University of Illinois Chicago
Chicago, IL, USA

Reviews

University of Illinois Chicago

KN major.

a current student here
20 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
UIC is a great learning environment if you are able to use the resources offered to you. It's not always easy, and the classes are tough, but it's a great learning experience.
Am enjoying being here
I love being in the city, and so close to the excitement of downtown. There are so many things to do from eating at exotic restuarants, going to the movies, or seeing musicals and plays.
Bang for the buck
The tuition here is more than reasonable and so much cheaper than competing schools, and we have to same resources.
Tips for prospective students
Make sure to learn time management. It can be hectic taking a full load of science courses, especially if you are a pre-professional school applicant. Make sure to ask for help BEFORE it's too late. Many TA's and Professors are willing to help students who know how to ask for it nicely and in a timely manner
Great for these types of students
Awesome for anyone wanting to go to grad school in dentistry, pharmacy, medicine, physicla therapy, or any medical field really. The science department are strong and well known. It would be great preparation for grad school to study here and do research and activities that are offered.

Mary from Orland Park, IL

a current student here
17 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The learning atmosphere is great! The professors, TA's, and tutors all want to help you, and they let you know it! Most respond to emails promptly, and the professors are always accommodating when it comes to office hours.
Am enjoying being here
There is plenty to do, and tons of opportunities to join clubs and fraternities. The student body is very diverse, and no one is looked down upon for being 'different'. Great experience overall. You can have fun and learn tons at the same time! And, you will make lasting friends who are very supportive of you.
Bang for the buck
You definitely get your money's worth out of this school. As mentioned before, all professors are there to help you. They won't shirk their duties by letting class out early because they didn't plan enough material, but go into deeper detail so you better understand the material.
Tips for prospective students
Enjoy yourself! Plus, make friends with students who know how to study! Study for your classes all the time so you don't end up cramming at the last minute...it never works! Also, give yourself set times to quit the books and relax!
Great for these types of students
Any one who wants to learn, and is willing to put forth the effort to succeed!

Megan from Grayslake, IL

a current student here
10 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The teachers explain the materials pretty well and are very easy to get in contact with if you do have any questions. Just actually attend class, take notes, and pay attention and you will be fine. There is usually a T.A. but I found that they really help and allow you to have a better understanding of the topics. It is also nice because your going to be in a smaller group with your T.A. than with your Professor.
Am enjoying being here
Definitely not your typical college. I dorm in Courtyard and it is a bit run down there. It is very nice with the cluster style living but the quality is better in other dorms. There is always quite a bit going on though. The activity fair at the beginning of the fall semester really shows you all of the clubs and organizations that are around campus. A lot of your typical college activities are more hush hush than on other campuses. Also, since it is in the city safety is definitely a huge point. I've received many crime reports via email. However, you just have to be aware of your surroundings and use your common sense to be fine.
Bang for the buck
Education is really good and worth the money it costs. A bit pricey depending on your major and where you are rooming though.
Tips for prospective students
Don't skip class. Do your homework on time. Don't procrastinate. Get involved in clubs and organizations.
Great for these types of students
Focused on their education. Great for anyone looking for a medical career.

Elizabeth from Chicago, IL

a current student here
8 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I've had some great professors my first semester here. The TA's are always there if you need help and also the professors. If you ever needed help or questions about the class you can always see your professor or TA. The professors and TA's have office hours when you can go see them if you needed help with anything. I learned alot from my professors and TA's. We have alot of resource centers to help you for further assistance.
Am enjoying being here
I don't dorm, I commute and I love being here at this school, it was a very good choice and I'm glad I chose this school. The commute is enjoyable, I do not live too far, I enjoy exploring Chicago and the campus when I don't have classes. There are so many great people here that you will meet and I especially love the diversity. There are alot of activites you can get involved with here, sororities, fraternities a dance team cheerleading and plenty more. College is all about what you make it to be join clubs a frat or sorority to get to know more people other than being in classes.
Bang for the buck
UIC is known as a research school and it's a very good school for anyone interested in a medical field. College now a days are very expensive and the tuition is pretty good compared to other schools. You definately will not be wasting money on your education here at UIC it's a great school. Definately take advantage of all the activiteis and clubs to join so that you can get your money's worth other than just education.
Tips for prospective students
Get out of those bad study habits such as waiting to the last minute to write a paper because it's alot of work and reading. Get involved with different activites or clubs and I would consider living in the dorms, I personally don't live there but have friends that do and it's a good experience.
Great for these types of students
Everyone, especially those considering a career in the medical field.

Henna from Harvey, IL

a current student here
7 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
UIC doesn't only provide a world class education, but a world class experience. I come from a community where there's practically only one race. When I entered UIC, I realized that the campus provided an opportunity for me to interact with a wide array of people. I've met people who are complete different from me, yet we manage to have a few things in common which helps me build life long bonds.
Am enjoying being here
Along with the diversity, the professors are also point in favor of UIC. So far, my professors have all been very enthusiastic about their students' goals. They, along with the Teacher's Assistants, are there to help you in any way they can. They are always available outside of class for any additional assistance that is needed for our excellence. I gave it 4 stars because initially it is quite difficult to form a close knit of friends. The campus is big, therefore people you may know may be on the opposite side of campus which may leave you feeling like you're the only one out there. However, once you get the hang of it and get with the program, you'll find something to do with free time and in no time will find people in classrooms and in hangout areas.
Bang for the buck
Most definitely! This is by far one of the best aspects of UIC. Money plays a big factor for prospective and current college students. Along with looking at UIC's tuition and etc, I also looked into their scholarships for incoming freshmen. They have opportunities for scholarships whether need or merit base which helped out a lot my first year at UIC.
Tips for prospective students
Make sure you research UIC and see if it is right for you. Once you commit to a college, it becomes your second home. Choose wisely and look into whether they're programs will meet your needs. Don't think Am I right for UIC? but instead question yourself Is UIC right for me? You are investing in your future and your college should fit your needs. UIC has definitely fit my needs and I consider it a great investment in my future. Therefore, it was my first and last choice.
Great for these types of students
If you're willing to try something new and exciting and experience the city life- UIC can fulfill that. One short bus ride can put you in the middle of the city and you'll be standing the awestruck. There is so much exploring to do in and around the UIC campus. Every day is a new learning experience -inside and outside of the classroom.

Karin from Bonfield, IL

a current student here
7 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I love attending UIC because each course is a different learning experience. I find the professors are quite helpful and explain things well. Sometimes the Teacher's Assistants are difficult to understand, but after a while you will become accustomed to their accents.
Am enjoying being here
I absolutely love UIC. I never really wanted to go here and it was definetly not my first choice, but I love this school. It is quite diverse and open minded along with being a great learning atmosphere to students who may need extra help. UIC offers learning centers for almost every subject, and the TA's and teachers are always willing to help students out.
Bang for the buck
UIC may be somewhat expensive, but the quality of the education is worth it. UIC offers so many different organizations and opportunities to students that they may actually be making money by the end of their experience.
Tips for prospective students
One should apply early at UIC. Especially if you are dorming, the application needs to be in as soon as possible so that you will be able to get the best room possible.
Great for these types of students
Every student will find something they love about UIC. It is a college of many different capabilities.

Zubair from Chicago, IL

a current student here
6 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Great resources.
Many opportunities.
A overall great experience.
Tips for prospective students
Utilize all the resources that are available; they can be a great asset when looking for an internship and job towards your major.
Academic Rigor
Occasionally you will have classes that are easy going but most of the time classes are intense.
Dorm Life
Its a great way to make lots of new friends. Plus you get to live near downtown Chicago. Big rooms with great views!
Food and Dining
There are many different popular fast food places like Subway and Wendy's; plus there is a great buffet provided by UIC for breakfast, lunch, and dinner for only around 7 bucks!
What to do for fun
There is a huge recreation center with multiple basketball courts, racquetball courts, Yoga class rooms, swimming pool, weightlifting area, and a lounge center with a big screen TV with all the channels, plus a ping pong game room.
Bang for the buck
Its a great experience for what you pay for. For a university that's well respected for a price that should be expected.
Great for these types of students
Great for all types of students!
Campus Safety
Around the clock campus police are available.

filip from lake zurich, il

a current student here
5 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
uic is a great choice for students who are in the chicago area. there are many opportunities for all majors be it business, medicine, or engineering. the growth uic has shown in the last few years is promising, and sooner or later will be a flagship school in illinois.
Tips for prospective students
my advice is to live on campus as opposed to commuting if financially possible. it is much easier to make friends and get involved on campus. i commuted my first year and at the end of the year i hadn't really made any friends. it also makes it easier to get work done since you are not spending the time commuting.

get to know your professors. office hours have been incredibly helpful in the past with clarifying concepts and explaining them in a different way to make it easier to understand. if you see them outside of class walking by say hi, there is no reason not to and it makes you more likable.

go to class. it is so tempting to skip class since attendance isn't mandatory, and some professors post their notes online post lecture. but you rid yourself of the opportunity to ask questions in class or hear any announcements your professor might make regarding an exam or assignment.

Academic Rigor
uic is academically challenging, but rewarding at the same time. professors there come from all sorts of backgrounds, with some possessing phd's from the likes of mit or harvard, so they know their stuff.
Dorm Life
dorm life has been fantastic in my experience. i highly recommend living in a cluster if you can. in this setup you have 5-8 people living in the same lounge area with separate bedrooms and shared bathrooms. it is the easiest way to meet your first friends and socialize. the best part is that you can meet your other roommates' friends and expand your social circle.
Food and Dining
food and dining is typically good quality, though some days are better than others. there are certain foods that are served everyday such as eggs, burgers, hot dogs, and chicken. each day there is a different "main entree" for lunch and dinner, which can range from baked mac and cheese to chinese or mexican themed food.
What to do for fun
the city of chicago is your backyard. you could go to millennium park for a concert, the united center is only a blue line stop away and then some walking, so going to a bulls or blackhawks game is super easy. any tourist attraction in chicago is yours and since the school provides a pass for free public transportation while school is in session it doesn't cost anything but time to get there.

on taylor street there are several bars such as vintage lounge or ten doors that students frequently go to on thursday nights. there are also a couple of pizza places open really late into the night that go for about $2 for enormous slices. big g's and taylor made are my favorites.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
each year there is a concert during the second week of school called spark in the park where the university will bring a popular music artist or band to play for a night on stage. in the past there has been kendrick lamar, j cole, john legend, and most recently twenty one pilots. admission is free for students.
Great for these types of students
uic is best for students pursuing medicine since it is nearby hospitals and there are many opportunities to connect with professionals in the field. although any science majors like engineering are gaining traction as well, such as the annual engineering career fair which has brought companies like google and microsoft.
Clubs and Activities
there are several clubs and activities to participate in at uic. these range from major specific clubs like business or physics, to intramural sports like soccer and dodgeball.
Greek Life
i can't speak for greek life since i don't participate in it, but it has grown in the last few years and my friends say nothing but good things about it.
Campus Safety
the main campus area is typically very safe. the university notifies students by email when there is a crime on or near campus, which doesn't occur very often and is typically in the middle of the night. there are hundreds of emergency call stations across campus for students to use.

Student from Chicago, IL

a current student here
5 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
The University of Illinois at Chicago is a very populated university, mainly consisting of commuters from Chicago and it's surrounding cities and suburbs. Resources here are plentiful and there is always something for everyone. All in all, college is what you make it, and this goes for UIC as well.
Tips for prospective students
You have to be proactive in order to get the most out of college, especially here at UIC. This is because UIC offers so many events, workshops, but they are not mandatory, so if you want to meet people who have similar interests, it's up to you to go and meet them.
Academic Rigor
If you're a freshman, it definitely takes some getting used to if you're one to not study for tests, or go to the library to check out resources, and stuff like that. I'd suggest to put academics first; this is your education and you're paying for it so you might as well work for it. But don't try to do everything at once. Break assignments up into manageable parts and make things easier for yourself. Make a calender for due dates and work out a study schedule for each class.
Dorm Life
Because I am a commuter, I don't live in a dorm, but from what I hear, the dorms in the Commons aren't that great. The only good dorms are located in JST, but that's in the west campus.
Food and Dining
Again, being a commuter, I don't eat school lunches. But I hear that the only good lunches are in JST. UIC does have restaurants located in SCE in a place called Inner Circle, but eating there everyday may not be your best option because it's all fast food and will hurt your wallet over time.
Bang for the buck
Personally, I think UIC does it's job with providing services and academics for the amount students are paying. can't speak for everyone but I'm only paying about $300 this year. Of course, everyone's tuition is going to be different, but if you're living in-state, and applied for the FAFSA early on in the year, then chances are that your award letter shouldn't look to shabby. Again, this isn't always true. You have to take in a lot of other factors into account.
Campus Safety
UIC is a very safe campus. During orientation that tell students about campus police, and what to do if anything should happen to a student. There are emergency polls all around campus as well as an emergency number that will contact campus police.

Kristen from Lansing, IL

a current student here
5 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
As much as UIC offers, it's hard not to learn a lot. Some of the professors may be be tough, but they are dedicated to their work, and have no problems helping you understand subjects better. They will even help you find outside resources, if you need extra help.
Am enjoying being here
In high school, I knew UIC was where I wanted to be. Now, as a sophomore, there is no difference. I love the school, and you can always find something to do. People complain that it's boring here on campus, but it's really all about what type of person you are. You can't just expect the fun to fall in your lap. Trust me, if you find a few friends you can always find some way to enjoy yourself.
Bang for the buck
The school does provide the students with many activities whether it for academics of just for fun. However, I think we pay just a little too much for the dorms, just because of the location.
Tips for prospective students
Go to class! Many students don't attend class because they think they know everything, it's boring, or they are too tired, but that is only going to hurt you in the end. Hey, if you're paying to be here, utilize everything UIC offers. It will be very beneficial.
Great for these types of students
UIC is great for those wanting to pursue a career in the medical and even business fields.