the many organizations available to join make it easier to find friends and venture into the unknown to find something else you like. I feel like I'm an individual even amongst 39,900 students. Going off of that, there's so many opportunities to become a leader on campus. I love U of I because it' prepares you for the real world, and prepares you to stand tall in all that you do in the future by giving you the chance to practice it everyday. No campus is golden, and we've had our share of controversies, however. Most recently, our mascot was removed from campus. Every shred of "Chief Illiniwek's" existence has been taken down, painted over or tucked in the memories of those who actually got the see him dance at halftime. Native American interest groups viewed the mascot as a modern-day minstrel show, mocking the rich Native American culture they cling to. There were protests and boycotts by the small group represented by about 100 students and community leaders. Their small voice was heard, and the mascot was taken away. Of course, many people hated the idea of not having a mascot, I actually came here once it was taken out. So I never got to see this amazing dance in person. However, I've learned so much about the culture from the controversy. I think others did too even though their feelings are on the fence. One of my favorite memories here is the moment I read my Resident Advisor job offer. They offered to pay my room and board, which has ballooned to almost $1000 more than tuition, and a monthly stipend. I can honestly say that I wouldn't be a student here if I hadn't gotten that job. Financially, my family struggles, and I needed every scholarship and grant I could get. Upon opening the letter, I jumped up and down, spun around an yelled at the top of my lungs. It was such a joyous moment for me because I had worked so hard for it. My experiences as an RA have been beneficial to my professional goals and personal growth in more ways than I can write on paper. i loved ever minute I spent with my residents, helping them to grow into young leaders making them feel at home here. If I could touch the lives of more people before I graduate, I would. It's the greatest feeling in the world.

My honest opinion of U of I is that it's one of the best Big Ten and 4-year state universities in the nation. It's best quality is that it's a nice balance of so many things- partying and studying, in-state and out-of-state students, rural and urban, and much more. It's a pretty big university in a small (for Chicagoans) college town, which is a nice combination, as it's easy to get excited about what's going on at the university, from the football games to the latest project the engineers and computer nerds are working on. The school's administration is fairly easygoing for such a big school, and they're more likely to get animosity from the workers (mostly grad assistants) than the students- the recent controversies are the strikes by the Graduate Employee Organization and upcoming strike by visiting academics professionals. For the most part, the students like them. U of I's brimming with school pride, whether it's for our unlucky football team or powerhouse basketball, and most days the campus is covered in orange and blue and I's. And, campustown is always full of life- I'll always remember my first U of I Halloween freshman year. The most frequent student complaint is that 4 years isn't enough.

I came to this school because it was close to home but not too close to home, a great school but not so exclusive it was snobby, and respected but not so expensive it would put my younger siblings out of a college education... just to name a few reasons. The best part of this school is that you can completely make whatever you want out of your college experience. You can take mostly online classes, party every night and sleep all day and still graduate. You can also take 18 credit hours, spend your time in the library and join a thousand clubs. Of course, you can be somewhere in between both of those. What i really mean is that I was able to explore all of the possibilities - sorority girl, bookworm, creative writer, journalist - and Illinois let me do that. Every year, I joined different things, dropped out of different things, thought I would be going in one direction and would be going the exact opposite just a month later. The campus at Illinois is huge, there's no denying that. But you find the places you belong - where you have your classes, where you like to study, where you spend your Thursday nights - and it quickly seems a lot smaller. It's certainly a college town, complete with cafes to chat and study, a really active nightlife with tons of campus bars (where you only have to be 19 to get in; a big plus for freshmen), too many libraries to count, lots of restaurants and, of course, the beloved Quad. I remember visiting in high school and thinking, "This is what college is supposed to feel like." UIllinois' reputation has taken some punches in my time here, most notably the controversy involving the "clout list," in which politicians paid for certain unqualified students to be accepted into the school. But I've always felt a lot of pride in this school, and people from Illinois who didn't even go here have a lot of pride in the school too. We're an amazing research institution, we have superb athletics, we're consistently considered one of the best schools for corporate college recruiting and we're just thought of as an all-around great school. There is no doubt in my mind that this was the best choice for me.

The most difficult part of moving to Champaign from the city was probably the change in environment. It was sometimes too quiet and I did not have the luxury of walking an equivalent of the Magnificent Mile in Chicago. I missed angry cab drivers, the presence of the Sears Tower, and mesmerizing skyline at night. In the end, the location is right for some and wrong for others. However, with hundreds of RSOs (clubs) on campus, there are activities for everyone. I am most drawn to Nevada street -- it is the epitome of cultural centers on college campuses. On Nevada street, you will find the La Casa Latina, the Native American House, and other cultures home. All houses welcome both people of their race and people who are not of the same race. Campus also provides fairs for different majors. It might just be your opportunity to score a summer internship and future job!

I love it. I love attending a college town school, that isn't too big or too small. Fall weather is one of the best times of year because you get warm weather almost all the way through November. The night life is great on campus, and there's always something to do. Football game days are probably one of the greatest things to experience on campus. Next season will surely be interesting with a new head coach, but I think campus is really excited about a change in the program. Athletics at Illinois have really been great with the Volleyball team and Men's gymnastics teams being nationally ranked this year.

The best thing about the U of I is it's diversity. There are so many cool people here. I've met students who are from all over the world. For example, I mentored two International students who came to the United States from China. Last summer, I met another student who was studying abroad from the UK. The opportunities to meet new people are endless. Now, some may think the U of I is too big. It may appear that way upon visiting and taking a tour of the campus. However, once you're here, taking classes and maybe even getting lost a few times...the place will seem as small as your own backyard. When my friends or family members come visit from Chicago, there amazed to discover how well I've adapted myself to the Urbana-Champaign community. This campus rocks! All in all, I can't complain about much here. But, If I had one thing to say I disliked.....it would be to cost of tutiton. Tutition has increaased by 5 percent since I've been here. The University says it's because of the State of Illinois budget cuts. This is why its important to search for scholarships and grants ahead of time. This will help off set some of the cost of attendance. Other than that, the faculty and staff are helpful and resourceful and anyone that goes here will tell you that we bleed ORANGE AND BLUE!

The university is a quintessential Big Ten school. The school is ranked highly in regard to academics and athletics play large role, too. Mainly due to the school's prestigious engineering and computer science majors, there are a number of international students. The fact that it's a public school also leads to diversity. Illinois is in the heart of the Midwest, and Champaign-Urbana provides a nice college town feel. Don't expect to stray too far off campus, though. There's only so much you can do in a town with this much corn. This is definitely a big school. But you can shrink it by getting involved in clubs and your major. School pride exists mostly through athletics, but the majority of students are proud to say they go here. People realize this is a good school and it carries relative weight when applying for jobs and internships. The use of "The Chief" as the school's mascot is a large controversy that everyone on campus has an opinion on. Overall, no one is really surprised by their experience here. You know what you're getting yourself into.

You can tell how connected the U of I family is when shouts of I-L-L come from Champaign and responses of I-N-I are heard from Urbana. The school pride here is amazing, who doesn't love the great blend of Orange and Blue? Even though the U of I is large, it seems like everyone finds their place to fit in just right. Whether you grab a cup of coffee after class with your friends, or attend a concert at Assembly Hall, U of I seems to grab everyone's attention in some way, shape or form. It;s a place I'm proud to be at, and a place respected by others.

When you walk onto our quad on an early fall day, you are most likely to be looking out at a sea of orange. Most students love this university, and I am included in that group of students. I think we offer the best of both worlds to students: a prestigious education and an enjoyable atmosphere. While our academics are top notch, we still maintain a fun social life outside of academics. Many students here seem to adopt the mantra “work hard, play hard.” While we have a reputation as a party school, we also uphold a reputation for strong classes with renowned professors.

The one good thing about this school is the diversity and I like how you have lots of opportunities to explore. It is peaceful and you can go to different places without getting bored.

Overall, I really do love Illinois. There are so many friendly people everywhere you go wanting to interact and talk and help and it's something I have never experienced before. There are a lot of people, which can at first seem overwhelming, but you hear time and time again that by joining activities, getting a job, and getting involved, you can make the campus so much smaller. Students here are so proud to be where they are, and you it's evident when you see at least a handful of students in a small classroom wearing Illini clothing. We also have a reason to be proud because when people hear "I attend the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, their immediate reaction is, "wow, you're smart". And I have heard this reaction not only in Illinois, but also in other states including from family and friends in California.The campus is huge and in a college town, but I actually really like it. You're surrounded by people like you so I never feel pressured to act a certain way, just as the college student I am. The U of I really is a great school where you will receive a great education and be surrounded by people who want to have fun, but who also strive for a bright future. Many know that they'll have to work hard now, but the reward that pays off later will definitely be worth it. And honestly, college isn't even that hard. True fact. .

Many high school students in Illinois see the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign as a fall-back school. It's our plan B. Frankly, it's the best bang for the buck. However, it's so much more than that. I'm GLAD my parents didn't give me an option about where else I could go. I was so upset that they wouldn't let me go to the University of Wisconsin in Madison after i got in. Don't get me wrong, UIUC has it's problems. However, the best part is that YOU can be part of enacting those changes. You can make a difference if you want to. Your voice does matter; you're not just a stupid student. They actually listen to you here (well, you do need to bust through some doors first, but they will listen if you're persist). The school is big and tons of people are here, but you can choose if you're going to get lost in the mix or stand out. Something important to recognize is that IT REALLY DOESN'T MATTER WHERE YOU GO FOR UNDERGRAD in terms of getting hired. I'm competing against Ivy League graduates for jobs, and I'm getting further than them because of me and my GPA. Your GPA is very important. Don't listen to anyone who tells you otherwise.

The University of Illinois offers so many opportunities. The classes offered to early undergraduates allow the student the time and experiences to figure out exactly what it is they want to do in their life. The Big Ten sports are a fun experience, especially basketball! Also, there are tons of Study Abroad opportunities. I, for example, lived in Costa Rica for four months. I picked up Spanish and forged lifelong bonds. Studying abroad stands as my ultimate experience at this university.

When I was first shuffled into my dorm along with what felt like the population of a small city all filtering into Champaign Urbana on the infamous move in day, I felt like my school may just be a little too big for me to grasp. It was shocking compared to what I had ever perceived school to be, and I certainly didn't adjust to it in a day. But then, life is a series of heavy adjustments, and I feel like acclimating to a University and grand as mine has better prepared me for the eventual graduation date and plummet into the real working world. At a smaller school there would be fewer outlooks to encounter and combat, fewer life lessons you learn in a classroom where the fate of the class for the first time rests entirely on your shoulders. There would be less to conflict with, less opportunity available, and less to take away with for the rest of my life. The beauty of a big school is that there are homes and niches within and you can always find a comfort zone, but more importantly you will not leave a sheltered or naive person.

U of I took a lot of getting used to at first, but I think it's a school you grow to love. The campus is big and freshman year many people live in a little bubble - you go from the dorms to class and the furthest you venture out is on Green Street, where all the bars and restaurants are. The campus is so much bigger than that! It's also a very beautiful campus - with the trees and brick buildings, you sort of feel like you're in another time period. Eventually, you get used to the size and the college town feel, especially if you're from Chicago or its suburbs. If you're in to school pride, people have tons of that here! And if you're in to partying, between the Greek life and the bars all being located within a one mile radius of each other, you can get your fill of that too.

The University of Illinois is as well balanced of a school as you are going to get. I know every school pushes this as their go-to sales pitch, but U of I is the real deal. You will not find many schools that have such a high caliber social and academic life. Of course you can find a good party school and the prime academic schools can feel like a job instead of college, but to find a school with both is rare. U of I grads have no trouble impressing employers. U of I has gotten more and more competitive making it that much more of a difference-maker on the top of your resume. It is a school that is tough, but manageable academically, that will challenge you to succeed. It also has a vibrant nightlife. It has one of the best Greek-systems in the nation and plenty of on-campus bars. There is no short supply of fun at Illinois. Illinois is the perfect blend of work and fun.

I absolutely LOVE this place! Coming here, I was happy but not overly excited. I knew a lot of people coming into college because many people from my home and church already were attending U of I. I came into college without any preconceived judgements or biases. I wanted to seek them out for myself. I found out about amazing opportunities and organizations on campus that I'm happy and excited to be a part of and I don't think I would have this outlook at another school. Being at a Big 10 university is awesome because the sports games are incredible and fun to watch. I love school pride and seeing past generations of Illini coming back to cheer on our football team with my generation. I've heard the phrase, "At a big school, you're just a number," many times but I believe that you can make a huge campus into a small one. You just have to go out there and make it possible. There are so many groups you can join and friends you can meet through these clubs that it won't even seem like there are 40,000 students on campus. I've met some of the greatest people here that I wouldn't have met otherwise and it's because I got involved. It's because I had the opportunity to meet them and learn about them. I'm very thankful for that!

The title of my response perfectly captures the essence of U of I. Illinois has outstanding academics, including one of the nation's best business schools and engineering schools. Our students excel academically Simultaneously, students here like to have a great time. Yeah, we're not a top-rated "party school," but we don't care about those ratings. We know we have a great time while we're here. Red Lion, Kam's, and Joe's headline several great bars where Greeks and non-Greeks alike convene to dance, socialize, and party. Working and playing are perfectly balanced and don't impede on each other. One thing I'd change is the school athletics, particularly basketball and football. I'll concede that our athletics aren't as great as Big Ten powerhouses such as Ohio State, Michigan, and Wisconsin. They're not as competitive as these programs, and the atmosphere is different. The football games lack a popular tailgate experience at the field. However, that doesn't mean that our students don't show school spirit. Block I, the student section for football games, leads cheers and put on a great "show" during halftime. Doug Gottlieb, an ESPN College Basketball expert, calls our basketball student section, Orange Krush, "the undisputed king of student spirit groups." The recent controversies that have occurred at the university have been well-documented. The clout that has taken place in our admissions department is very unfortunate. Also, the early admissions program at our law school has experienced some moral and legal problems involving inflating the law school's average GPA. This is representative of the state of Illinois, not of the University of Illinois. The state has been known for corrupt politics (i.e. Rod Blagojevich). But we refuse to be defined by these controversies and Windy City politics. We will define ourselves by our success at the university and in our future careers. To finally convince you, I will compare U of I to Indiana University. I do this because a lot of incoming freshman apply to both schools, and have to choose between the two. A lot of people choose IU over U of I because it's more "fun." This is simply false. It's comparing apples to oranges. Both schools are fun, but each has something different to offer, specifically in terms of "fun." Also, people are swayed by Indiana's beautiful campus. I agree. The campus is very aesthetically pleasing, no doubt about it. But I didn't go to college because the campus was nice. There's a lot more to a campus than its appearance. It's all about the students. We have the best students in the country. We have students who strive for excellence in academics. We also have students who like to have a great time. That is a perfect balance.