University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Top Questions

Being an Illini and feeling Illinois spirit all over campus and in the surrounding community is the best part of Illinois. I love how big U of I is because it offers so many great opportunities. While its size may be overwhelming to some, not a day goes by that I don't see at least 5 friends on my way to class or to workout.

The school is pretty awesome. There is a lot to do, even if you don't know all the hot places to check out. If you take time to explore the campus there are lots of neat little niches and cool places to find, especially in downtown Champaign. People are pretty cool, and Greek life is huge so if you rush a frat or sorority then you're walking into a crazy social scene. The school isn't too big, and it isn't small either. It's a large campus, but it's easy to make it smaller. Lots of different people to make friends with.

Although it's a big school, it's not hard to find a place to fit and a way to make it seem smaller. Because it is so large, there are opportunities that appeal to everyone and tons of ways to get involved in extra-curricular activities. Joining student organizations makes the campus feel like home and helps establish a base group of friends with similar interests.

The U of I is a great Big Ten University. We have tons of spirit here, and there are always people willing to go out no matter what day of the week it is. We are a very active campus, and the second it gets above 60 degrees everybody is outside playing football and frisbee. Our Quad is the most beautiful quad in the country! The Chief is still very much alive...

I like the atmosphere at Illinois. The campus is big, but you feel as if you are in your own littel community. I first waled on this campus thinking how big it was, but now it's hard to not see people you know. People usually tell me that I go to a very good school and I should be proud. I spend most of my time in the pool on this campus or at home. I really have no opinion on the Illinois administration. Teh biggest recent controversy on this campus in my opinion still deals with the Chief. It happened awhile ago, but people still talk about it. Illinois has more school pride then any other Big Ten school I've been too. I've been to eight out of the eleven. I take pride in that. Illinois is just so so so flat is the only thing I think is unusual. The experience I'll always remember is my first orange and blue swim meet. And the most frequent student complaints I hear or at least mine are is it's too windy and cold sometimes.

What makes Illinois "Illinois" is by far the atmosphere. It's truly the college town. Something is always going on, and it's very easy to find a group or niche you can relate to, whether that be through the Greek life, Student Government, or various clubs. I've been extremely impressed with the active Christian life on campus, particularly FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes). It's a remarkable program, and it has changed so many lives, including my own. I'm also impressed with the school pride. Attendance at sporting events is a must-do, wearing nothing but orange and blue.

The best thing about U of I is its size. There are so many wonderful people and programs to choose from! You can find somone with an opinion on a topic, a group that is passionate about what you're passionate about, friends with the same interest, and a major that fits your interests. The only drawback is that you sometimes have to search pretty hard to find these people/groups.

I love this campus, it has a huge Greek system and many Greek houses so people are always out in the yards and people are always on "the quad" (heart of campus) just relaxing or throwing a frisbee around. On most Friday afternoons in the spring, my roommate and I take walks around campus and just enjoy the people out and about.

The best thing about Illinois is that it really is a "campus town;" everything about the area is oriented towards the university. If I had to change one thing about Illinois, it would be to ban "Unofficial;" it is a stupid pseudo-holiday. When I tell people that I go to Illinois, I either get blank stares because they haven't heard of it, or I get a congratulations and overwhelming praise from people who have heard of it.

U of I is the perfect size, in my opinion. I can see people I want to see easily, and find my way around without too much trouble, but you don't feel like you are seeing the same faces and same building every day. Illini Pride is a VERY big part of the school. Our athletic teams are nationally competitive across the board. I will probably always remember being on the cross country and track team.

One of the best things about the University of Illinois is there is so many opportunities down here take advantage of. This is an excellent bridge between high school and the real world when it comes to experience and maturing as we grow older. There are many clubs, sports and activities to join or learn about outside of the classroom. The one thing I would change is the administration seems more bent on being politically correct rather than using good judgment and common sense when deciding on certain issues. Our total student population is around 40,000 people and honestly I think it is a perfect size. It is big enough to meet new people and get away from others as well. I split my time equally between my fraternity house, our gym, class and our school newspaper. Yes, I believe Champaign/Urbana, Illinois is a college town. I think our administration spends more time worrying about being politically correct and being super sensitive to everything and not using common sense judgment. The biggest controversy would have to be the retirement of the Chief. Yes there is a lot of school pride because there is a lot to be said for this University and most of the students and faculty here. There are many underground tunnels that spread all over the University grounds, a lot of times people can gain access to them but are subject to arrest if caught. The one experience I will always remember would have to be the first girl I dated here on campus. The most frequent complaints I here have to do with professors and how they can't teach in the classroom or Teaching Assistants and their lack of profession.

University of Illinois has way too many whiny liberals who want people to feel bad about everything they do. They want people to believe the war is about oil and that every white male is a racist. They cry far too often about nothing, they don't know where daddy's money comes from and don't care. They think global warming is real, and they think soldiers of the US Army are criminals even though they are better people than any student at this institution will ever be. Many of them will see the light when they graduate and have to live in the real world, but many others never will. This university trains people to depend on the government and not to think and work for themselves.

I love University of Illinois. Although I was extremely nervous about the large size before I came here, I really had nothing to worry about. I came from a smaller high school, and still did not end up feeling overwhelmed about the size of campus. Also, there are many ways to make U of I seem smaller if needed. For example, Greek life is very important on this campus, and there are a variety of different clubs, from broomball to underwater basket weaving to volunteering. Because of the diversity of activities, everyone can find their niche.

urbana champaign is a college town. biggest recent controversy is the chief and our mascot. there is alot of school pride, but not enough that you would get mobbed for wearing the sweatshirt of a different college. most frequent complaint is the food from other students, but i think the food is fine.

Going greek is probably my most proudest accomplishment since I got on campus. I think that the ethnic greeks, Latino, Black, etc, get along fairly well. We support each other for the most part.

A great thing about this school is that it is big. Being able to associate with so many people and make so many connecting while still in school is a major plus. In addition, having the largest greek community (in terms of chapters) in the country adds to these connections. Being greek allows opens the doors to so many more opportunities that would never be possible if you weren't greek. And the fact that being greek is encouraged, and respected adds to the college experience that is so crucial. There also is alot of school pride, we care about this university, and bond together. It also helps we have big time sports programs to unite all of us. In terms of a college town, this one is great. There is a great bar scene, enhancing social life around campus, and the party scene.

Why Illinois is Great The best thing about Illinois is the incredible college atmosphere it provides: great classes, Greek Life, student organizations (over ~1800), great personal life, extracurriculars, and limitless philanthropies and service events. Sounds like a ton, but it really provide you with a place to blosm. My schedule is jammed packed with things to do, almost overwhelming at times, but do not be overwhelmed by the school's size. It may seem that you are just one number in 40,000 students, but you must make it not this way to really achieve in college. This means you must be the dedicated student that you make yourself out to be. Learn time managment, study skills, and good habits and you'll do great.

The best thing about the university is the campus. It's beautiful, so many resources. I would change the amount of minority students admitted. The numbers are ridiculously low. The school is huge, but for me its just right. A lot of people are shocked I go to this university. It is a big ten university which says a lot about me. Most of my time is spent in my apartment or at the library studying. College town..I love it! Illinois administration...hmmm...they don't really do what the students want, it's what they find suitable. Recent controversy would be the chief and racism. Yes, plenty of school pride. Unusual, well yes. For a school that prides itself on the wonderful education they provide I would expect a wonderful education. A lecture of 700 students DOES NOT PROVE TO BE A GOOD EDUCATION. Frequent student complains is racism, tuition, dorm food (which I love, but I hear complaints way too much).

Overall I'd say that Illinois is your quintessential college movie experience, the college town that you imagine when you are planning on leaving home, the place that feels like home even though its nothing like where you're from. The school itself is split between Urbana and Champaign but I spent the majority of my time in Champaign so I'm biased of course. I played hockey at U of I for the club team which on campus is treated like a D1 sport here in lieu of an actual D1 team. Champaign has it all, by which I mean that is where Assembly Hall, Memorial Stadium, the new fitness center, the mall, Green St., most Frats, and all the bars are located. Illinois is a big enough school that if you're not all party all the time and you come without friends you will eventually find your niche. What they don't put on your acceptance letter (and they probably should) is that at heart Illinois is Sports, Greek, Academics (not in that order). If you don't like sports or the color orange Illinois might not be for you. If you don't like the greek system (a lot) I can tell you now you will eventually run into it on campus and Illinois might not be for you. Lastly if you don't know how to balance your time well, the combination of freedom, cheap alcohol, and a ridiculous work load from your classes will put you on your ass and out of school fast. In general if you want school spirit, a good job when you graduate, and to have the time of your life then come to Illinois. If you're anti social, undisciplined, or have a vendetta against alcohol, Illinois might not be for you.

U of I is the perfect combination of a big and small school. For example, even though the U of I has a total of 40,000 people enrolled, the College of Education is only 250 students. So while I have the opportunity to be apart of the 40,000 student body, I also have a more initimate relationship with the people in my college. Campus town is great because there's always so much going on. On a nice day there'll be people walking down Green Street going to lunch and on a weekend night there are people out going to the bars. There's always something going on.

I like that U of I is big, but sometimes it's a little too big. Reactions change when I say I go to U of I; the people that got reject assume I'm smart but others seem to think it's just a party school. The college town is nice, to be honest I like being surrounded by kids that aren't yet in the real world. I spend a lot of time hanging out in the dorms and at my house; going out usually means bars or an apartment party.

I love the campus. There is always something to do around here, whether it be 12 o'clock in the afternoon or 12 o'clock in the morning. I think the most recent controversy on campus are issues with the Chief, our mascot, being taken away, and other forms of racism on campus (such as the Tacos and Tequila exchange b/w certain fraternities and sororities).

Somehow, my wardrobe has turned from many different colors to mainly orange and blue. I'd say there's a lot of school pride in terms of sports and the ground we come from. The experience I will always remember is coming out of class at 9:50 onto the quad and seeing streams of people coming out of classes. It creates this feeling in me that the school is so large but it's the challenge to make connections with people and find my way through the sea of faces. It's worked out for me so far!

Because Illinois is very large, your college experience is entirely what you make of it.

What's the best thing about Illinois? I think it's the number of different extracurriculars available. I never thought I'd be able to get so involved in such a variety of activities when I came here. Is Illinois a good size? I think so. It's a large school in a decent sized town, but it has a small-town atmosphere in many ways. Champaign has a great campus town, and there's an amazing public transportation system. You can get both small and large classes, so it's a good mix. I think Illinois's administration has a lot of problems. They frequently make wildly unpopular decisions, and they have raised tuition multiple times since I came here. They have a bad system of records, often losing paperwork you submit. They need to be more organized. On top of that, they recently retired Illinois' mascot, the Chief, for no good reason. In part they were forced by the NCAA, who decided it would be a smart idea to boycott Illinois until they did it. It was really retarded overall, and 70+{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of the student population just voted to bring the Chief back. It's obvious who the majority is, but the administration doesn't listen to us.

The best thing about Illinois are the libraries. I would like to change the fact that although we have amazingly bright people in this campus yet people are not aware about diversity and race. This school is HUGE but that is why I like it, there is no time to get bored. People are impressed when I say I go to U of I. My dorm and the libraries and Starbucks are the best places to be!College town. Administration is sometimes iffy it doesn't feel, in some cases, that they are here for there own agenda and not for the students. Yes to much school pride. During the year there is always a couple of days that campus smells like cow methane. LOL. 2 SNOW DAYS during my sophomore year (Feb.2007). The Chief and the price of books.

I like the history and tradition of Illinois. It adds to the credibility of your degree. A lot of people have a good sense of pride in the school.

Best thing is the community and the fact that the atmosphere is purely what a college atmosphere should be like. I would change the parking on campus... it's a complete hassle. School is just right. When I tell people I go to Illinois, they think it's wonderful and tell me how they are huge Illini fans. College town, definitely. The administration could use serious help in areas. Sometimes I feel they don't really listen to the students. Biggest is the Chief... NO DOUBT. Second would be Unofficial. TON of school pride! Unusual... not really. At least not that I can think of. My one experience so far - traveling to California for the Rose Bowl. AMAZING and something I will never forget. Most complaints are usually about the weather and parking.

Is your school too large, too small, or just right? Just right How do people react when you tell them you go to Illinois? Impressed Where do you spend most of your time on campus? Yes College town, or "what college town?" College town What was the biggest recent controversy on campus? Chief Is there a lot of school pride? Yes

Good ratio of men to women. I would change the amount of general education courses required. my school is just right...like goldilocks. They are impressed when I tell them. I spend most of my time in my apartment.

To be completely honest, I have never gotten a bad reaction when I told someone that I went to the U of I. In reality, I have found that most people automatically draw a connection between U of I and intelligence, so when I tell them that I go here, they say,"Oh so you must be really smart." Obviously there is a lot of controversy over the chief, with a majority of the students upset by the fact that he has been removed as our symbol. Many students are upset with how the administration handled the issue, feeling that they did not stand up for the tradition of the school. Nevertheless, the issue with the chief has not affected the academic standing of the U of I.