University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Top Questions

What's unique about your campus?

Cecille

It's a place where opportunities are endless. You can study almost anything and learn something new every day. It's a big enough school where you can meet someone new each day, but small enough that you don't feel lost. By the end of my college career, the school seemed quite small to me!

Mary

A huge campus that allows students to be themselves and join as many organizations as they like.

Samantha

The access to rescources on campus is amazing. You can find any type of club or group of people that shares a similar interest with you. No matter how unique the interest, I guarantee someone else on campus shares that interest and more likely than not there is a club or group already dedicated. No one ever has to feel alone as long as they make the first step toward finding a place to fit in.

Bianca

The best thing about UIUC is the people. On campus, you will come across and meet a great variety of people with different backgrounds and interest. Being surrounded by such a diverse group of students is both refreshing and enlightening.

Austin

It is a world renowned university where there are many chances to participate in research and extra curricular activities. There are many resources for finding research positions and there are professors are working in any field you can imagine so finding something related to your interests will not be hard to do. Likewise, since it is so renowned it has many partnerships with foreign universities doing research in another country is extremely easy to do in comparision to many other universities.

Trace

The Arboretum. It was this field behind the entire campus that not that many people knew about. It was my sanctuary whenever I became stressed or just needed to get away or anything! I loved that area behind the campus.

Courtney

At the U of I, I was apart of the Delta Gamma sorority. DG was without a doubt the best thing about my school to me. Coming from a high school where everyone knew each other to a 50,000 plus person school was a huge shock. Greek life made campus so much smaller and helped me immensely with adjusting to life in college. DG alum's have helped me with a lot of things including choosing the right law school! I made so many friends I couldn't imagine not knowing now.

Jessica

Resources. We have so many resources on everything. Volunteering, career services, family trouble, legal issues, resume help, study abroad... You name it, there is someone that can help you.

Jasmine

I love that the school provides students with so many opportunities to get involved, whether it be with extracurricular activities, or with research that faculty is doing. Students are very able to get hands-on experience that will help them with grad school and with future jobs. The faculty here also really cares about the students here, so you really feel as though people care about whether you succeed or not.

Mateusz

Well funded in research.

Lauren

People on campus are nice. They will smile at you and say good morning when they cross your path and they will start up conversations with you when you're in an elevator or a line. It's great because it makes you feel welcomed and that you are never alone.

Betsy

Students who attend the University of Illinois have one thing in common. When asked why they chose to go to school here, most people reply that it "felt right." Although this is hardly the only category you should base your college decision on, when you visit campus you will understand what all of those students meant. The feeling on campus is homey. When living at school it truly becomes your home away from home. The student body is full of so many different opportunities for you to find yourself, your best friends and discover new things. The professors are always there, willing to give you support academically or otherwise. The cities of Champaign and Urbana have a range of the same restaurants and shops you know from home mixed with spots original to campus. Illinois is unique because it combines the best of home and college life.

Corey

A lot of students that apply to Illinois also apply to Indiana University. I applied there too. Many people say that Indiana's campus is prettier and more aesthetically pleasing. I completely agree with this. Our campus is kind of boring compared to Illinois. Our buildings are mostly made out of brown brick while buildings at Indiana are made out of beautiful limestone. However, I didn't go to college in order to be amazed while walking to class. While Indiana has a prettier campus, it also has a larger one. This is a drawback of Indiana and positive for Illinois. What's so unique about the campus at Illinois is that everything is so close and compact. Classes, residence halls, bars, and restaurants are all within walking distance. The farthest walk I've had to walk to class is 12 minutes, which is certainly an outlier.

Martin

The size of the campus is a great attribute. But really, the unique thing is that no matter how you spend your time at the University, the students are friendly and generally good natured.

Olivia

The best thing about the University of Illinois are the resources the school provides. The school has so many opportunities to help students succeed in school as well as in life. The university has such a good reputation throughout the nation and in that provides many opportunites for individuals once they graduate the university. From the Career Center to the leadership programs to the tutoring centers that are provided, the university molds students to become the best individual they can be in all aspects so that they can have so much success in the future.

David

We have something called "The Morrow Plots," an experimental crop ground that's been around and unaltered since 1876. This agricultural marvel has provided invaluable data on harvest cycles and crop rotation all over the world, and the research stemming from it continues to advance nutrition understanding and development of many other fields of agricultural study. It's so important that no one is allowed in the barred off grounds, and rumor has it that students have been expelled for violated the "sacred plots." It has also forced architects to design the undergrad library to be built underground so as to not disrupt the sunlight coming from the west. More info! http://uihistoriesproject.chass.illinois.edu/virtualtour/landmarks/morrowplots/

Lauren

I think that what is really unique about going to school at Illinois is the fact that there are endless possibilities for students. Not only are academics highly praised here, but Illinois is also a Research I institution, so many professors are performing their own studies in addition to teaching, and often welcome their students into the lab or field to help them with this work. This provides students with the opportunity to apply the knowledge they are learning in the classroom in a more practical environment. In addition, students here put a lof of time and effort into extra-curricular activities such as Registered Student Organizations (RSOs). Last but not least, there are also plenty of ways to get involved in the community, whether you need a part-time job or are just looking for the chance to volunteer. Champaign-Urbana really is a micro-urban community that is small enough to make Illinois feel like home, but large enough to provide with lots of unique experiences.

Betsy

Students who attend the University of Illinois have one thing in common. When asked why they chose to go to school here, most people reply that it "felt right." Although this is hardly the only category you should base your college decision on, when you visit campus you will understand what all of those students meant. The feeling on campus is homey. When living at school it truly becomes your home away from home. The student body is full of so many different opportunities for you to find yourself, your best friends and discover new things. The professors are always there, willing to give you support academically or otherwise. The cities of Champaign and Urbana have a range of the same restaurants and shops you know from home mixed with original spots original to campus. Illinois is unique because it combines the best of home and college life.

John

I think UofI is unique because of its location. The UofI campus is located in sort of its own little bubble. All of the academic buildings, dorms, frats/sororities, and businesses are located in campus town but if you go off campus you can find a lot of great stuff. Champaign and Urbana have a unique culture. There are a many interesting restaurants and stores, and there's always something to do if you get bored with campus. Another unique feature is the alma mater. For some reason when my friends first started coming to visit me they always asked me about the alma mater. I didn't realize this statue was so well known, but apparently it is. Check it out http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Alma_Mater,_Lorado_Taft.jpg.

John

I think UofI is unique because of its location. The UofI campus is located in sort of its own little bubble. All of the academic buildings, dorms, frats/sororities, and businesses are located in campus town but if you go off campus you can find a lot of great stuff. Champaign and Urbana have a unique culture. There are a many interesting restaurants andstores, and there's always something to do if you get bored with campus. Another unique feature is the alma mater. For some reason when my friends first started coming to visit me they always asked me about the alma mater. I didn't realize this statue was so well known, but apparently it is. Check it out http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Alma_Mater,_Lorado_Taft.jpg.

John

I think UofI is unique because of its location. The UofI campus is located in sort of its own little bubble. All of the academic buildings, dorms, frats/sororities, and businesses are located in campus town but if you go off campus you can find a lot of great stuff. Champaign and Urbana have great culture. There are a many interesting restaurants, stores, and there's always something to do if you get bored with campus. Another unique feature is the alma mater. For some reason when my friends first started coming to visit me they always asked me about the alma mater. I didn't realize this statue was so well known, but apparently it is. Check it out http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Alma_Mater,_Lorado_Taft.jpg.

John

I think UofI is unique because of its location. The UofI campus is located in sort of its own little bubble. There all of the academic buildings, dorms, frats/sororities, and businesses are located in campus town but if you go off campus you can find a lot of great stuff. Champaign and Urbana have a lot of culture. There are a lot of great restaurants, stores, and there's always something to do if you get bored with campus. Another unique feature is the alma mater. For some reason when my friends first started coming to visit me they always asked me about the alma mater. I didn't realize this statue was so well known, but apparently it is. Check it out http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Alma_Mater,_Lorado_Taft.jpg.

Megan

I actually like that it's so big. That means there's a place for everyone. I went to a much smaller school for my first semester of college and I was miserable because I didn't feel like a belonged there. Here, there's somewhere everyone can belong.

Jake

The shared governance process that allows students to truly hold a position of power in university and campus decisions. By involving oneself in student govermment, the campus committee system, or other active student groups, one immediately assumes the potential to change the campus or university as a whole. No limit is imposed on the effect one student, or a colllective, may have. Faculty and administrators alike are both willing and excited to work with students to better the campus and the university in all matters academic, social, and cultural. It's truly a unique and incredible aspect of the UofI.

LaDonte

The best thing about my school is the competition that goes around. People often brag about getting a high GPA and the best things to talk about on campus are either grades or sports! Also the people at the university want to be successful in life and are always looking for a way to show their leadership, whether it is being part of a club, or building your own. Overall people are preparing for the real world and competing in order to be the best person they can be.

Chun

The best thing about University of Illinois is its diversity. You can find anyone and anything you’d ever wanted from a school here. Whatever type of person you believe yourself to be, you’ll find a group of people that fit you perfectly. Because there is so much to do here (anything from fraternity life, to academic clubs to adventure clubs), you’ll never find the need to venture outside of the campus. Unfortunately, if you actually wanted to do something outside of the school, you’re only choices are eating out, a movie or the mall.

Jason

At the University of Illinois, I love the multiple ranges of backgrounds and ethnicities. For example, in my Chemistry class I met people from Nigeria, Brazil, Germany, Australia, etc. Being able to talk to students in my generation hailing from different parts of the world was a treat. Also, I believe it helps to bring us together as our campus also stressses the importance of globalization and encourages people to become "World Citizens."

Michelle

I consider the best thing to be that I was able to have many opportunities to have field studies and practicums to learn how to interact with school age children before entering the education world.

Patrick

The best part about our school is the sheer number of undergraduate students. There are so many people to meet, and so little time! I love the diversity at this school and talking to many different people.

Aubree

I really enjoy the diversity at my school. I have met students from many states, countries, socioeconomic backgrounds, ethnicities, religious backgrounds and sexual orientation groups. Growing up in a town that was not so diverse, it has been a really great experience for me to meet people from all walks of life while getting my education.

Tian

We offer several extensive library collections and study space for students.

Samantha

The best thing about my school is the number of organizations that are available. We have hundreds of club teams, sororities, fraternities, clubs, and organizations. There is something for everyone. I also love the fact that there is always something to do on campus. Every night of the week, there is either a sporting event, play, concert, festival, etc. Having all of these activites on campus really allows you to figure out what you are interested in and what you passions are.

Kenna

The combination of the diversity of the people and the student organizations is hte best aspect of my school.

Anthony

The quality of our professors. They are mostly well-known, intelligent, helpful and caring teachers. They show general compassion towards the students and make sacrifices and accomodations to make sure every student has the same opportunity for success.

Michael

The large greek system gives many students the chance to find a group of people with whom they can easily associate, and adds life to the campus, since fraternities and sororities often hold events across campus.

Alexandria

The best thing about the University of Illinois is all of the different resources the school has to offer. Living in a Living and Learning Community has really helped me become aware of how much the school has to offer. Living and Learning Communities alone are a great resource.

Karah

It's a large community and it is easy to get involved with a group or many different groups.

Susan

The campus is enormous! There are many people, buildings, libraries, restaurants and campus recreational facilities. There is always somewhere to go and something to do. Due to the large campus size, I see new faces everyday...I really enjoy that!

Ellen

The campus seems big when you first arrive, but after one semester it begins to shrink until you see faces that you recognize from different classes, activities, or even just people you went to high school from. There is also a really good school spirit and a variety of things to do, so even those who don't want to be that active can find something that they are interested in.

Latonya

I consider the job placement to be the best thing here because it helps jump start your career once you graduate, instead of graduating and searching for a job.

Clare

I would consider the diversity, the amount of academic courses, and the social activities one can participate in as the best things. There is so much diversity amoung the student body and school itself that almost anyone can find something they love to do, and that they love to learn about. Sometimes when I tell students from other schools that I can take Ice Skating (KIN 104) as a course, they are like, "Oh my god that is so cool!!" And I didn't want to join the greek system, so I am in a service fraternity! Diversity!

Lauren

Personally, I think one of the best parts of my school is its organization. Everything that happens always runs very smoothly. The bills and financial aid information is put together very clearly. Clubs, organizations, and event information are all easy to find out about. The campus maps and procedures are all clearly put together and it?s always easy to find things. I?m a very organized person and always feel the need to know about everything going on. Everything here is easy to figure out.

Nishith

The research oppurtunities available.

Brandon

The pride of the University in the community and among the students. Everyone is proud to be a member of the school and takes a great deal of responsibility in upholding the tradition of it.

Jonetta

The cost of attendance is the best thing about my school! Even though it is a private institution, my tuition is very affordable compared to similar schools.

Antionette

The resources is the best thing at my school. We have the 3rd largest library in the country. We have over a million books. We can connect with other schools to get books as well. Most students attend my school becauseof the resources relationship in their field-related. To doing so, my school is in the top rank as a high education the United States.

Cherita

The best thing about my school is the amount of resources I could go to get help in ANYTHING!

Nneka

I love my school's academic resources. There is a lot of tutuors, workshops, and etc that can help students with their academic progress. I also love the different extracurricular activities available to help students get involved. This school is great with academics.

Mai

The freedoms teach a lot about how to be an adult in the real world. There are so many opportunities for everyone to figure out what they really love to do. It's a complete college experience.

Erik

The best thing about my school is that there are programs and cultural houses for minorities on campus. Caucasian people are the majority of students on campus and everyone else are the minorities. The University has cultural houses such as the African American cultural house, Latino American cultural house, Asian American cultural house. These facilities are here for students like me of these ethnic backgrounds to go to for support and encouragement that we can't always get from others on campus.