Student Reviews

Univ. of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) Reviews

Check out reviews left by other students, or leave your own review. You could win a free scholarship!

• Kristen from Chicago, IL

  06/25/2009

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  41 out of 45 people found this review useful. 1 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Great for these types of students	Great for students looking for the big campus experience and who are very sociable, motivated and intelligent.
  Tips for prospective students	Do your research about the school and the community. Visit the campus and sit in on a class or check out Green Street and other attractions around town.
  Bang for the buck	The costs of tuition, room and board can be really expensive or inexpensive depending on how you go about financing them and finding the right deals.
  Am enjoying being here	It's not really urban or rural. It's a campus town. You kind of just have to experience it for yourself to see whether or not you will like it.
  Am learning a lot	I've learned things so far in every course I've taken and have met really great professors and instructors. You learn a lot from the people as well. They're from all over the world.

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• Alyssa from Dixon, IL

  06/19/2009

  Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.

  30 out of 36 people found this review useful. 2 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Bang for the buck	Tuition prices varied based on which college a student goes into, based on a major. The more math and science classes, the more expensive it becomes. Also, like most colleges, out-of-state students have a higher tuition rate.
  Will enjoy being here	Fun fact: this campus has over 1200 student clubs and organizations! How crazy! Just to name a few of the more... memorable ones: I Love Squirrels Club, People Against Pants who wear shorts year round, and The Rodeo Club.
  Will learn a lot	I'm pretty sure that no matter which area a student would like to go, U of I has something to help him or her pursue it. There are at least 17 individual colleges on campus in specified areas.

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• Lola from Southfield, MI

  07/20/2009

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  29 out of 31 people found this review useful. 3 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Tips for prospective students	*Visit the Campus - Once you see it you'll love it. *Talk to current students *Find out which classes are best to take for freshman year
  Bang for the buck	Being an out-of-state student I pay a great deal for tuition but I honestly think it is well spent. The transportation system is nearly flawless, the fitness centers on campus are amazing, and the academics are uniquely excellent. I don't have fear that I am wasting money with UIUC.
  Am enjoying being here	One of the things that stand out to me in regards to being on-campus are the different campus sponsored events. My favorites are those that are food-orientated. University Housing offers, specialty restaurants that carry food that is not offered in regular meals for the dining halls. Some of them include the Cracked-Egg Cafe, Fat Don's, Soul Ingredient, Field of Greens, and Cocina Mexicana. The Cracked-Egg Cafe specializes in breakfast foods, Fat Don's serves grilled steak and chicken, Soul Ingredient carries soul food dishes and Cocina Mexicana has hispanic dishes. These restaurants provides an outlet for different students to meet and break bread together.
  Am learning a lot	Despite the fact that UIUC is a public university smack dab in the middle of corn fields, it has so much to offer in regards to academics. The classes are structured very well. For example, many classes are very large but they are broken down into different sections where you are able to built more of a instructor:student relationship. So, don't fear getting lost in very large classes just make sure you attend all of the classes for your section! There are amazing tutoring opportunities and more office hours than you could probably attend. Also, UIUC has one of the largest university library systems so its impossible to not find new information from the libraries.

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• Hollie from Joliet, IL

  07/12/2009

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  24 out of 26 people found this review useful. 1 person found it offensive. 4 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Great for these types of students	Any! The opportunities are endless.
  Tips for prospective students	Most students are uncertain what major to choose upon entering their freshman year of college. I was one of those students, but by taking classes in different majors, I was able to declare a major in communications. The University of Illinois offers counselors to lead students in the right direction. Take the amount of majors offered into account when applying to a college, even if you are certain of your career path.
  Bang for the buck	While the University of Illinois has a higher tuition compared to other public universities, the opportunities in the professional world are endless. The alumni directory is an excellent resource for internships and jobs after graduation. The experience from classes only furthers knowledge to be applied towards a successful career.
  Am enjoying being here	Sporting events as a large and exciting part of campus life. Attending Big 10 games such as basketball and football can be on the more expensive side for season tickets. There are cheaper alternatives such as free events at the student union, concerts and museums. In addition, the campus is placed in close proximity to a shopping mall, movie theaters. There is never a moment when students lack the ability to find something to do on the weekend.
  Am learning a lot	Attending such a diverse campus gives students pursuing any degree the ability to take various types of classes from archaeology to marine biology. The professors share their experiences with students and are always available for help, despite the larger class sizes.

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• Krystal from Geneva, IL

  06/10/2011

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  20 out of 20 people found this review useful. 5 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Great for these types of students	-Human? Seriously, anyone can find happiness here. It's a big school, but with a small school feeling. Class sizes aren't outrageous at all, and some even had less students than some of my high school classes! Introverts and extroverts are welcome. Also, it doesn't matter whether you're undecided, or if you've already picked out your business suit for when you're a lawyer. U of I nurtures the development of you. Not your career, but you. Once a person knows who they are, it is much easier to think of future plans. If you know what you want to do, great! If you don't, don't worry. U of I will help you come to the right decision.
  Tips for prospective students	Get yourself out there, and you will LOVE this place. But that's just the thing; GET YOURSELF OUT THERE. Talk to professors. Use the 24/7 accesibility at the Undergraduate Library. Go to clubs. Your education and life are what you make of them. You don't fill a blender with just ice and expect a great smoothie, do you? Trust me; if you take advantages of the oppurtunities that present themselves at U of I , you will be amazed and elated by the benefits you reap in the future. However, be aware; that also goes for doing dumb stuff. You may think it's cute to show to class hungover now, but would you like to retain this habit into your 40's when you're going to work? Remember that what you do here is shaping your future. Garbage in, garbage out.
  Bang for the buck	Not going to lie on this one; this place is a bit pricey for a public school. It's amenities, such as the ARC and UGL help make up for it, but I would definitely suggest looking for scholarships, because paying for school can be challenging.
  Am enjoying being here	Where do I begin? There is so much to do here at the U of I! Fine arts buff? Check out the art museum or a production at Krannert Center. Big into culture? For that, you have the Japan House, where you can learn to put on a Kimono or attend a tea ceremony. There is also a culture center for Latino and Hispanic culture, with beautiful paintings of La Catrina adorning its walls. Perhaps you’re more active. For that, we have our recreation center, the ARC. They have a ton of classes there, from as cooking to even martial arts, and even a spa. I don’t know about you, but kicking butt, getting a facial, and eating lunch that I cooked myself screams “best day ever “to me! There are also more clubs than you can dream of here, and you’ll see that on Quad Day, when all of the clubs present themselves in hopes of acquiring new members. There you’ll find student politics, sports club, and even squirrel watching represented. I myself am the President of the Japanese Anime Club, so be sure to stop by! Ah, yes. 40,000 students, and I am the biggest nerd there. Duh, winning. Hungry? Look no further than Green Street. There you will find Mexican, Japanese, Italian, and good old fashioned fried foods, all lined up waiting to satisfy your latest craving. It also has the college essentials; Pizza shops, a Starbucks, and Walgreens. I could go on forever, but seriously, just come here. You will NOT be disappointed; I guarantee it. If you are disappointed, you can come find me at Anime club and use some of that martial arts you learned at the ARC.
  Am learning a lot	You know how teachers and parents say You'd better get used to studying! You spend nearly three hours doing homework for every hour of class once you're in college! ? Guess what? They are completely right. What people don't tell you though, is the utter bliss that accompanies doing work in a major you love. That's the great thing about U of I. The teachers' love for their work is infectious. I remember doing philosophy essays, laughing to myself remembering how passionate my teacher was about monadology. Yeah. I laughed at Monadology. But because I laughed at it, I enjoyed it. In this way, college is easier than high school; after all, work isn't really work if you love it! I took 30 credit hours this year, and ended up as a Dean's List student both semesters.

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• alicia from Naperville, IL

  08/15/2009

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  14 out of 16 people found this review useful. 6 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Great for these types of students	Independent Strong-willed Dedicated Have an interest in learning Can handle new challenges well Open-minded Focused
  Tips for prospective students	The most helpful piece of advice I can give prospective students is to remember that you are students first. While this may sound simple, it is so easy to forget this when there is no authority figure constantly reminding you. While partying is fun, it can not be more of a priority than studying. Take advantage of office hours and the free tutoring that is being offered. Also, one should sit in the front of the class and establish a strong relationship with professors. Most importantly, do not be afraid to ask for help and seek help when needed and in a timely fashion.
  Bang for the buck	U of I is a school that meets every prospective student's criteria for choosing a school. It is prestige, has a developed night life, has a diverse amount of extracurriculars, and is far away from home but not too far. It is perfect in my eyes.
  Am enjoying being here	I love the overall atmosphere of college. I live on a beautiful campus filled with very intelligent and unique individuals just like me. Being a few hours away from home gives me the chance to be independent like never before and make my own decisions. The night life is also amazing. I really like how if I just wake up one day and want to party, I can and vise versa.
  Am learning a lot	I am learning a lot not only academically but personally as well. The rigorous course load presents me with a new challenge every day and when I excel in one class, I feel accomplished as a student and an everyday individual. I have used the skills I acquire from these courses on a daily. I have also grown and learned personally. I knew that I had to balance school with extracurriculars and work, but this was nothing new to me as I done so in high school. However, what was different this time was that I had more studying to do and more freedom. I found it a lot harder to not fall victim of procrastination. For this first time, I had no one telling me what to do and when to do it and because of it, I acted as a student and a parent at the same time.

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• Danielle from Chicago, IL

  08/14/2009

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  12 out of 13 people found this review useful. 7 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Great for these types of students	Obviously for engineering it's one of the best, but students can get a great education here in almost any major. But don't worry, students who come here know how to have a good time. As they say, we work hard, but we play hard too.
  Tips for prospective students	Some people might be worried that a big school like this is too impersonal and that it would be difficult to get to know anyone. But clubs and events are a great way to meet people, and once you become involved it starts to get that homey feeling that a smaller school would have.
  Bang for the buck	A bit on the expensive side for those who are not in-state, but in-staters get a great education for a good price. And there are lots of scholarships you can apply for too.
  Am enjoying being here	Love it! There is so much to do, and you meet a lot of great people. There are so many more opportunities to get involved at a big school like this. I don't think I've ever met someone who really didn't like going to U of I!
  Am learning a lot	It is amazing how much I have learned in just a year of being here. Classes never fail to be challenging, and you learn a lot about other cultures and different types of people just by hanging out on the quad for a few hours.

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• Brittany from Island Lake, IL

  05/25/2011

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  12 out of 12 people found this review useful. 8 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Great for these types of students	The only kind of student I would not recommend is someone that does not care about their grades. U of I definitely knows how to party, but the academics are very challenging, and I have seen everyone that I knew did not care drop out. Do not waste your money on this school if you are not going to fight until graduation. It is definitely hard work. This school is PERFECT for students that are both hard working, social, and good time managers!
  Tips for prospective students	There are so many different things that you will learn in your college experience. Here are some tips that will hopefully make your transition a bit smoother! -When you move in, do not be afraid to go around your floor and introduce yourself to people! It is totally normal to knock on someone's door and say, Hey, I'm blahblahblah. I'm in room whatevernumber and just thought I should meet some people around here. Here is a little secret not many people think about: EVERYONE is in the same boat on your first day. Some may know a few people, but for the most part, virtually everyone wants to make new friends. The people you meet in the first six weeks will be the people you get closest with! It is a lot harder to form a plethora of new relationships after that point. So push those first six weeks! -Be yourself. Seriously. In high school, people conform. In college, people don't care, and conformists are actually a bit annoying. So do not be afraid to put the real you out there. There are tons of people for every kind of personality. -Smile. Countless studies show that if you have a smile on your face, people perceive you as a warm and approachable person, making it a lot easier to make friends! -Manage your independence. Yes, this will probably be your first time living on your own with no parents to tell you what to do. This does not mean you can pile up your laundry until you have no more underwear or leave the dishes undone until you cannot walk into the room because of the smell. It will now be your job to keep yourself in check. Set a day of the week (Sunday was always good for me) as your sorting out my life day. Do your laundry, clean your dishes, do any remaining homework for the upcoming week, check your calendar so you know how busy your week will be, print any necessary lecture slides for classes...the list goes on and on. When this day rolls around, you should know what you need to get done to make your parents proud and your life a lot less stressful. Get it done, or the rest of your week will feel unorganized. -KEEP A PLANNER. If there is one thing you take from this tips section, this should be it. With so many different classes and activites at different times in different places, you need to keep some kind of calendar to document when you have class and extracurricular activities, as well as any homework due dates and exam dates. U of I sells I-book's, which are daily planners with special U of I events already written in. I use my I-Cal on my MacBook, and I have friends who use other planners they bought at different stores. It does not matter what brand it is, just get one and USE IT! -Fight procrastination. Any bad grade I ever received, any all-nighter I ever had to pull, any time I felt completely stressed out, it was because I procrastinated myself there. Space out your homework and projects, and never save something for the night before it is due. It never goes well. Also, deactivate your Facebook during midterms and finals week. You will be amazed by the amount of time that will be added to your life. -NEVER miss an exam! You will be so sorry you did. The work that goes into getting a make-up exam and the way it affects your grade is totally not worth it. -Go to your advisor meetings. They are not required, but it is highly recommended that you meet with your advisor twice a semester to make sure you are on track with your classes, grades, and prerequisites. I am telling you right now, make it a priority. My advisor has saved me from taking a class I did not need to or taking a class that is impossible to do well in on multiple occasions. It is worth the time to go. -Go to class. Many lectures, especially in your first couple semesters, will not take attendance. Go anyways. I know sometimes you will feel like your eyes simply cannot open to wake up in the morning, but going to class will help you so much on your tests. In lecture, you will get notes that will not be on the PowerPoint slides they post online. Those notes will be on the exams. And trust me, people are stingy with their lecture notes. This past semester I missed a lot of lecture because of illnesses and deaths in my family. I missed those lecture notes, and I saw a noticeable difference between my exam grades while going to lecture and while not going. Please, just go. -Whether you are going to drink or not, NEVER go out without someone you trust. You should never go out alone, but if you go out with people who you do not really know, you will most likely lose them at some point throughout the night. This is extremely dangerous because someone walking home alone late at night is the prime target for someone looking to rape, mug, or hurt you. This is especially for girls, but important for guys too. You need to be with someone you trust and know they will be looking out for you throughout the night. In turn, you should be looking out for whomever you are with. Friends need to have friends' backs in college, especially on the party scene. -If you set down your drink, do not pick it back up. I am sure you have heard this before. Do not do it. I know multiple people, guys and girls, that have had the date rape drug slipped into their drink, and some of them were on accident. So even if you feel safe where you are, and whom you are with, someone could still accidentally slip you something. Just get another drink. -Form close relationships with your RA, professors, and TA's. All three have come through for me this past year. My RA was able to drive me home for Thanksgiving break so I didn't have to pay for a bus home. Through my difficult semester, my professors and TA's were extremely understanding and gracious because they knew that I was a good and respectable student that they could trust. Approach your professors and TA's on the first day of class and introduce yourself. It is more important than you may think. -Know your limit. Yes, this is important for drinking, but also for extracurricular activities and classes. At parties, do not take eight shots in ten minutes, and do not let people pressure you to drink more than you know you should. People get alcohol poisoning almost every night. Do not be that person. In reference to classes and extracurricular’s, know that class comes first. If your grades are suffering because you are doing too many other things, you should stop doing one of those extra activities. Common sense. And do not take twenty-three credit hours. Yes, you are allowed to when you sign a form, but do not do it. Unless you want to pull weekly all-nighters (I am not exaggerating), do not do that to yourself.
  Bang for the buck	Yes, U of I is now the most expensive state school in Illinois. However, comparing this university to smaller private ones that cost almost double U of I's tuition, I would say you definitely get the bang for the buck. Smaller private schools often conger up rumors, drama, and unnecessary issues that are blown out of proportion because people cannot step in other directions and ignore it. This is largely because there are not enough activities and groups available for them to do so. Here at U of I, if there is something or someone you do not get along with, you can bet that removing it or them from your life will be easy. There are so many different things to do, and the campus is so large, that this should not be a concern (this message is especially for those who were scarred by any drama in high school). If you have read all of the above information, you will see that there are thousands of services the campus is offering you. The ARC, the MTD bus service, the Illini Union, The Oasis, the Career Center, the Office of Minority Student Affairs, McKinley Health Services (this includes insurance and huge discounts on medicine from the pharmacy), and any advisers and councilors that are there to help you through your college experience are all included in your tuition. Considering that almost everything you need on campus is already paid for, I would say U of I definitely gives you the bang for the buck!
  Am enjoying being here	U of I is a gorgeous campus. If you have spent some time looking at pictures online but have not visited, visit now! It is even more beautiful in person. The first time I stood on the Quad (big grassy central area of campus where students go to lay out, study, play Frisbee, or meet up with friends), I felt like I was standing on a brochure cover. The intense green of the leaves and grass complimented by the array of bright colored flowers are truly a sight. Even in the winter, the snow-tipped trees framing the Illini Union building are picture-perfect. Beyond the stunning visuals of this campus, U of I has over 1,200 RSO's (Registered Student Organizations) to get involved with to meet a lot of people while doing whatever you are passionate about. From a cappella choirs to tightrope walking to book club to the October Lover's club (formed to do all the fun fall activities like pumpkin carving, apple picking, corn maze exploring, etc.), there is at least one RSO for everyone. If you cannot find one you would like to be a part of, you can create your own! Discovery of all these grand organizations happens on Quad day, a fun day in the very beginning of the year when all of the RSO's set up a table on the Quad (yes, the Quad is packed!) and have members and paper information and sometimes other goodies to help you learn about their organization. Can't choose just one? You can be involved with as many RSO's as you choose. Even if you are not sure you will have time to do something but you would like more information, sign up for that RSO's emailing list, which should be on their table. You can easily remove yourself at any time throughout the year. RSO's are an excellent way to make friends with similar interests! Greek life is of course another way to meet people and get involved in the community. Just by rushing, you will meet a wide variety of people that you can socialize with and learn about. All houses will coordinate with each other and arrange weekly (if not more often) fun exchanges (when a sorority and fraternity party together; usually themed; each house has its own policy on whether these are optional). Worried about the money or time involved with sororities and fraternities? Rushing on its own is a great experience! And unlike what many think, not participating in Greek life does not mean you are not social! You will form many friendships in and out of sororities and fraternities through your residence hall, RSO's, class small groups, and random events. Everywhere you go, there is sure to be someone you will hit it off with! At night, the party scene at U of I is a blast. Greek or not, there are pre-games and parties in apartments and fraternities all over campus. In addition to these, there are plenty of bars that will jive with your fancy. Want to dance? Go to the ridiculous dance floor at Joe's. Feelin' crazy? Go ride the mechanical bull at Kam's on Country Night. Want to be classy for a night? Wine night at The Clybourne is the place to be. Feelin' frisky? Say hello to the frat boys in Red Lion. Hungry? Hit up Wing Wednesday at Brother's! And if there is a game, get a spot in front of the big screen at Legends. Oh, and a Champaign blessing: all bars are 19 and up, and there is only cover (when you have to pay to get into a bar) on the weekends. Party scene not your thing? There are plenty of other things to do on campus! The Illini Union's basement is filled with fun activities. In addition to its full-sized bowling ally, there are pool and air hockey tables, Dance Dance Revolution machines (next to each other, to compete with your partner of course), a food court, and cozy couches in front of a big screen TV to watch a game or just hang out. Want to get some energy out? Channel your athletic side at the ARC, where there are 4 basketball courts, 12 racquetball courts, a 35-foot climbing wall, a 1/5-mile indoor track, two 50-meter swimming pools (one outdoors!), a 35-person sauna, hundreds of machines and weights, and a UI Wellness Center, where you can receive anything from athletic training to physical therapy. Want to see a movie that just came out? Hop on a bus and you can get to the Savoy 16 movie theatre in Champaign. And be sure to attend the monthly Illinites events! Held in the Union, the Illinites provide free food, games, concerts, and other activities for some late night fun. Worried that you will not be able to study during the weekend? RA's are always on call to make sure your floor is not disruptive. However, if you find it is hard to focus, the numerous libraries on campus are open 24/7 and are quiet havens for those of us with a big exam or a huge project coming up. In regards to the large campus size, this comes as a concern for many when trying to choose a school. How am I going to get to class? Will I be able to make and keep any of my friends? How will I know where to go? Will I be able to learn in large lecture halls? These questions are all answered at U of I. There is a very useful bus system at U of I that most students utilize every day. Bus schedules are handed out at Quad day, but if you need to know how to get from a specific place to another at a certain time, hop on cumtd.com and enter your beginning and end positions and time at which you must arrive. This website will find you the perfect route that will bring you where you need to go when you need to be there with step-by-step directions of when to board and get off specific buses. Want to keep off the freshman fifteen but need to get somewhere in a hurry? Instead of walking, ride your bike. There are hundreds of bike racks around campus, and you can easily travel anywhere using the bike lanes on the busier streets. As far as friends go, I have already previously mentioned that you will make a ton of friends as long as you get involved in SOMETHING on campus (which you all definitely should). These smaller groups will keep you connected with whomever you would like. There are a bunch of maps on the Illinois website to help you figure out where your classes will be, and most buildings have bus stops right in front of them. For general education courses, you will most likely be put in large lecture halls. The solution? Sit in the center toward the front (preferably within the first four rows). This way, the class seems smaller because you are closer to the professor, and the professor teaches and connects with those he can easily make eye contact with.
  Am learning a lot	If you are a student that goes to lecture and does your homework, you will learn an astounding amount in just your first year as a student at the University of Illinois. Intelligence from all over the globe comes to U of I to research and serve as quality professors to provide their knowledge to eager students. Many professors teach not only through lecture, but also through interactive activities, such as student-teacher discussions, student-to-student interaction or peer editing, participation in a class experiment, or a showing of an influential film, just to name a few. There are many ways to learn, and every professor that I have had at U of I has utilized these to help their students get the most out of their class. Some object to large schools because they are concerned about being taught by TA's (teaching assistants are students that teach discussion sections of a class, usually meeting once a week). This was an initial concern for me when trying to decide what school to go to, but now having experienced many discussion sections led by TA's, I can assure you that every TA I have ever had has definitely done their homework and is very knowledgeable about the content in which they teach their students. If for some reason the TA is not able to answer a question that someone may have, every professor has office hours in which a student can go and ask questions. Most professors are very flexible and willing to help their students, even if the student is not able to attend their office hours due to another class or engagement. Beyond classes and professors, the amount you learn at college about life, people, and yourself is invigorating, but can sometimes be overwhelming. At U of I, there are many different counselors that specialize in helping freshman through their transition. There is also a place that is centrally located on campus called The Oasis, which is a place to relax, rejuvenate, and refresh. Here, they have everything from massage therapy to audio-visual guided imagery to provide you with a more tranquil state of mind. There is a whole other spectrum of learning through Greek Life and the party scene. Whether you are into it or not, there are many meetings and seminars put on year round to teach students about rape-awareness, STD's, alcohol safety, theft, and many other topics in which students may not have previously been well-versed. Having concerns about which classes to pick? Every student is assigned to an advisor that is knowledgeable about their specific major. They know everything there is to know about choosing classes, like what each class consists of, which classes are easy and which are challenging, which classes will be required by your specific major, which classes may help you decide between a few different ideas of what you would like to do as a career, and so on. They will also talk you through the registration process, as well as provide you with documents that have step-by-step instructions of how to do so. These advisers also send out weekly reminders of deadlines, openings in classes, upcoming events, available job opportunities, and the like. In addition to all of this, you will be required in your first year to take a 101 course that your specific college (LAS, DGS, etc.) will put on, teaching how to succeed in your specific area of study as a student and in the future. You will be instructed on how to view your DARS form (this shows you what required classes you still need to complete), explore your interests, and many other useful tools that will guide you through the rest of your college career. Got any other questions? Ask your fellow students! There are 40,000 students that are experiencing all different aspects of this diverse campus. Your RA (resident assistant—they will be on every floor of your residence hall) will be an upperclassman, so they will have a lot of knowledge to share! It is their job to help you with any troubles you may be having!

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• Jesse from Downers Grove, IL

  06/18/2009

  Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.

  9 out of 20 people found this review useful. 9 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Great for these types of students	Pretty good academically...lots of extra curriculars required to get in, beautiful campus, tons of people, lots to do every day. Busy, Busy, Busy.
  Tips for prospective students	Hope so. Waiting to hear about any aide...dad currently unemployed...Illinois not noted for giving much aid and its a bit expensive...we're waiting to hear...will go anyway and probably be in debt a looonnngggg time...
  Will enjoy being here	Know a lot of people on campus. Got my room, my roommate, my meal plan...good to go!
  Will learn a lot	Cant wait to get there. Made the Marching Illini Drumline! 4th. Snare out of 10! Got into the Music School. I am a percussionist...Music Ed Major...Man. I cannot wait to get on campus!

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• Carolyn from Wood Dale, IL

  01/20/2010

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  5 out of 6 people found this review useful. 10 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Great for these types of students	Student who are eager to meet new people, students who wish to live in a campus town, students who want to show a lot of pride and become very involved. This school is also very well known for the following programs: science, engineering, and agriculture, as well as in business and the liberal arts.
  Tips for prospective students	Take your ACT seriously; that score can make or break you being accepted into this school! Make sure you check out the numerous student organizations; there are SO many opportunities to find a group you will love; so make sure you find it!
  Bang for the buck	I do believe that the U of I gives students the BEST bang for their buck! With this university one can easily achieve an awesome education, meet many new and interesting people. build a great resume for life after college, create networks for their future, find ways to get involved around campus and indulge in something they are passionate about, and more. There are just so many things to be gained from attending this university that one can easily get their money's worth.
  Am enjoying being here	Not only is this university great for expanding intellectual horizons, it comes with a host of other advantages as well. For one, the University of Illinois is a very large campus and also a very diverse campus. Not only does it open up the opportunity to meet dozens of fresh faces, it opens the opportunity to meet dozens of fresh faces from all different countries and backgrounds. I have found it very fascinating to meet with foreign students and discuss their impression of America! Besides meeting new people. there are also a ton of extracurricular activities for one to indulge in. From Colleges Against Cancer to Illini Pride to the Arnold Schwarzenegger Club, there is a substantially wide range of activities for students to become involved in. There is at least one activity for everyone! A third reason I love being a part of the University of Illinois is the ridiculous amount of Illini pride I see every single day. It is not uncommon to see masses of students in orange or blue (or orange and blue) shirts, professing their love for the school. Sports are even more exciting; just imagine a sea of orange consuming the football stadium! That's what you get when you come to this university. This is a great school for broadening interest, building pride, and meeting new people!
  Am learning a lot	While I knew that attending a large university would lead to a large selection for academics, I was not expecting the attentiveness and intelligence of the professors on top of the variety. All professors I have had, including those for Psychology classes, Community Health classes, and Sociology classes, were very passionate about the courses they were leading; therefore, it was very very easy for me to enjoy my time in the classes as well as feel much more motivated to challenge myself. I was very pleased to find that my professors were all willing to sit down individually and discuss materials that were not understood by any given student. Also, all classes followed a clear syllabus making organization within the classes very simple. I am very pleased with the knowledge that I have gained from just one semester at this university.

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• Mikey from Champaign, IL

  06/21/2011

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  5 out of 5 people found this review useful. 11 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Great for these types of students	Everyone. I have met such a wide range of people that it still amazes me even though I am halfway through my time here.
  Tips for prospective students	Don't be just a number--get yourself involved in things on campus that will make you stand out from the crowd. Plus, life is boring if you do nothing anyway. We have like 1,000 clubs, so there has to be something you like here.
  Bang for the buck	Of course, I am from in-state, so Illinois is a good price for such a top public institution. Even so, it's great all-around because it has programs that are more highly rated than a lot of private schools, and it's nowhere near as expensive.
  Am enjoying being here	Illinois is awesome. Good classes, interesting people, lots of activities, and a great social life too.
  Am learning a lot	There isn't a day that goes by that I don't learn something new here, and it doesn't necessarily have to be in the classroom. While Illinois is definitely a university where research is a #1 priority, the professors here are some of the top in their field, and major accomplishments will take place during your time at school here. It's amazing to be part of such a progressive, creative, and intelligent environment.

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• Anna from Orland Park, IL

  01/14/2010

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  3 out of 4 people found this review useful. 12 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Great for these types of students	Ambitious Hard-working yet fun loving Open to new experiences Open to/tolerant of meeting and working with diverse students Independent Take advantage of opportunities
  Tips for prospective students	Don't worry about knowing exactly what you want to be (career wise), there's plenty of time and ways to explore you interests and plenty of people to help you do so. Many students come to UIUC as a student in General Studies and that's totally cool! And if you are nervous about leaving home, that is normal, but don't get too nervous! You will soon be calling this your second home, just don't forget where you came from and who you are. With so many new experiences and people and influences, make sure that who you are or who you may have become is who you are proud to be.
  Bang for the buck	UIUC is a public institution, so the tuition may be less expensive than most private schools, but there is definitely no compromise in the quality of education and college experience. This school really does offer so much for just about everyone, whether you are pursuing engineering or psychology or agriculture, you get a quality educational experience from the most recognized professors and facilities. Considering the public housing, I really can't complain too much about the food and dorms, but they are nothing to brag about. Living at school though, is nice, the bus systems are great: they come every ten minutes and every UIUC student rides with just showing their I-Card; the work out facilities are amazing! and huge!; and the Illini Union is loaded with things to do: bowling, a Wii system, DDR, you name it.
  Am enjoying being here	The college lifestyle is great! I was a little apprehensive about coming to a school in the middle of a bunch of cornfields, but there is so much to do to have fun! UIUC is really a perfect balance between school life and social life, and many times the two are incorporated. The hundreds of clubs and organizations are a great way to meet new and diverse people, and the nightlife is never boring. Although you have to be 19+ to get in to the bars, there is plenty for freshman to do as well. Just don't go overboard and forget why you are here (you education I'm hoping!!) because it can be pretty easy to get caught up in the freedom and independence of doing what you want, when you want and sacrificing your education.
  Am learning a lot	Now that you are in college, how much you learn can really depend on how much effort you put in to learn. The best professors, research teams, and resources are all there, you just need to take advantage of them! Although it may be easy to do so with a class of 300 and all the notes online, it won't help to skip lectures and come only for exam days. The professors really put time and effort into making their students' education more than reading from a textbook. It's the latest research (sometimes their own) on a topic and many times encourage first-hand experiences in learning the matter.

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• Elizabeth from Chicago, IL

  10/17/2010

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  3 out of 3 people found this review useful. 13 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Great for these types of students	You will HAVE to like the big school experience. It was really hard for me to get used to the amount of walking you have to do here, the lines you have to wait in, and the extra work you have to do to get noticed. However, with all of these cons come lots of pros: a lot of walking leads to a killer bod (the campus is beautiful to look at on a leisurely walk to class, anyways), the amount of resources available to you are endless, and you will be amazed at the amount of intelligence and motivation that surrounds you every day in class. If you are willing to work hard, be social and are smart, you will succeed here. COME TO U OF I!
  Tips for prospective students	If you come to U of I for a tour, make sure to walk around the area before or after the tour. The area surrounding campus was a big deal breaker for me when I was picking colleges. Also, check the class schedule for the current semester. I guarantee that there will be a multitude of classes that you will want to take, just because they sound so cool.
  Bang for the buck	Tuition prices vary on which college you are in. Engineering and science come with higher price tags because you are using more equipment, for one. It is also rather expensive to come here if you are an out-of-state student. U of I does not have a lot of money, either... so be forewarned. Apply to scholarships! It's expensive here, but it's worth it.
  Am enjoying being here	U of I has 1200+ student clubs and organizations. In terms of the area, I think it depends on where you come from originally in order to decide on whether you will enjoy what Urbana-Champaign has to offer. Coming from the city, it annoys me when I have to take a bus at least 45 minutes in order to go see a movie, go to the mall, go to Walmart... whatever! However, Green Street is the main part of campus town and it is a lot of fun. It has a lot of restaurants, bars, and an Urban Outfitters.
  Am learning a lot	There are 16 individual colleges on campus. Also, because of the school's enormity, no matter what career you want to pursue, there will be some kind of resource available to you on campus to help you. Every professor I have is extremely intelligent and helpful, and all of my classes are very stimulating. I think this matters more than the content - if you have a boring class, you are not going to care. At U of I, you are GOING to care because you WANT to!

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• Wingchi from Chicago, IL

  12/02/2010

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  3 out of 3 people found this review useful. 14 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Great for these types of students	Anyone who loves to be engaged in a lively community where friendships blossom and meet all sorts of people who get who you are, and where you've been. It's for anyone who wants to be what they want to, and U of I has the power to help accomplish that.
  Tips for prospective students	Capitalize on first impressions. It's important to make a lasting impression that can essentially help you become a little bit famous, which can go a long way as you pursue in your major or career. Take on risks and utilize your resources, which can be helpful in recognizing your potential and skills. Most importantly, have fun. It never hurts to socialize with other students on campus. After all, you'll never know if your new friend is going to be your prospective employer.
  Bang for the buck	Although the tuition has increased over the past few years, I believe that I get what I paid for. With great teachers, easily accessible resources, active community, volunteer and job opportunities, plus much more, it's an amazing campus to be in. Plus, U of I offers a variety of classes for those who are in an undecided major, plus lots of wonderful activities that keeps us engaged in our social life. Even if the tuition is a bit pricey, if I am able to thrive from my education, I know that it is worth every penny.
  Am enjoying being here	U of I has helped me see things in a broader perspective. Optimism becomes my new, every day way of thinking. Because I believe that there are endless opportunities out there on campus. Being here helps me realize the person whom I want to be become, and U of I assists me in recognizing my potential as well as improving the quality of my life in unimaginable ways.
  Am learning a lot	Being at U of I not only helped me learn on an academic basis, but also helped me develop my character on a new level. With great teachers, easily accessible resources, and wonderful classes, I also have the opportunity to learn how to become a leader by integrating my personal brand into my life. Apart from academics, I learned how to be independent, which goes a long way in the process of growing up. There are so many possibilities here, and I am still exploring.

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• Gianluca from New Lenox, IL

  12/20/2010

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  3 out of 3 people found this review useful. 15 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Great for these types of students	All. Everyone can benefit from this university.
  Tips for prospective students	Watch yourself at night. Study hard, but also let loose when appropriate. A stressed student is always at a disadvantage. Don't throw away your move-in boxes. I use mine as a makeshift nightstand and extra coffee table.
  Bang for the buck	I did not receive any aid from the university. Tuition and board are very expensive and not an easy thing for any family to pay for. The teachers, though, are extraordinary. Look through any department and you'll find national award winners, teachers of the year, and other quality professors. Look into the sciences and you'll find nobel prize winners galore. I am currently studying nuclear engineering and one of the professors in my department was the first person in the United States to get a PhD in nuclear engineering: an impressive feet. Would I pay this amount of money if I had the option? No. Am I willing to part with it because I know that one day my credentials from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign will get be a high pay job? Yes. It is definitely a yes.
  Am enjoying being here	The atmosphere is amazing. There are many people from different backgrounds to meet and get to know. To answer the question you're wondering, yes there are many parties as well. But ask anyone: school comes first before having a good time. After a big test it as acceptable to hangout with your friends but beforehand you'll find everyone studying vigorously. The one thing that you have to watch out for is the crime. Do not walk around by yourself after dark because at least once a week someone is robbed or jumped. Then again, it is to be expected with a campus population over 40,000 that crime is also more frequent.
  Am learning a lot	The quality of the classes at UIUC are amazing. Take this into consideration: I had a 5 on my BC Calculus AP test but decided I wanted to review a little more of the material so I took Calculus 231 which is Calculus II. Quite to my surprise the course was difficult. I barely managed a B. While this may seem horrible to you, it pleases me to have been challenged so much in college unlike in my high school. In Italian 101 I learned so much that I can start talking to my Italian relatives. Chemistry...was challenging. It's not my favorite subject but I must admit that I am better at it now than before. Overall, prepare to be prepared for any job you can imagine.

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• Ammie from Chicago, IL

  06/29/2011

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  3 out of 3 people found this review useful. 16 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Great for these types of students	Great for everyone! Maybe not so much people that don't like large crowds because the Quad can be pretty full on a nice day. Overall, I think most people (no matter what their background) can find happiness on the U of I campus.
  Tips for prospective students	The best thing I can tell students who are looking for the right college for them, is to explore all your options. I settled for a college my first semester that I didn't want to go to and ended up transferring for the next semester. Visit the campus, check out the classes, see how much it will end up costing for 4 years, and how far it is from home. Also, don't expect to just come to campus and love it. You'll feel homesick sometimes, and probably hate school at others (usually around big tests or when you're stressed out). School is still school, and you have to learn to separate campus from school.
  Bang for the buck	I know U of I isn't the cheapest tuition, but I feel that it's the greatest decision I've made about my college experience so far. There is so much pride on campus, and you become a part of something much bigger than just a school, that it is worth so much more than the money you pay.
  Am enjoying being here	Coming from a big city, I was worried that I may not like it on campus in a smaller town, but U of I has all of the big city feel and all the closeness of a small town. Don't let the immense campus scare you and explore, and you should feel at home very quickly.
  Am learning a lot	There are so many great classes at U of I that you probably haven't heard about, so I recommend doing a lot of research on your options before choosing your classes. Once you find what major is right for you, it's so easy to get into your coursework and soak up as much information as possible.

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• Student from Lombard, IL

  12/14/2009

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  2 out of 3 people found this review useful. 17 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Great for these types of students	U of I is great for ambitious, outgoing people who take initiative. These types of people will get the most out all U of I has to offer.
  Tips for prospective students	Find a passion in high school that can show your dedication and ambition in life. Also, get involved in high school and take on leadership roles- it can make up for poor grades/ACT scores.
  Bang for the buck	Yes, U of I provides a great education, good atmosphere to learn with a TON of libraries to study at, an awesome study abroad program(s), and many ways to get involved on campus for fun or for your career.
  Am enjoying being here	The campus is pretty clean and really fun! Lots of night-life, a great greek life, and Green Street is very convenient.
  Am learning a lot	Choose general education classes based on teachers. These classes don't really apply to your major and having a certain teacher can really affect your grade (i.e. STAT 100!)

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• Benamin from Dwight, IL

  01/05/2010

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  2 out of 4 people found this review useful. 18 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Great for these types of students	U of I is a great unversity for students that want to work hard and be successful in life, but also want to have a great time learning.
  Tips for prospective students	The trick to enjoying life here is to work hard and get involved. There is so much to do here and you'll meet so many amazing and unique people.
  Bang for the buck	Although U of I is the most expensive public school in Illinois, it is worth it. The quality of education you get in Champaign is world class. Also, the university tries hard to give the students many resources to keep students busy and involved. The ARC (activities and recreation center) is a great example of one resource available. The ARC is a world class fitness and recreation center and is one of the best in the nation.
  Am enjoying being here	One thing that is so great about being here is the amount of resources and student activities available. U of I has hundreds of student groups, so finding your niche is very easy. On the weekends you can go to a football game with your friends, and during the week you can see a world class concert at the Krannert Center. The diversity at U of I is what makes the campus and student body so unique.
  Am learning a lot	According to US News, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign ranks in the top 25 in the nation for top public universities. When I first arrived I was a little sceptical and worried about the size of the student body and I was worried I would get lost in the crowd. This is far from the truth. My professors value me and every one of their students. All the professors I've had love what they do and it shows. I have learned so much here in just one semester. If you want a great education and a great life experience, go to U of I. You won't regret it.

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• Shelby from Champaign, IL

  10/12/2010

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  2 out of 2 people found this review useful. 19 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Great for these types of students	Because it is a huge university, it can be for everyone. If you like feeling like a number, then you're in the right place. But if you prefer to feel like a person then that can easily be accomplished, too. It all about how you handle yourself during your first semester. The only people I would say maybe should look somewhere else are those who like to know everyone else around them. When you're walking to class on the quad with 10,000 or so of your classmates, it is impossible to feel that way. If you are interested in going greek, UIUC has THE BEST greek system in the country. There are over 60 fraternaties and 40 sororities so there is a house for everyone. Considering academics, the U of I is ranked 4th in the country for their undergraduate Psychology program, 2nd in Engineering, and 2nd in Business. Our agriculture programs are top-notch also(it doesn't hurt being surrounded by corn, bean, alfafa, and wheat), and we boast the country's oldest experimental fields, the Morrow Plots. The research opportunities available here are unmatched by any other college I've looked into. I'm a great example of success due to these opportunities: I spent three semesters doing research and come this summer the lab provided me with a job, working for higher than minimum wage. Everything you could want is here, you just have to find it!
  Tips for prospective students	If you plan on attending the U of I, I have a few bits of advice for you. 1. STAY ON TOP OF YOUR WORK. If you get behind, just brace yourself for a couple of sleepless nights. The plethora of libraries on campus, plus the Champaign Public Library and the library in Urbana are very welcoming and academically supportive places to work. 2. If you have never seen the triple Venn-diagram describing a college student's life, google it. It is correct. The gist of it is basically saying you can choose two of the following three things: sleep, good grades, and a social life. It really is impossible to choose all three. Accept it. 3. Join a club (called an RSO). It sounds scripted, but honestly it's a great way to get integrated. The campus is huge and finding your own niche, or getting started with a group of people can help guide your social and academic life during your four years here. Utilize Quad Day! 4. Know your limits. Its easy to push yourself too far, both academically and socially.
  Bang for the buck	I do believe the tuition to be a bit too high, but for the great resources the campus provides you with, it can be overlooked still. In particular: the transit bus system. As far as I know, the Champaign-Urbana bus system is award winning and as a daily user, I have almost no complaints with it. The buses are literally always on time, if not early. There are also about $250 of refundable fees that are as painless to remove from your bill as walking into the Henry Administration Building and swiping your iCard about ten times (with the exception of the health insurance, which I wouldn't recommend removing unless you have health care in the area, i.e. a townie like me). The dorms, on the other hand, I believe to be WAY too expensive. Although there are many new attractions and a crazy amount of options for dining, I find $9,000 to be too much to live in a 12x10 box with someone and share a bathroom with 30 people for nine months, call me crazy. Unfortunately, as a freshman or first-time student you have to live in university approved housing which consists of the dorms or your parents' house. Guess where I am :/
  Am enjoying being here	I have lived in this town my whole life, so I didn't think that attending class here would be very different for me. In a way it isn't; I still drive to campus and live in my house, but other than that, it is a whole new experience. The thing that stuck out to me the most during my first week of school was how friendly everyone was. Everyone was genuinely interested in at least knowing the basics about you (where you're from, what you're studying, etc.), and people would go out of their way to introduce themselves to you. The actual learning experience is great too, because like I said above, the class is what you make of it. Staying on top of things is the easiest way to a no-sweat good grade. Obviously college isn't completely about grades and academics. You're living in a community made-up of thousands of your peers who share the same interests and thoughts about social life. That being said there is something for everyone. The ARC (Activities and Recreation Center) is hands-down the best gym I've ever been too (and being an athlete I've seen quite a few gymnasiums in my my day). The cost of attending is included in your tuition so you only need to remember to bring your I-card to start playing basketball, swim, lift weights, or run. There are also intramurals for almost every activities you can imagine. I am currently involved with the Equestrian Club which offers both Western and Hunter Jumper lessons and competes again other colleges. The nightlife is always awesome. During the first few weeks of school in the fall the fraternities start looking for recruits and they have awesome parties every weekend. After those first few weeks one frat or another might have a huge party every weekend (Tau Kappa Epsilon has a 6000+ person party in October called Blooze Bash; Alpha Chi Lambda, Omega Delta, and another frat have Nightmare on Third St Halloween Weekend with 8000+ in attendance and performance artists as big and Chip Tha Ripper, just to give you some ideas). There are always the bars as an option, too. There are 10 really popular bars on campus full of dancing, great music, and great social opportunities (In Champaign the bars at 19+ to enter, 21+ to drink; Urbana they are 18+ to enter, 21+ to drink, unfortunately the only bar in Urbana on campus is the Canopy Club). A few of my favorite are the Clybourne, Joe's Brewery, and Red Lion. Murphy's Pub is another of my favorites and is much more casual. Don't feel like being surrounded by a seemingly endless crowd of people? Stay in with some friends with your dorm, go see a movie at Savoy 16 or The Beverly, or walk around campus, I promise you'll find something fun happening.
  Am learning a lot	I am enrolled in a variety of courses, from gigantic lectures to small, 18 person discussions. So far, I have found every class to be effective in teaching me. My biggest class, a lecture of 700 students is organized in a way that is still very engaging to each individual student. I find the use of the iclicker system very useful in keeping me interested. That class is also split up into drastically smaller sections with a T.A. during the week so that we have a chance to discuss any questions we might have had during the lecture and learn a few pretty cool supplementary things to solidify that information. On the other end of the spectrum is small Spanish class. It is taught by a very qualified T.A. in an easy-going, discussion format. There are also an unbelievable amount of tutors available in virtually every subject willing to help you out if information is still a bit muddy for you. What you take away from class is up to you, but the U of I gives you every opportunity to learn.

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• UIUCChick

  11/07/2010

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  2 out of 3 people found this review useful. 20 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Great for these types of students	You have to be able to do a lot of work. A/B high school students shouldn't be surprised to become B/C students, especially for the first semester. If you're passionate about learning, this is a great place to be.
  Tips for prospective students	People will tell you these two things: This is a HUGE school on a HUGE campus. While that's true, it isn't nearly as difficult for small-town kids to navigate as they make it out to be. Once you get a feel for the campus, it's really easy to get around here. True, not everybody knows where every building is, but it's really easy to find the one you're looking for. There are also really friendly people around all the time, so if you do get lost, they can help point you in the right direction.
  Bang for the buck	It's very expensive for a state school, but you'll definitely learn everything and anything you want. If you're willing to do the work and make yourself as social as possible, it's a great fit.
  Am enjoying being here	As a first semester Freshman who knows very few people from home, my social life is a little lame. The more people I meet though, the more fun it becomes.
  Am learning a lot	I am currently Undeclared, so I am taking a variety of classes in different subjects. My professors are really passionate about their subjects, so learning is a lot more fun.

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• Kayla from Elk Grove Village, IL

  12/25/2010

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  2 out of 2 people found this review useful. 21 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Great for these types of students	University of Illinois accepts diverse students from all around the world. Students that love to learn, stay busy, and challenge themselves will fit in perfectly with the school. Also, if you enjoy meeting new people and discovering new interests, University of Illinois is the right place for you.
  Tips for prospective students	Make sure you sign up for a campus visit. Getting to know the school is the most important step to deciding which school you want to attend. You should also talk to advisors at the school to decide which classes and major is the right fit for you.
  Bang for the buck	Even though tuition has risen significantly in the past few years, the tremendous number of opportunities that University of Illinois offers for students satisfies the bill. Every college in the school has a prestigious program that rewards you with a degree that will be well-respected by future employers. Aside from a high quality education, there are also numerous organizations and state-of-the-art buildings and facilities available for your use. If you take advantage of everything University of Illinois offers, you will know that the tuition is a small price to pay.
  Am enjoying being here	In the past four months I have already experienced countless unforgettable moments with new friends. I have been to plenty of fun events such as football games, concerts, Illini Pride tailgates, and comedy shows at the Union. I have also joined clubs that offer a myriad of activities for students who share the same interests as I do. For example, I was fortunate enough to be accepted into a business fraternity that offers events such as semi-formal dances, intramural sports, and barn dances. College life is completely different from high school and I know I will continue to add more fun memories throughout the next three years.
  Am learning a lot	Before school began, I did not expect to receive an education of such high caliber. As a student in the College of Business, I was required to take introductory courses from public speaking to economics. These classes had mixed reviews from older students, and I was prepared for a semester of boring lectures and unchallenging work. However, upon completion of my first semester, I have gained valuable knowledge from my professors who are all extremely experienced in their areas of expertise. Most classes also have a discussion section of about 20-30 students where active learning takes place between the teacher assistants and the students. Furthermore, there are always tutors and office hours available for you if the course is too difficult. The coursework is both engaging and interesting, and if you work hard you will discover a lot of concepts that are necessary for future success.

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• Anna from Chicago, IL

  01/15/2011

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  2 out of 2 people found this review useful. 22 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Great for these types of students	Any!
  Tips for prospective students	Go to http://www.illinibookexchange.com to purchase your books! It is way cheaper than the bookstores! Join clubs and be active! It will pay off. You get to meet new people and make friends. If you don't want to join clubs then play sports. Doing something is better than nothing. Don't waste your time. Everything is paid for in your tuition anyways.
  Bang for the buck	It is really expensive attending UIUC so be prepared and try to apply to as much scholarships as possible!
  Am enjoying being here	I enjoy being on campus but I also miss home a lot.
  Am learning a lot	I learn to change my habits and begin studying effectively. It is really important to have good studying habits because it would pay off a lot. Some of the books listed is not required for the course so make sure you know which materials are required before you purchase them or it would just be a waste of money.

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• Jung from Alpharetta, GA

  02/20/2011

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  2 out of 2 people found this review useful. 23 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Tips for prospective students	-Step out of your old circle for new things -Ask other current students -Investment of your life especially to those out-of-state kids.
  Bang for the buck	Finance is a huge thing here. It's an investment of your life. I personally have some doubts with my father's investment of choice, but it really depends on how you spend your time here is worth the buck. I'm struggling since I'm an out-of-state student, but I'm doing my best to make the best of everything.
  Am enjoying being here	It's been hard coming out of my comfort zone. Interaction here is difficult especially after the week after welcoming. But once you get out of your old circle and try new things it should be alright.
  Am learning a lot	Depending on the class, you really do take in many information and most of them are pretty interesting. Of course, your undivided attention is needed even if you think the class is a somewhat of a joke. Always be in tip-top shape for classes and don't fall asleep!

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• Alex

  03/12/2011

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  2 out of 2 people found this review useful. 24 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Great for these types of students	Motivated and outgoing students if your goal is to truly excel. Just talented if you want to get an education and have fun doing it.
  Tips for prospective students	Do more than is required. You can easily get by doing just what you have to, but if you really want to stand out and rise to the top you have to push yourself and do more work than anyone else. It's not that hard to find the resources to make this possible as long as you try.
  Bang for the buck	U of I is a premier academic school and has activities for just about anything you could possibly imagine. The cost reflects this. It is not cheap.
  Am enjoying being here	Make sure you are outgoing and go to Quad Day. That's the best (and sometimes only) way to see all the activities and organizations that U of I has to offer. There is literally something for everyone there, so if you can't find something you like, you didn't look hard enough. Why should you become involved at U of I? The school is in the middle of cornfields, so if you don't have plenty of activities to keep you busy, there isn't much to do if you don't drink. I don't and I was forced to miss Quad Day, so I haven't exactly had the best experience so far.
  Am learning a lot	How much you learn depends on two things: you have to go to class and be willing to put in significantly more work than required (a given), and you have to be lucky enough to get good professors. There are many excellent professors to choose from, but there are also several professors who are boring, speak English very poorly, don't teach the materials that you actually have to know, or some combination thereof. It seems like most professors outside of math courses are pretty good, which is why I gave this 4 stars.

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• Trevor from Bolingbrook, IL

  06/21/2011

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  2 out of 2 people found this review useful. 25 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Great for these types of students	Seriously every kind of student but especially if you want to Go Greek. U of I has the largest fraternity and sorority community in the world. Also we are very well known for our business and engineering programs so if that's the career you want to pursue why not go to a top notch school in the University of Illinois.
  Tips for prospective students	*Be social! Go out and meet people that you will be friends with for life and join clubs that interest you and have fun. *Before you buy your text books make sure that your teacher is actually going to use them and before you pay top dollar at the local bookstores check the Illini book exchange. *Find people in your major to study with and use your resources! 2 or 3 minds are better than 1 and if you need help with a particular subject having friends that can help is very beneficial. also there are many resources such as the Career Center and OMSA that help with tutoring, resume critiques, and mock interviews that are extremely usuful.
  Bang for the buck	With the first class education that you receive at U of I you are almost guaranteed a job right out of college. Pair this with the life long friendships and life changing experiences that you will have on campus U of I gives you a lot for you money. The only down fall is that room and board cost more than moving to an apartment and dining hall food can be boring after a semester being a freshmen but you do meet a lot of people in the dorms.
  Am enjoying being here	A midnight Fat Sandwich with friends, going to Illinites on Friday, or dancing the night away at the bar on campus there is always something to do at U of I. Since becoming an Illini going home during the summer has been a drag. U of I takes the common phrase of college is the best time of your life, to another level!!
  Am learning a lot	After two years at U of I, I can definitely say that I have learned a lot. As an accounting major I have had access to some of the best teachers in the world that are in the accounting field. Many people think that since U of I is such a large university that you are just a number but the teachers and assistants really make themselves available and give you numerous resources to help. Also besides grades this university has one of the most diverse student and staff communities in the world and I have learned a lot about other cultures and about life that I wouldn't have learned otherwise. U of I definitely gets an A+ for learning!!

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• Ramsey from Okemah, OK

  08/27/2009

  Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has not been to campus.

  1 out of 10 people found this review useful. 26 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Will enjoy being here	Yes I will enjoy staying there because nothing better I like to do is seeing new places es.
  Will learn a lot	I'm always ready to learn something new cause I like a challenge.

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• Jacob from Springfield, IL

  01/25/2010

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  1 out of 2 people found this review useful. 27 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Great for these types of students	If you are hardworking and eager to learn, this is the best place for you. But if all you want to do is party, i suggest going somewhere cheaper.
  Tips for prospective students	Apply early and focus on finding scholarship money. Because once you have the finances covered, the rest is easy.
  Bang for the buck	When it comes to the price it is pretty expensive, but you do have access to a lot of stuff because of it so i think it is totally worth it.
  Am enjoying being here	College life is wonderful. The amount of freedom and independence that you have is exhilarating. They have all kinds of fun events and sports to watch, not to mention all of the facilities that you have access too.
  Am learning a lot	Some of the classes i am taking, i took as AP classes in high school. However after having the same class here, i learned so much more than high school ever taught me. The professors are very focused on you learning the material.

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• Student from Oswego, IL

  01/12/2011

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  1 out of 1 people found this review useful. 28 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Great for these types of students	University of Illinois is a very busy college (lots of events happening all the time), so students who like to multi-task and get involved will love it here. Even if you join just one extracurricular activity, it is still worth it because you will get really close with the people who also do that activity with you. It is also important for students not to slack off too much because inability to understand course material will accumulate and cause your GPA to drop. Motivation is necessary for this school, just because there are so many opportunities to get distracted and side-tracked. Just as long as you find a nice balance between work and play, you will do perfectly at University of Illinois.
  Tips for prospective students	If you plan on attending University of Illinois, or any college for that matter, definitely get involved! There are just so many clubs and organizations available at U of I, you are bound to find something that fits your interests. Go to Quad Day, which is this huge event at the beginning of the year where all the Registered Student Organizations put signs up and recruit people into their clubs. Even if you don't find anything you like, you get free stuff! Also, attending freshmen week activities was really fun as well; make sure you check that out. Because Illinois is such a huge school, also be sure to get familiar with the bus routes. It will come in handy when it suddenly starts to pour (does that quite often in Urbana-Champaign). If you live in a dorm, keep your door open for the first week or two; it's an easy way to meet the people on your floor. Finally, be nice to your TA's (teacher's assistants)! Most of them are the ones that grade your homework and takes the attendance, so getting on their good side is a pretty good idea.
  Bang for the buck	Though this school can be considered quite expensive for a public in-state school (for those who reside in Illinois), I have never once regretted coming here. There is always something going on throughout the campus; you just have to look for it. Like I said, getting involved is a good way to make more of your college experience. As for academics, Illinois is truly a great place to attend. As a student, you have access to most, if not all, of the college libraries in Illinois (through a program called I-Share), which would make research a lot easier. Even if you decide not to continue with your intended major, you can switch into any of the other great programs that U of I offers. Of course, the whole purpose of college is to get a job sometime in the near future, and U of I really helps its students achieve that. Not only is there a general Career Center for students, but there are also over 20 more specialized Career Centers offered to those in the specific colleges, such as for Business and Engineering. I feel like paying for University of Illinois is well worth my money due to all of the available resources and opportunities that are offered here.
  Am enjoying being here	I love it here! The people here are very friendly if you open up to them. Not only will you make friends in your location of residence (whether it be in the dorm, in a sorority house, or wherever else), but you will meet new people from your classes, extracurricular activities, or even the library when you go study. You will definitely enjoy your experience here more if you throw yourself out there and join as many extracurricular activities as you can, or rush to a sorority/fraternity. As for the food, it is surprisingly good here. None of that bad dorm food that you usually hear about for other colleges. (well... depends on which dorms you go to.) The dorms always have a salad bar, and most of them have bagels, waffle-makers, toasters, panini-makers, etc. so you don't have to worry about unhealthy eating. There is also a vegetarian meal most of the time, so that's another option. Finally, another thing I like about this campus is the convenience of the bus system. There are bus stops practically every 3 blocks, and for those people who live far away from their classes (my class is a 20 minute walk from my dorm), taking the bus is a great alternative to walking (and much faster too). Buses are included in the tuition, so you don't have to worry about carrying change in your pocket.
  Am learning a lot	The amount you learn is definitely dependent on how much effort you put into the classes. For me, I kept an open mind, did all of my assignments, and attended most of my lectures, so I feel like I learned a lot of new material. Most of the professors here are experts in their field, and are glad to help out with any questions if you see them after class. They also have office hours every week that allow you to visit them in their office should you require additional assistance. The teacher's assistants can also be a valuable resource because they offer a different perspective on the material that may help you understand better. Sending your professors and teacher's assistants emails is another way to get any questions answered. All in all, you can gain a lot of knowledge from a class--as long as you make an effort to understand the material. If you keep putting off work you don't understand, it'll come back to bite you during finals.

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• Hannah

  01/17/2011

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  1 out of 1 people found this review useful. 29 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Great for these types of students	Illinois has a studious atmosphere, but it always seems relaxed at the same time. There's a nice uptown area for students who like to get off campus on the weekend nights. Game days are always fun, and there's a very loyal school spirit on campus.
  Tips for prospective students	Make sure you visit campus before going through the application process. I found that a few schools I applied to blindly I really didn't like at all once I got there. I visited Illinois beforehand, and I was sure it was a place I could see myself living for 4 years.
  Bang for the buck	In-state tuition is really good value, at a base rate of $10,386 for the 2010-2011 year. However, being from out-of-state, tuition can get pricy at a base rate of $24,528. A tip to bring down the cost for any student is to be serious about high school grades, and receive academic scholarships, as well as applying to outside scholarships.
  Am enjoying being here	Being from out of state, it was a big change for me to come here, but it really is easy to make friends, especially within your field of study.
  Am learning a lot	The professors are super accessible and I haven't taken a class where I think I've wasted my time. There's something to gain from anything you do academically here.

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• Isabella from Rantoul, IL

  02/22/2011

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  1 out of 1 people found this review useful. 30 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Great for these types of students	- Outgoing - Independent - Eager to Learn
  Tips for prospective students	- Get involved in high school - Get a solid score on the ACT and maintain a good GPA - Have a teacher or someone who is a good writer proofread your essays
  Bang for the buck	I know Illinois has a slightly higher tuition for a public school, but you get what you pay for. If you want to attend a nationally recognized school with excellent faculty and networking system, then you might have to pay a little more. In the end, the cost of attendance is much lower than comparable schools (i.e. Michigan lol) and there is financial aid available.
  Am enjoying being here	I love Illinois. Whether you like partying or not, there's always something to do. My friends and I go to games, bars, restaurants, the movies, concerts, etc...you name it we're there!
  Am learning a lot	The academics at Illinois are the best hands down. Entry level classes are usually the ONLY classes you'll have that are larger (if that) and most of your classes from then on are small. The professors are passionate and accessible >> you will learn loads!

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• Jungwon (Julia) from Vienna, VA

  07/02/2011

  Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.

  1 out of 1 people found this review useful. 31 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Great for these types of students	Engineers get lots of benefits compared to other major students. For example, free printing.
  Tips for prospective students	If you want to be an engineer, this is where you would want to be at. If you want to research, this is where you would want to be at. There would be lots of self-studying or self-learning due to large amounts of students in each lectures or professors do research.
  Bang for the buck	There aren't much scholarships offers at this school.
  Academic Rigor	As a science major, you will do lots of self-study or ask TA because your professors do lots of researching and expect you to know a lot.

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• Alex from Montgomery, IL

  07/20/2011

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  1 out of 1 people found this review useful. 32 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Great for these types of students	I can honestly say that U of I is a great school for almost any major. Our top programs are engineering, business, physics, chemistry, biology, psychology, accounting, and agricultural science. However we still excel above many other universities in political science, education, music, art, environmental science, and a multitude of other programs. If you're looking to get a strong degree and enjoy every second of your college career; U of I is your school.
  Tips for prospective students	One thing that U of I looks for is very good grades but also being very well-rounded. Some schools out of the many here on campus (College of Engineering, Business, Liberal Arts, etc.) are harder to get into than others however extra-curriculars, along with good grades and ACT scores are a very good way to ensure you make it in. And once you do make it in, learn all you can but have as much fun as possible, because you only get to go to college once.
  Bang for the buck	U of I doesn't offer a whole lot of scholarship money to their students, however I think that it's definitely worth the money. The first weekend I was on campus they threw a huge outdoor party for my dorm and the one across the street and had music and free dinner for everybody. The rec centers are top notch and it's like having free access to the top healthclubs out there. And in terms of the actual education, I think the money is well spent. There are countless world-renowned professors on campus and incredibly smart TA's which lead me to say that I really couldn't ask for more from a university.
  Am enjoying being here	Besides the very strong academic core that U of I helps build, campus recreation, the Greek system, and the hundreds of student organizations on campus make sure that there's always something to do when you're not studying. I joined a fraternity and am involved in a couple of other clubs and I absolutely love it. Almost all of the extra-curricular organizations are run by students themselves and they are one of the best ways to enjoy your time on campus.
  Am learning a lot	The courses U of I offers cover far more than just the basics of what you need to know. The idea behind most of my classes was that they want you to not only know and understand the information presented, but be able to apply it in different ways. Many of my professors and teachers' aides have encouraged me to learn more on my own time about the material being taught and that's something that I think is very rare; especially for schools with 30,000+ students like mine.

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• Alleycats from Urbana, IL

  07/30/2012

  Reviewer is A past student here.

  1 out of 1 people found this review useful. 33 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Campus Safety	If you stay on campus it's pretty good, though there are always a few robberies throughout the year.
  Greek Life	Can't really say as I didn't get involved but it's very prevalent.
  Clubs and Activities	EVERYTHING. Even underwater hockey to synchronized swimming, student government, equestrians, you name it you'll find it!
  Great for these types of students	EVERYONE!
  Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus	All you young'uns look up Chief Illini. He was the greatest mascot ever! ILL-INI
  Bang for the buck	Try Fat Sandwich. It's newish and amazing. Don't let the descriptions scare you off.
  What to do for fun	Anything and everything- it's a true college town!
  Food and Dining	Like all dorm food it could be better, but when you move out you really start to miss those all you can eat buffets. PAR has a new wok section and fresh made pizzas!
  Dorm Life	Depends on the dorm I guess. Go ISR!
  Academic Rigor	Very challenging, but still time to have fun.
  Tips for prospective students	Check out Green St.
  In three sentences	Great friendly campus in the middle of cornfield, USA. Classes are theoretical and challenging in the engineering dept. However, it's easy to take a variety of other classes (art, history, dance, etc), regardless of your major.

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• IlliniFan

  08/14/2012

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  1 out of 1 people found this review useful. 34 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Campus Safety	There is a lot of safety programs here on campus. At night there is Safe rides and Walks. These services pick you up from your location and make sure you get home safely. I prefer safe walks personally. There is also safety seminars hosted, and campus alerts you can sign up for.
  Greek Life	The University of Illinois has one of the largest Greek systems in the world. I am a member of Greek life, and love it!! It makes the campus much smalled, and really provides you with your best friends. It is also great for leadership, service, and philanthropic opportunities. It also is a lot of fun. You get a chance to take part in events where you socialize with other chapters, and have chapter events such as going to sporting events together. Highly recommend!!
  Clubs and Activities	There are 1,000 clubs for the students here on campus. These range from october lovers, to Pre law. Each club hosts events and really tries to get members involved. Before the first day of class there is quad day where all the clubs attend, and new and old students get the chance to explore all clubs provided.
  Great for these types of students	Any!! There is a hige mix of diffent individuals on campus. The school provides great education for almost any major, and with 1,000 clubs and organizations you will never feel left out!!
  Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus	One unusual tradition that sticks out to me, is in Lincoln hall one of the buildings on campus. In the entrance there is a Lincoln statue, and students rub his nose for good luck before exams and tests. They are also a ton of different locations on campus. One of my favorites is the Japanese garden. It is gorgeous and open to all students.
  Bang for the buck	The tuition is a bit expensive, but it allows you to have access to a TON of resources. There is a great bus system, gyms, amazing libraries, and even safety services if you are out late. Students even get large discounts on all the sporting events, which are really fun to attend. The professors and building are also amazing. The money you are paying gets handed back by all the accommodations this campus has.
  What to do for fun	The campus is huge, and as a result there are hundreds of different things students can do for fun. I personally became part of Greek life, which provides fun through a lot of philanthropic and service opportunities. There is also the arcade and bowling at the student union. Movie theaters and malls that you can get to easily with the buses. There are also over 1,000 clubs on campus. Each have there own events ranging from barn dance to pumpkin carving.
  Food and Dining	I am pretty picky so the food was not anything fantastic for me, but compared to most college dorm dining this was pretty good. They have a large varity of food to chooses from anything from bbq to tofu. There is even a small grocery store there that is included in some meal plans. Trust me when I say you will never go hungry here!
  Dorm Life	I was in the ikenberry common dorms, six pack it is the main area all the freshman dorms are in. Personally I was in Weston. The dorms may not be the fanciest, but it is a lot of fun. The cafeteria is amazing. It is also nice that you are located around a large majority of your friends. I met a lot of my good friends in the dorms, and it really provides a comfort zone.
  Academic Rigor	This is a top University for a reason. The academics can be a bit challenging, but it is never impossible. I have never felt left behind in a class, but I always feel that I have walked away from the class knowing a lot more.
  Tips for prospective students	They do an amazing job preparing the freshman for life on campus. Orientation day they provided information on pretty much everything, and they even provided tours. By the time I started attending the University I felt comfortable with the campus and my advisers.

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• Erin from Streamwood, IL

  10/14/2012

  Reviewer is A past student here.

  1 out of 1 people found this review useful. 35 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Campus Safety	There always seemed to be someone walking around on campus regardless of the hour, and there are plenty of resources for those traveling alone at night such as Safe Walks or Safe Rides. Though the campus isn't immune to crime, the campus police always seemed to be on top of things. There are security cameras all around campus, and while that may seem a little too much like Big Brother, I always felt pretty safe. Like anywhere you go, you just need to be smart and aware of your surroundings.
  Greek Life	University of Illinois has the largest Greek population in the nation. There is definitely a wide range of choices for anyone interested in that sort of thing, and being a part of a fraternity or sorority will definitely give you a jump start your social life. These organizations are constantly putting on parties, barn dances, and doing a lot of charity work. The Greek houses on campus are gorgeous, so at the very least, they're nice to look at.
  Clubs and Activities	There are tons of clubs and activities one can participate in, and there is just about something for everyone so that no one is without a niche. The school makes an effort to reach out to its students at the beginning of every year during Quad Day, and that's where a person can find out about academic clubs, fraternities, and activities that they may never have had the opportunity to participate in before such as fencing or kayaking. You can find professional clubs that can give you the edge you need when looking for internships, or you can take part in clubs that are simply in it for the fun of it such as the October Lovers club, or better yet, do both!
  Great for these types of students	University of Illinois is great for any student looking for a big school with a lot of school pride. There are endless amounts of academic and social opportunities, and so it's definitely for the student who wants to take full advantage of such great resources and really grow as a student and an individual.
  Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus	If you want to get a taste of the school's traditions, go to an Illini football game. We have a lot of school pride and are loyal to our late mascot, Chief Illiniwek. There are a few unique locations around campus that have a little bit of folklore tied to it such as the Morrow Plots, the Eternal Flame, and the ghost in the English Building. Just about every building has some fun and interesting history behind it. For instance, it is said that the Alma Mater will finally take her seat when a virgin graduates from the University of Illinois!
  Bang for the buck	I will admit that the price is a little steep for being a public school, but University of Illinois is the flagship campus of the University of Illinois system. It's been unofficially deemed a Public Ivy school, so you can rest easy knowing that you're getting an excellent education for a decent price. The networking benefit you receive from attending such a school is also invaluable.
  What to do for fun	The environment at the University of Illinois caters to a wide range of interests. Illinites, a student-run group, puts on a large-scale, late night program once a month at the Union. Usually there's a new theme each month, and it gives students the chance to see live comedy shows, try new types of food, and take part in fun activities. If that's not your style, then there are plenty of sports teams to watch throughout the year, and if that still isn't your thing, there are plenty of bars to go to on campus. While the drinking age is still 21, you only have to be 19 to get into a lot of the campus bars. There are also two beautiful recreational facilities on campus, so working out or playing some pick-up game of basketball or badminton is never out of the question.
  Food and Dining	Students can obtain just about any kind of food they're craving as long as they're willing to get it. Many of the dining opportunities can be found on Green Street, a hot spot on campus, and there's a range of franchises as well as unique places to eat. The campus bus system will get you to just about anywhere you need to go, even off campus, but delivery certainly is never out of the question either. There's a grocery store on campus, too, so making your own meal is always a possibility.
  Dorm Life	Dorm life is what you make of it. It's a humbling experience for anyone, but it will no doubt provide you with lasting memories. The campus is currently building up new dorms to replace the ancient ones found in what used to be referred to as the six pack, so prospective students will no doubt be living it up in nice, spacious dorm rooms for too long, and even if you don't wind up in a new building, you can still appreciate the charm of the old ones. The dining halls offer a wide range of food, so it's hard to ever go hungry, and special themed nights at the different dining halls give some students the variety they're craving. Living in the dorms is a great way to establish yourself in a small community as you really get to know the big community of U of I that you're a part of. The RAs reach out to the dorm inhabitants, making the transition to college life even easier. Living in such close quarters isn't everyone's cup of tea, but it almost seems like a right of passage at the U of I.
  Academic Rigor	Some students who have grown accustomed to being a big fish in a small pond will definitely get a wake up call at this school. The students at U of I are highly intelligent, but everyone has their own strengths and weaknesses. Many of the courses can be quite demanding, but like any school, there are a couple of blow-off classes. Whether you love the class you're taking or hate it, you'll realize that you've learned something from it all by at least the end of the semester.
  Tips for prospective students	Whether you're a college freshman or a transfer student, I highly recommend venturing out of your comfort zone early on. The school puts on a lot of social gathering opportunities both on a large-scale, full campus event and as a small-scale event such as in the small communities of the dorms. Making connections and taking new interests early on will definitely enrich your experience at such a big school and can lead to lasting friendships.
  In three sentences	University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is the big, prestigious school you were looking for with a small campus feel. It offers a fun, thriving, college town feel while providing its students with some of the best education in the state. If you don't fall in love with its beautiful, movie-eque campus, you'll certainly fall for the endless amounts of opportunities it offers its students both academically and socially.

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• Amanda from Chicago, IL

  11/30/2012

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  1 out of 1 people found this review useful. 36 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Clubs and Activities	There are so many to join that it may be overwhelming at first. Do not be afraid to join as many as you can though because clubs are a great resume builder and networking opportunity! After a semester or two, you may realize that you like some more than others and from there, you may be able to narrow down your list of clubs.
  Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus	This year was my first semester here at UIUC and I was able to attend Quad Day at the beginning of the semester. Quad Day is a day in which hundreds of RSO's (Registered Student Organizations) set up tables to discuss what their club is about and you have the option to sign up if you would like to join. On the same day, the Taste of Nevada takes place in which you get to sample a bunch of free food!
  Bang for the buck	UIUC is very expensive if you look at the tuition statement alone. HOWEVER, scholarships are always available for just about anything you can imagine! I received 3 scholarships so far (only 1 of which I had to write an essay, other 2 were given to me because of high GPA), multiple grants, and even more financial aid!
  What to do for fun	There is a place for everyone at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. The amount of clubs, activities (most are free), presentations, research and job opportunities, classes, and parties are endless! I am currently in 3 clubs (hold a position in 2 of the 3), volunteer, and hold a job here at UIUC and I love every single one of them!
  Food and Dining	The food on campus and all around campus is very diverse and is available to a wide variety of taste buds! There are American, Indian, Pakistani, Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Mexican, Italian, and many other types of restaurants here in the Urbana-Champaign area. There are always coupons that a student can obtain online or through mobile applications too so price is never an issue in most restaurants on campus.
  Dorm Life	I cannot say whether or not the dorm life is exceptional because I am a transfer student and I moved in to a house off campus to save money. There is construction going on in what's known as The Six-Pack which is a cluster of dormitories in a small area. It should be completed by Spring of 2013 and it looks fantastic so far!
  Academic Rigor	I am in the Animal Sciences program (Pre-Veterinary Medicine, and Medicine) and it is very demanding and rigorous. I believe that UIUC wants serious medical students that are willing to put in the time and effort to save lives. I recommend any of the science programs offered at UIUC for any person that is willing to work!
  Tips for prospective students	I would recommend studying more, networking, getting a campus job, volunteering, and joining clubs. It sounds like a lot to do at once, but it is worth it! By participating in all of these opportunities, you will be able to create a stronger resume and have stronger letters of reference than your future competitors in the job market.
  In three sentences	I transferred to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign from a community college in Chicago. Let me tell you, it was definitely a tough transition academically because UIUC demands the best of it's students and does not accept anything less. I have learned that I can expand my knowledge, time, and research and that you are the only one that can limit yourself.

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• Geoffrey from Overland Park, KS

  12/02/2009

  Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.

  0 out of 5 people found this review useful. 37 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Will enjoy being here	Great views, food, and student life
  Will learn a lot	Great faculty and resources

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• Leanne from Cary, IL

  01/17/2010

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  0 out of 2 people found this review useful. 38 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Great for these types of students	U of I is a great school for just about anyone. Even those who aren't comfortable with such a large campus and student population, it is not hard to find your place at this school that makes even a large campus seem like home very quickly.
  Tips for prospective students	Hard work in high school totally pays off, as well as hard work once you get into the school. Also be sure to get involved! It's a great thing and there are many benefits.
  Bang for the buck	College isn't cheap, but there is a lot available to students at U of I. There are many free activities that are a lot of fun to participate in, plus you get things like the awesome gyms and buses.
  Am enjoying being here	U of I is such a huge campus, there is definitely something for anyone and everyone. There are so many people to get to know and so many things to do and so many opportunities.
  Am learning a lot	The professors have been great so far and there is a lot of information in each course, no matter what it is.

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• Andrea from Hawthorn Woods, IL

  10/13/2010

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  39 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Great for these types of students	People who are outgoing and want a larger than life experience. People who don't get overwhelmed easily and can handle stress. Studious and take time to do their work but also know how to relax in between.
  Tips for prospective students	Just get involved when you get to campus. That can mean anything from joining a club, entering Greek life, or just knocking on your neighbors' doors. You don't have to be friends with people you already know. Everyone wants to meet new people so you just have to put yourself out there.
  Bang for the buck	It depends on where you choose to place your money. Private certified housing is more expensive and sometimes people like the perks of it enough to spend the money. I lived in public housing and it was a great experience.
  Am enjoying being here	I am a part of Greek life which takes up a lot of my time but it is also extremely fun. It offers so many opportunities to meet new people and hang out with friends along with doing service work. I also belong to a club that coincides with almost every one of my interests. There are so many clubs and you can choose how much time you put into each. It lets me continue all of my interests and I don't have to pick and choose which ones to pursue.
  Am learning a lot	There are so many interesting classes here! No matter what you would like to study there is probably a major for that. My favorite part is that if you have other interests besides your major you have plenty of room for electives and you can take any type of class that you want.

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• Elaine from Chicago, IL

  10/13/2010

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  40 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Great for these types of students	Future engineers
  Tips for prospective students	Have a good understanding of subjects such as chemistry, calculus, etc or any subjects that you will be focusing on when you enter.
  Bang for the buck	Compared to other schools, UIUC is cheaper.
  Am enjoying being here	There are a lot of buses you can take, so it is convenient to go to the malls, theater, etc. You also get to meet a lot of new people. The school also host a lot of events, so you can attend them with your friends.
  Am learning a lot	You have to keep up with class or else you might fall behind. The teachers and TA are available when you need help. Because of the pace that the class is going, you have to keep studying.

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• Adam from Naperville, IL

  10/19/2010

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  41 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Great for these types of students	EVERYONE! There is a little bit of everything here.
  Tips for prospective students	It can never hurt to apply.
  Bang for the buck	This is an awesome school. It is the priciest Illinois public university, but it is worth every penny (just read my Am learning a lot section). The alumni are very successful because the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is such a recognized name in prestigious universities.
  Am enjoying being here	Yes! This university has so many Registered Student Organizations (RSO's). It also has the largest Greek system in the nation. There is always something to do. If you cannot find a club you are interested in, then just start your own!
  Am learning a lot	The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is an amazing academic university. The professors are very knowledgeable, and since it is also a major research university, the professors have the proof to back up what they are saying. I transfered here, and it was the best decision I have ever made. I know U of I will help me succeed in the real world. No, not the TV show. That is why you go to a good school!

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• Raven from Chicago, IL

  11/10/2010

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  42 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Tips for prospective students	Be ready to work and have fun! There's nothing like the college experience, but there's definitely nothing like the U of I experience!!
  Bang for the buck	Tuition is kind of pricey but it's definitely worth it. U of I is an opportunity you can't pass up.
  Am enjoying being here	I know a lot of people wonder about college parties. Well, THEY ARE AMAZING! Besides the parties, though, there are so many other things to do. You can never have a dull moment. There are soooo many activites that you can get involved in here. Even if you don't think any of the RSO's (registered student organization) fit you, you can create your own!
  Am learning a lot	U of I is such an amazing school. I had been sheltered throughout my whole school career. Not only am I learning so much in the classroom, but outside as well. The diversity is such an amazing experience. You learn a lot from different cultures. The professors are great as well. They work with you to help you better yourself.

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• Chris from Plainfield, IL

  03/21/2011

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  43 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Great for these types of students	Hard Workers Sociable people Open people People that are determined to succeed People that are determined to get an education
  Tips for prospective students	Work hard and be open to new things and experiences as you look at the University of Illinois and you will succeed.
  Bang for the buck	The University of Illinois, even though is one of the pricier universities, even for in-state students is definitely a great bang for the buck because it is one of the best universities in the world and allows for many different opportunities and majors to succeed. Also, the university has been ranked top three in easiest to get a job after college, which is very important.
  Am enjoying being here	Being in class is very enjoyable for both my colleagues and I, through how professors relay information as well as the information that is being portrayed within lectures, labs and discussions. Extra-curriculars really make it very enjoyable to be at the University of Illinois because there are so many to pick from. I have been to multiple NCAA sporting events which have been very enjoyable, also I have joined a Fraternity which has broadened my groupings of friends and my social life greatly and I also have participated on an intramural soccer team which has been very fun too.
  Am learning a lot	The University of Illinois allows for a very sophisticated learning experience in which I am glad to be apart of. I have learnt many different things so far from Anthropology to International Relations to how to write a perfect college paper. I have learnt a lot since coming to the university and definitely have grown academically because of it. The University of Illinois has given me a great opportunity to learn from some of the greatest professors in the world and I have been taking advantage of it.

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• Shannon from Westmont, IL

  04/15/2011

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  44 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Tips for prospective students	Best advice I can give is to learn the bus system. The campus here is so large that there is no way you are going to want to walk to class every day especially in the winter.
  Bang for the buck	The University of Illinois is one of the best schools in the nation and is definitely worth the price that you pay for it. However, with the price that we are charged you would think that the dorms would be better. I mean the dorms are perfectly adequate and comfortable but if you go to a private school the dorms there are much nicer.
  Am enjoying being here	I love the University of Illinois. The campus is beautiful and there so many students and student ran organizations that it is extremely easy to make new friends. The classes are interesting and enjoyable especially if you are a major that you love.
  Am learning a lot	I have learned something in all of my classes so far. Sure there are some classes you learn more because the professor is better or because the course is more interesting. If you feel you are not learning enough in lecture do the suggested readings and you will be fine.

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• Vivian from Chicago, IL

  05/15/2011

  Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.

  45 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Bang for the buck	Tuition varies depending on the major.
  Will enjoy being here	There are lots of things to do between campus activities and the 2 towns.
  Will learn a lot	I've seen some of the gen ed courses and there is such a variety. I had a hard time selecting only a few.

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• Adenike from Markham, IL

  05/17/2011

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  46 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Bang for the buck	Tuition is expensive, but the university offers quality skills needed for the professional world. The opportunities and experience you obtain will be beneficial in the future.
  Am enjoying being here	On campus there are endless activities to be involved in. My freshman year was awesome and I can't wait to get back on campus.
  Am learning a lot	I am learning a ton. UIUC has many valuable resources for students that are extremely helpful. I've just completed my freshman and everyone was so helpful and welcoming.

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• Priscilla from Decatur, IL

  05/31/2011

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  47 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Great for these types of students	Students who are serious about they're academics, but love to have fun as well would greatly benefit from attending the University of Illinois!
  Tips for prospective students	Try making as many friends in your classes as possible! People love forming study groups, that way you all have each others' backs if someone needs help! Get to know your professors! You'll be so surprised how well you can do in the the class if you just introduce and talk to you professor!
  Bang for the buck	The U of I isn't as expensive as a lot of private schools but it defintely is not cheap! But it is so worth it to get the amazing experience inside and outside of the classroom. Plus the U of I office of financial aid offers so many opportunities to help with your expenses at the university!
  Am enjoying being here	It is so much fun being here. The classes are interesting. The campus is wonderful. Everyone loves the quad on a nice day. I have taken numerous naps on the quad! The night life in Champaign is awesome! Going dancing is so much fun. You meet so many awesome people at the U of I. The diversity of the students is so awesome. It is wonderful!
  Am learning a lot	I have learned so much at the U of I. The teachers do so well at interacting with the students. I learn here so much better than I did in college. I don't just learn the information in order to pass the exams and then forget. I actually retain the information I have learned and find a way to apply it to my life. It is wonderful.

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• Gift from Oak Park, IL

  06/12/2011

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  48 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Great for these types of students	Students how are independent and can manage their time properly.
  Tips for prospective students	Just realize that it is nothing like high school and you have to manage your own time. Good study habits are a must but don't get too caught in books. Its your first year so have fun with limits.
  Bang for the buck	Considering UIUC is a well known school for academics and its fun I still find it a bit pricey. Being an in-state student I thought the price would be somewhat on the lower side but compared to UIC it's very expensive.
  Am enjoying being here	I was very skeptical about the location of the school, it's in the middle of corn fields! But after being here for some weeks and making friends I thoroughly enjoyed myself. There are so many groups and organizations so it easy for find your own little niche.
  Am learning a lot	The classes here are very advanced and information filled so it's quite impossible to just slide through and get an A. However if you put in the effort its possible to earn a good grade and most of the classes are actually interesting topics to learn about.

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• Lauren from Champaign, IL

  06/19/2011

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  49 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Great for these types of students	People who love walking, those who are actually interested in learning something, those who wish to create their own majors
  Tips for prospective students	I have lived in Champaign my whole life, but being on campus is like being in a whole new world. If you live in town, going to school here is not only cost-efficient but also exciting, because you are still on your own and there are many parts of campus that people in Champaign have never experienced.
  Bang for the buck	If you are as candid as I was in high school about applying for scholarships then you shouldn't have anything to worry about when it comes to tuition and costs, however if you have absolutely no scholarship money whatsoever I do think it would be cheaper to go to the local community college and transfer in after two years to save money instead of starting your freshman year at the university. Also, parking costs are ridiculous. I would not recommend bringing a car with you.
  Am enjoying being here	Every teacher and student I have met so far has been amazingly helpful and insightful, so I am looking forward to my three roomates for this year!
  Am learning a lot	I am entering a field in science, and the University of Illinois is very well known for that field, so I am sure I'll be getting a top education in my field. I was also told you are able to create your own major by combining classes from multiple majors into one - it's amazing all the possibilities one has at this campus.

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• Isabella from Burbank, IL

  06/29/2011

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  50 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Great for these types of students	This school is great for outgoing students who are willing to do some work!
  Tips for prospective students	Some tips for prospective students would be to definitely stay on top of your school work. I'm sure you have heard it a million times but time management is key. Remember that you are there to get a great education and that it's up to you. Get help as soon as you need it so you don't fall behind. Don't be afraid to ask older student for advice on classes, for example, because they have been in your position before!
  Bang for the buck	The school itself is very pricey, but with the right help, it can be affordable and definitely work every penny. You pay not only for your education, but also for the lasting memories you will keep with you forever.
  Am enjoying being here	I love the environment here. It's great! Walking around the Quad during passing periods is awesome because you see all your friends and meet tons of interesting people. There is always something to do whether you want to stay in the dorms and watch a movie or go out to Green St. to grab a bite to eat.
  Am learning a lot	The first couple months at U of I were very stressful because so much information was being thrown at me at one time. But I must say... I have never learned so much and actually retained so much information in my life. There are so many resources on campus to help you take your learning beyond the book and classroom. Professors are always willing to talk to you in office hours, study groups are always available, and extra practice can be found anywhere. The teaching style of professors I have had have been awesome. I have learned a lot and will feel confident going out into the real world.

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• Bacall from Matteson, IL

  07/01/2011

  Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has not been to campus.

  51 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Bang for the buck	Very expensive for a public university but worth it.
  Will enjoy being here	Urbana and Champaign are perfect college towns. Nearly everything a student could need is within walking distance. Sporting events and campus sponsored events promote school spirit and togetherness
  Will learn a lot	The professors are stellar and available. Classes are broken down into sections which promotes a more intimate student-professor relationship.

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• Nate from PLAINFIELD, IL

  07/11/2011

  Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.

  52 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Bang for the buck	Worth every Penny!
  Will enjoy being here	Amazing Campus!
  Will learn a lot	Good Engineering program.

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• Melina

  07/12/2011

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  53 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Great for these types of students	I believe anyone can come here and feel comfortable if you are willing to search. U of I is diverse not only in culture and race but also beliefs, interests, and attitudes. I met people from various countries including China, Venezuela and Columbia but also from my hometown. If you like meeting people and having many activities to participate in, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is a great choice for you!
  Tips for prospective students	During the first week is when I met a lot of Freshmen. Don't be afraid to say hi to people in your classes or even the bathroom. Half the people in my dorm, I met while brushing my teeth. Definitely go to Quad Day which is when all clubs and activities recruit and give helpful information about their organizations. Always introduce yourself to your professors. Always. Please please leave your door open when living in a dorm when you are inside your room of course. People walk past and even some who will come in just to say hi.
  Bang for the buck	Though prices have been increasing, your tuition stays constant for your years at U of I which I personally appreciate. As for living situation, pricey at first glance, it really depends on the location you chose. Living in a dorm is really fun Freshmen year because there is a lot of students who are new just like you. Chose your dorm wisely because some dorms are nicer (air conditioning) or some are closer to your classes though you can always take the bus. Buses are included in your fees. Oh so very helpful!
  Am enjoying being here	U of I is such a huge campus! Though it may seem impossible to find your niche, it is really easy. Join clubs and participate in activities. Even in huge lecture halls sit with someone you don't know. You will both appreciate each others company. Trust me. You will see some of the same people walking to class. I love that I met so many people but most importantly met my close friends.
  Am learning a lot	Being in the LAS program, I have encountered wonderful professors who are willing to help everyone as long as you ask for help. Since most lectures are big, I got to learn how to communicate with professors in such environments. Office hours are a plus. Not only do they offer extra help but professors get to know you better and can be helpful in recommendation letters you will need in the future.

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• Ashley from Joliet, IL

  07/19/2011

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  54 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Great for these types of students	Any student that is looking for a great education and a fun time should apply and check into the University of Illinois!
  Tips for prospective students	Apply early, visit the campus, get familiar with the way campus works and get on the mailing list, fast!
  Bang for the buck	Although the cost of attendance is pretty high, it is definitely worth it. From all the student clubs to all of the opportunities for students to grow, you won't find any other school in the nation that will compare to U of I.
  Am enjoying being here	There is so much to do on campus! There are over 1000 clubs, so virtually anyone can find a group of people to hang out with!
  Am learning a lot	All of the classes are challenging and the professors are always finding new ways to get the students involved.

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• Kristen from Homer Glen, IL

  07/20/2011

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  55 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Great for these types of students	Someone who is social and curious. Also someone who is willing to work, and has a good amount of passion for what they want to do. Also, you must be adjusted to a large school in a college town.
  Tips for prospective students	Take advantage of the opportunities! U of I has so much to offer, from clubs to internships and beyond! It's a great environment, so don't be afraid to dive in to. Also, prepare to work. It is hard, but it's worth it. And finally, don't be shy! You're going to be surrounded by people your age who are having the same experiences. Take a chance, make some new friends and some memories!
  Bang for the buck	It is a very expensive school, but you get a lot with a degree from here!
  Am enjoying being here	The campus is great. It's mainly students so there are always opportunities to make new friends. There's also a great bus system that takes you to and from Urbana and Champaign easily. There's always exciting stuff going on on campus, though.
  Am learning a lot	The quality of classes and professors is great. You constantly meet intelligent people and learn interesting new things. Whether the classes is based on something you love or not, you'll come out smarter.

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• Genevieve from Dekalb, IL

  07/28/2011

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  56 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Great for these types of students	Engineers, Business, Music, Language (That's me!)
  Tips for prospective students	Don't be hasty when signing up for classes. Your first year of college is a good time to explore what you want to do, take what classes you want. You don't have to take boring gen-eds. Really dig for the best gen-ed classes. There is such a thing as boring classes. Take a discovery course. They are great! And join an RSO. It's a great way to make friends.
  Am enjoying being here	I love my RSO's!!!
  Am learning a lot	My classes are so fun and challenging! Visiting your professors during office hours are a great way to get more out of your class.

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• Jessica from Mchenry, IL

  07/29/2011

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  57 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Great for these types of students	If you are looking for friends from around the world, I would suggest joining the international Living Learning Community (Global Crossroads).
  Tips for prospective students	Make friends with the older students living in your dorms, because they have been there longer they are filled with helpful tips. Also try and get to know a few people from every class so that you can exchange emails, this way in case you miss a class you will still be able to get their notes! Last but not least, be sure to keep an open mind, college is meant to be a learning experience, by limiting the foods you will try, or the places you will go, will make it harder to get the full experience.
  Bang for the buck	Although it may seem expensive, the learning experiences you will gain will make it worth the cost. The dorms are pricey, but the friends you make while living in the close knit community will last a life time.
  Am enjoying being here	At first I was a little worried about going to a school in the middle of corn fields but in reality it is one of the best decisions Ihave made in my life. There is a lot of diversity, and because of that there will be a group waiting for you to join their circle of friends.
  Am learning a lot	When I first enrolled, I had no idea what I wanted to major in. Just by taking a few of my general education courses, I was able to narrow down what i was interested in studying. Although some of the classes can be fairly large, they are split into discussion sections that allow you to get a more one-on-one experience with the Teachers Assist, and sometimes even the Professor.

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• Ashley from New Lenox, IL

  07/31/2011

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  58 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Great for these types of students	This school is great for students who want to utilize everything this school has to offer, whether it be getting to know the amazing teaching staff, going to the stacks in the Main Library, or even just meeting some amazing friends. It is also perfect for students who have a lot of school spirit and love to show it! I-L-L! I-N-I!
  Tips for prospective students	GET INVOLVED, GET INVOLVED, GET INVOLVED! You will hear this a million times from anyone at this school, and that is because it's true! You could meet some of the best friends you will ever have by getting involved in something your interested in. It would be a big mistake to not take advantage of everything a big school has to offer. And don't forget, you have to make sure to take a picture with the Alma Mater statue, then walk across the street for some Coco Mero frozen yogurt. It's delicious!
  Bang for the buck	The price may be a little steep for some people, but there are always loans, grants and scholarships available. Even so, the experience you get at UIUC is amazing and definitely worth the price.
  Am enjoying being here	There is always something to do on campus! I would definitely suggest getting involved in some type of group. There is so much to choose from; besides the many academic clubs, there are clubs that you wouldn't even think of. For example, one of the clubs I am in is October Lover's club: a club for people who love to do activities in October! Also, being at a big school like this promotes a lot of school pride. You will always see someone sporting the orange and blue. Not to mention, the sporting events are always fun to go to!
  Am learning a lot	The professors at this school are amazing. Most people are intimidated by the size of the school, thinking they won't get any attention or help from professors. I would say not to worry about that at all. Besides the amazing Teaching Aide staff that is always around to help, the professors are willing to give you as much help as you ask for. As for the classes themselves, there is such a large variety to choose from. You could learn just about anything. I have taken classes I never thought I'd be interested in, and I learned so much! As surprising as this may seem, I actually WANT to go to my classes!

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• Suyun from Chicago, IL

  08/23/2011

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  59 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Great for these types of students	- studious - looking for a life time changes - open minded - looking for learning how to be independent
  Tips for prospective students	- the first two years are the most important stages for you to secure your future GPA; it's hard to maintain your GPA during the last two years - don't forget to take a nap on the quad - don't forget to search books from the i-share library; you will see how incredible it is - don't forget to take a lots of pictures, every moment is a pervious event to be marked - don't forget to do barcrawls, to visit all the bars in one night will be a great experiences - don't forget to check out what is the specials for each bars - don't forget to get the i-book - check out the libraries during the Final exams - don't forget to maintain a good relationship with Professors and TAs - Study well and try your best to get a good grade! grade doesn't mean everything but it is still a requirement - check out the illinis bookforexchange website before you buy any books from the bookstore! it will help you save alot of money
  Bang for the buck	Beautiful views are everywhere in campus. I love getting tan on the quad during summer days; also to take a short nap at there during the breaks of my classes; to do panic around the Japan house is another best things to gather friends and relax the mind; can also have a relaxing drinks with a close friend at the bars around campus...etc
  Am enjoying being here	First, I enjoy how I can gain knowledges here in every second. Second, it gives me dreams and hopes. Third, beautiful campus, perfect libraries, great teachers...etc. Fourth, best campus life with many different people from different countries and best parties to help you to take a break from studies.
  Am learning a lot	I have been learning every second since I am enrolled into U of I. Learning about how to manage my living without parents, how to deal with roommate problems, to manage to be a on-time person, leadership, social problems, relationship problems...etc.

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• Priten from Springfield, IL

  08/26/2011

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  60 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Great for these types of students	................... ................................... ..............................................................
  Tips for prospective students	Just come and see for yourself. There's no other way of really doing it justice.
  Bang for the buck	Easily the hardest part for me, personally. I got a lot of what I needed in scholarships and stuff, but it wasn't a full ride, so my family and I are doing everything in our power to make sure I can continue to come here. However, I would be willing to bet that this rating will probably change as time passes.
  Am enjoying being here	Holy crap... This place is AWESOME. Now I usually have a pretty good vocabulary, but it simply isn't adequate enough to describe just how amazing it is to be here.
  Am learning a lot	Well the first week of classes is over! I can say that most of my classes are quite interesting. Chemistry so far is my least favorite, but I absolutely love my CS (computer science) class. Besides that, I guess I'll just have to wait and see how things turn out.

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• Lauren from Danville, IL

  09/06/2011

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  61 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Great for these types of students	there's really something for everyone. there are fantastic programs here for just about anything you could think of, especially in agriculture and engineering.
  Tips for prospective students	visit campus! that's what helped me make my final decision. i love the feel of campus here and knew it'd be perfect for me.
  Bang for the buck	it's definitely expensive, but work hard for scholarships and it doesn't seem as bad with your out of pocket expenses.
  Am enjoying being here	It's a great campus. There's always something going on. I love being able to walk out of my dorm and have so many options.
  Academic Rigor	i've really enjoyed all my classes so far. even in my large lectures the professors are willing to take a few minutes and answer questions.

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• Shakela from Champaign, IL

  09/08/2011

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  62 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Great for these types of students	engineering, MBA, law, vet, transfer, international
  Tips for prospective students	take a tour before you commit. There are daily tours offered through their site.
  Bang for the buck	since it is a top engineering school, I can say that the tuition is more affordable. Also many scholarships are given yearly to help offset cost, as well as work - study and other options.
  Am enjoying being here	The twi cities o Chmpign and Urbana are what we term here a micro city. Urbana is more like a suburb, and Champaign like a very mini city. So you get the best of both world, W are alo surrounded by farms . Bu Hey, if you ever feel like its too small. Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis are only a few hours drive away!
  Am learning a lot	Absolutely!

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• Jessica from Waukegan, IL

  09/10/2011

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  63 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Great for these types of students	Anyone!
  Tips for prospective students	Don't get discouraged or intimidated by the size of public schools. At first, I was completely against going to a big school like U of I, but then i visited and researched more, and grew to like it. Now, I completely love it here.
  Bang for the buck	Being a public school reduces the tuition price, and since it is a big public school, there are many more resources available than a small private school.
  Am enjoying being here	As I said before, U of I is a perfect blend of academics and social life. There is always something to do. You'll never be bored!
  Am learning a lot	Even though U of I is notorious for being a party school, they have great academics as well. Currently studying in their engineering program, which is ranked 6th in the nation, and i love it!

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• Lizzy

  09/13/2011

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  64 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Bang for the buck	Depending on where you choose to live helps determine cost. I think that what it costs to go here is very reasonable. I don't think that you could find a better place to go to college for the price.
  Am enjoying being here	I love the university. It's not like a city, but it's not a bunch of corn fields. Green St. has lots of different stores and places to eat. There is a lot of diversity on campus and it's really neat to see.
  Am learning a lot	So far I have learned something I didn't know previously in every single one of my classes. There are so many different classes you can take and so many possibilities for a future career.

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• Michelle from Elmhurst, IL

  09/28/2011

  Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.

  65 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Great for these types of students	Students who are looking for a very large diverse learning environment. Those who want to meet lots of new people and perhaps don't want to run into anyone from high school.
  Tips for prospective students	Gaint School, with a great college town vibe. So many clubs and activities to get involved with.

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• Jasmine from Chicago, IL

  12/19/2011

  Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.

  66 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Great for these types of students	Great for students who want to major in engineering and buisness.
  Bang for the buck	The give you helpful advice on financial aid, word-study, and student loans.
  Will enjoy being here	The environment of the school is really welcoming and comfortable.

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• Matt from Crystal Lake, IL

  12/27/2011

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  67 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Great for these types of students	Multi -talented Smart Hard workers Social Confident People with good study habits disciplined
  Tips for prospective students	UofI has great academics for everything, so don't be afraid to come in undecided. If a big school isn't right for you, don't come to UofI. Period. Its a huge school and has many pros because of that, but if you are uncomfortable by the big school atmosphere, UofI probably isn't right for you.
  Bang for the buck	You can't beat UofI for engineering. Not Possible. Although it is expensive, it is much cheaper than most other engineering colleges and it gives you unmatched opportunities after college.
  Am enjoying being here	School is very difficult and trying to be involved in activities hard because you can only be involved in a few. There is a limited amount of things to do off campus but the campus itself offers a ton of good activities to keep oneself busy. I like the college life a lot and UofI has a great college life.
  Am learning a lot	The school of Engineering is very challenging but it is set up to help you succeed. I have learned a lot in both my successes and failures. This university wants their students work on real world problems and begin solving them step by step. This mentality begins as a freshman.

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• Ashley from Gurnee, IL

  12/27/2011

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  68 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Tips for prospective students	Don't throw away your college career for alcohol. It's an expensive thing to dispose of in the long run. Work hard and it could be the most rewarding and enriching time of your life. Simultaneously, remember: all things in moderation, even moderation.
  Bang for the buck	From a financial perspective, all colleges prices are outrageous. However, if you're an Illinois resident, UIUC is a great public school to attend at usually 10-15K less than other schools with similar esteem. Not a bad decision.
  Am enjoying being here	At first, I despised UIUC because it was so different from my high school. But then I grew to appreciate the college campus, student diversity, and interesting classes that I could take if I wanted to challenge myself more. Since there are so many people, you can wish to make as many friends as you please. Even though it is a big school, you can make it feel small and more intimate with a close circle of friends.
  Am learning a lot	Independent of what school you attend, it is your responsibility to be an aggressive learner. At U of I, your major is a large factor in how difficult your classes will be and if you actually learn a lot. The science classes are the most challenging which is not that surprising since our engineering program is fantastic. Since we have such a large campus (which is a good thing!) it helps give you real life experiences that don't occur inside a classroom.

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• Anonymous

  12/29/2011

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  69 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Great for these types of students	Those who won't mind being away from big cities.
  Tips for prospective students	Get a digital voice recorder and record all the lectures you attend. These recordings will help you when you study for exams and need to go back over the lecture or if you missed something during the lecture.
  Am enjoying being here	The people I have met are great and really friendly, the professors included. Although you are in the middle of cornfields, there are still many things you can do here, not to mention the many football, basketball, volleyball, etc games!
  Am learning a lot	The professors here love their students and love the fact that their students are wanting to learn more. If you go into their office hours and ask questions, they will never turn you away, no matter how trivial your questions are. They want to get to know you as a student as well as a person.

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• Laura from Chicago, IL

  01/09/2012

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  70 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Campus Safety	They have something called SafeRides. It's a bus that you call that could pick you up from where you're at and drive you back to your dorm! It doesn't pick you up if you're within a block of a bus stop! And it doesn't pick up more than 3 people...
  What to do for fun	Watch stars on clear Friday nights at the Astronomy Observatory! Pick apples at Curtis' Orchards!! [Do it on a weekday if you don't want to take a taxi to the venue] Activities at the ARC and CRCE! [Swimming, Basketball, Volleyball] Watch shows at the Union Courtyard! Play DDR or Pool or Bowling in the Union RecRoom! Play Frisbee in the Quad! Join a club and do what they do! Chill in your own dorm's lounge and rent a board game to play with your friends!! Party at the Canopy Club, 18+ club! Go to a Frat Party?!
  Food and Dining	PAR Late Night. Amazing. PAR Overall... Amazing. But crazy packed. LAR/Allen Hall... Decent.. [Similar food to Busey-Evans] ISR Asian Night. Awesome. ISR Mexican Night. Awesome. ISR Overall. Pretty Good. Ikenberry [6 Pack Dining Hall] Amazing. But crazy packed. [Ikenberry and PAR have something similar to Breakfast for Dinner] It's a you love it or you hate it sorta thing... Definitely depends on your tastes. Any other dining halls.. I did not go to.
  Dorm Life	LAR is actually pretty awesome in terms of lounging and how it's connected to Allen Hall. And the laundry rooms have like locker type cages? for your detergents and softeners and laundry type stuff, which is really neat so you don't have to keep lugging your bottle of detergents up and down the elevators. Elevators suck and are super slow. Beyond slow. This is a 4 story building... It does not take 5 minutes to go from the basement to the 4th floor! It also sucks that there is no air conditioning.. so unless you have a spare air conditioner to put in your dorm, expect to be hiding in cool areas such as the computer lab. But everyone in the dorm is friendly! Most of the dorms that I have been to are the semi-quiet ones like ISR, FAR, PAR, and Busey... The 6 Pack... well they're well-known to be the party dorms and closest to the fraternitys...
  Academic Rigor	Depending of course on which teacher and which course you have, it'll be extremely hard and difficult to keep up if you don't study and listen to the prof. during lectures.
  Tips for prospective students	Party of the weekends if you really need to party. Don't do it during a weekday. Work hard from beginning to end! Your GPA stays with you until the end! If you mess up freshman year, you might not be able to fix it during your senior year.
  In three sentences	Really friendly and extremely smart people everywhere. Love the bus system. Love the school. I don't regret my choice except sometimes I get homesick even though I'm 3 hours away.

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• Jen from Palatine, IL

  01/10/2012

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  71 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus	quad undergraduate library
  What to do for fun	clubs parties football games
  In three sentences	University of Illinois is a decent school with a great variety of academic courses. It will fulfill your pursuit for knowledge as well as fun for life.

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• Charlie from Carol Stream, IL

  01/11/2012

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  72 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Campus Safety	Away from campus there are areas which seem very rundown which makes me nervous. Students here are pretty good on safety, but outsiders can be scary.
  Greek Life	About a quarter to one-third of the student body is involved in some fraternity/ sorority making U of I with the largest Greek system in the world.
  Clubs and Activities	There are too many but it is overwhelming to find the one with the right niche/ objectives.
  Great for these types of students	Students who love studying at places other than dorm/ library have many other places to study at. The campus town is huge with shops and coffee houses which are great study spots. Also be prepared to be social because this school sometimes don't sleep, but it's nice and fun/ exciting.
  Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus	Apparently their is this park called Illini Grove that is very unsafe and creepy at night for some reasons. Inside Lincoln Hall is the statue of Lincoln, and students would rub his nose for luck on finals. Also located the south of the main quad lies Marrow Plots which is the oldest experimental crop field in the world and is any student set a foot in it, they will face expulsion.
  What to do for fun	There are over 1000 clubs and organizations to become involved in. This school is huge with sports (division I) so there are many sport facilities and courts to play on. There are 2 huge gyms which is a great de-stressor with many open courts to play on. There are also talent shows and other shows performed every where on campus, but plays and musicals are performed in the Krannert Art Center.
  Food and Dining	The best part about U of I's dining is that each dorm has a dining hall which students from all over campus can eat at. Some dorms though serve the same food over and over again which tends to get boring.
  Dorm Life	Living Learning Communities offered here are the best way to make new friends of similar interest. Although dorm rooms are small there are always lounges and even the hallways to use. There is, however, a private dorm and a public one. Private tends to be more quiet which is good for studying.
  Academic Rigor	Although there is little homework per class per week, it doesn't mean that the learning process ends or that it is short. There are so much to cover and my suggestion is to constantly review books, lecture notes, power-points, and even use the internet/ library for more information. The grading process is very tough and so are exams and little mistakes cost big points. Science/ engineering/ psychology/ math are the toughest subjects here.
  Tips for prospective students	The professors here are very diverse and come from many different cultures/ backgrounds/ countries. It is best to go on rate my professor website and find which ones teach better. Since lectures are very fast paced and the size is overwhelming, students need to review an unknown professor because academics and standards are very high; therefore, keeping up with grades is hard.
  In three sentences	U of I is a cutting edge research university that keeps and motivates students to learn and create something new for the world. The campus is absolutely huge and gorgeous with lots to do on a free time and contain many libraries and resources for students to use. Since the student body is about 30,000 for undergraduates, it is hard to make the time to get closer with the professor; however, there are so many places you can meet them at making this school specifically very friendly/ accessible.

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• Edyta from Elmwood Park, IL

  01/15/2012

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  73 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  What to do for fun	Many clubs and organizations. Sporting events, concerts and sports centers. Bars and restaurants.
  Food and Dining	Some dining halls are better and provide more variety food then other. But nothing bets home made cooking.
  Dorm Life	Living in dorms is great. I love it. It is a great way of meeting new people. Sometimes it might get loud but when the examination time comes everyone understand and tries to provide good learning environment.
  Academic Rigor	Some classes are easier then others, some professors are more strict then other. It is not high school anymore and you have to be in charge of your own studying.
  Tips for prospective students	Don't hesitate to join clubs it is great way to meet new people. Don't buy all books before classes start some professors do not require books. Choose to live in dorms and you will not regret it. Have fun but don't forget about studying.
  In three sentences	U of I is a great school for everyone. Everyone can find a major that fits them and a group of people they can relate to. If you are looking for a full college experience of excellent education and a little bit of fun University of Illinois at Urban-Champaign is for you.

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• Lily from New York, NY

  01/29/2012

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  74 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Greek Life	this school has the biggest greek life scene in the united states.
  Food and Dining	if you dorm at one of the university dorms, you can use your meal plan to eat at many different dorms, not just he one you live in. the food changes everyday and it's pretty good, considering the fact that it's dorm food. they have specialty food on different nights, such as soul food nigh, asian night, mexican night and ect.
  Dorm Life	i live at lar and i met so many great friends on my floor. i always try to leave my door open when i'm in the room, so people can stop by and say hi.
  Academic Rigor	some classes you take will be fun and easy, and some will be challenging, either way, i learned a lot from my professors. i definitely recommend making a few friends in all the classes you take, so you can create study buddies/groups and help each other study during exams.
  Tips for prospective students	be ready to have fun! when you get here, you'll realize you're in the middle of nowhere, bu there so much to do! malls and nice restaurants are only a bus ride away!
  In three sentences	i'm an out of state student and i really love it here! this school and the people who go here, are different. you'll make lots of new friends and meet great professors who'll help you succeed.

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• Tyler from Elmhurst, IL

  02/01/2012

  Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.

  75 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Campus Safety	very safe! blue light phones at convenient locations, and the campus works really well the the urbana and champagne police.
  Food and Dining	with the numerous dining options offered around campus and all the different cuisines you can try; this is a guy's dream school. great food no matter what your taste buds crave.
  Dorm Life	outstanding! from what i've both heard and seen, the dorm life at u of i is fun and friendly. all around very inviting.
  Academic Rigor	i've applied to the school of engineering and i know that they have a very rigorous course load. but it is totally worth it for the out standing education that you get out of it.

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• Eric'el from Alton, IL

  02/06/2012

  Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.

  76 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Tips for prospective students	if you're a minority interested in engineering, then check out nsbe's high school visitation. it's free and you stay at u of i for a weekend.

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• tyler from Las Vegas, NV

  02/18/2012

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  77 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Campus Safety	the campus has various ways of keeping students safe. for example, we have campus security and the whistle system to allow us to call for help when we feel endangered. there are also signs and reminders all over campus on how to be safe and numbers to call to remain safe, such as safe rides.
  Greek Life	there are tons of greek oraganizations on campus. i love the greeks on campus because they host various social events for students to attend and know how to have a great time. they also host charity events and informationals to help students find their resources.
  Clubs and Activities	there are many intremural sports that one can join or student organizations. there is an activity for every type of personality. you will be able to find what activity you want to join on quad day.
  Great for these types of students	the university is great for any individual student. the resources and activites on campus can accustom any individual's interests. all the different departments of study have been rated has top schools and will supply advanced education to all who attend this university.
  Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus	an unusual tradition in my opinion is reading day. all day students prepare for their exams and study. you will find almost every student at the libraies or various places studying.
  What to do for fun	if you want to have fun on campus, just take a step outside your dorm. there are always student organizations around that hosts events or fundraisers, where people go to socialize. there is also green street that has a variety of stores and eaateries to accomadate your entertainment.
  Food and Dining	the food and dining has a large variety. there are several different dining halls that you can visit when you want to switch it up. the most notorious one is the ikenberry where they have foods that are international.
  Dorm Life	living in the dorms will allow you to make friends and meet people easily. when you first get on campus majority of the people are out going and friendly.there are also events put on by the different dorm halls, which will allow you to learn about the campus and get involved.
  Academic Rigor	the academic regor here at university of illinois is a competitive one. i have never been around a group of students who excelled so much at what they do and still continue to strive towards excellence. here at the university it is wise to study to better understand your subjects when they start to become harder.
  Tips for prospective students	for incoming students it is important for them to take advantage of their resources. i would suggest talking with your academic advisor often to make sure you are on the right track to earning the degree you want. it is also best to become acquainted with advisors in your department of study to help you with career choices and internships.

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• Delores from Oak Lawn, IL

  02/21/2012

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  78 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  What to do for fun	the union has a bowling ally ice skating lots of pubs and bars
  Food and Dining	the food has its good days and not so good days offer a variety of foods for people with special dietary needs great service
  Dorm Life	typical life in the dorms is standard of a traditional college dorm the dorms are usually clean and staff is friendly very convenient locations
  Academic Rigor	the work is challenging the classes require a lot of work you will actually learn something new
  Tips for prospective students	make sure you're grades are up and you create good study habits. do not be intimidated by the amount of work it isn't as bad as it looks once you get organized. stay focused and prioritize!
  In three sentences	the university of illinois is a challenging source of academic excellence. the university of illinois ensures that their students receive the greatest quality of education. the university of illinois provides excellent resources for students to succeed

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• Katherine from Seoul, AA

  02/26/2012

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  79 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Campus Safety	urbana is safer than champaign but over all everybody has good behavior but sometimes just obnoxious when they're drunk. plus there is always safe rides and safe walks.
  Greek Life	this is very big.
  Clubs and Activities	u of i offers so many different clubs. try them.
  Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus	unofficial! or unofficial st. patrick's day is when the whole campus drinks from morning til the weekend is over and it gets crazy. there are a lot of cops and you have to be 21 or older to go to bars during this time.
  What to do for fun	join different organizations, hit up green street, go off campus to the mall or kareoke.
  Food and Dining	not bad but again you get sick of it.
  Dorm Life	food is okay but you get sick of it. i personally don't like living with a bunch of people because you can get sick easily which i did. plus i need my own kitchen and bathroom.
  Academic Rigor	engineering will be extremely hard. business majors will be okay but it may be challenging and anything other than that is relatively do-able.
  Tips for prospective students	don't stay in your comfort zone and get to know more people by reaching out and trying things you haven't done. the bus system and safe rides are awesome.
  In three sentences	u of i is a big campus in the cornfields with classic, old buildings that make you really feel like you're in a college campus. greek life is enormous. over a quarter of the student population is asian.

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• Simon from Chicago, IL

  02/29/2012

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  80 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Campus Safety	overall, campus safety is pretty intact. although there might be crimes every now and then, the officials are trying their best to improve safety whenever they can. it can be seen that student's safety is top priority.
  Greek Life	there are two types of fraternities in the school. one is the professional fraternities that follows it's purpose. the other is the type that likes to party.
  Clubs and Activities	there are many clubs and activities in the university. it can range from dancing, playing pool, solving puzzles, or gaming to almost anything people are interested in. there are even clubs for international students as well.
  Great for these types of students	the school is great for engineers, athletes, business majors, and any students that can have pride in their school. most importantly, it fits the people who would like to work hard in school. it's also great for people who like to have a fun time during the weekends.
  Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus	some unusual locations are the quad and the north quad. the main quad is unusual, even though it's always populated, because people tend to have a desire to take a picture there. the north quad is unusual because it's an entire area that people don't usually go to.
  Bang for the buck	even for in-state students, the tuition for the school is quite expensive. many students worry about financial problems occasionally. it's not easy to pay of loans.
  What to do for fun	there's always something to do in the university. students can go to illini union too shoot the pool or simply to bowl. there are great site seeing places to visit.
  Food and Dining	similar to the dorm life, the dining hall is also another part of the school where you can easily mingle with people and meet new people. there is a variety of food in each dining hall, and there are even events when the dining hall serves special food to students. the food are actually not that bad either.
  Dorm Life	dorm life is actually a very social part of the school. since the first day living in a dorm, there will always be new people to meet and stronger bonds to create between friends. dorm life is exciting when you have nothing to do on the weekend.
  Academic Rigor	as one of the top schools in engineering, the academic rigor matches it reputation. although people struggle to keep their grades up, these students are always looking for tutoring or study sessions. it's really a matter of working hard and understanding the new concepts in each subject.
  Tips for prospective students	prospective students should search for careers they like to do before choosing a major. the school gives the students many opportunities to find what they are interested. prospective students should also try make many good friends because these are the people they will be working with for awhile.
  In three sentences	the university of illinois is a prestigious school in academics and it also has a high rate of diversity. people can fit in easily without trouble. it's a school where students work hard as they chase after their career goals.

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• Megan from Glen Ellyn, IL

  02/29/2012

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  81 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  What to do for fun	i am on 2 different dance teams, in a sorority and i am in a medical fraternity. get as involved as possible, it'll make the campus seem much smaller and more manageable.
  Food and Dining	the ike is the best thing ever. its not home cooked food but they have a lot of variety and you can find something you like. and having i-57 right next to the dining hall is amazing. i-57 is like a mini grocery store and great for studying snacks or microwaveable meals.
  Dorm Life	the first week of classes the ras do a great job of getting the floor together and having meetings that help get you accustomed to college life. since then my entire floor has been really close.
  Academic Rigor	you make it as difficult as you want. there are some tricky classes and some easy ones, but it all depends on your major and how hard you work at academics.
  Tips for prospective students	try and actually stay with a friend a take a class or too. going on the tour is helpful to get to know the campus, but in order to get a feel of what a lecture hall is like and how classes are run i recommend that you actually attend a class.
  In three sentences	the university of illinois does a great job at welcoming students, being a freshman i found the ras and professors extremely helpful for the transition to college. also, the university has great advisors that genuinely care about your success and your path to your future career. lastly, the professors here are very approachable and helpful during office hours and meetings upon request.

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• Francisca from Urbana, IL

  03/08/2012

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  82 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Food and Dining	didn't like the food in the dining halls but elsewhere its great with much diversity.
  Dorm Life	didn't like living in the dorms, roommates were very dirty and you have to tolerate alot from unreasonable people.
  Academic Rigor	try your hardest and study.
  Tips for prospective students	don't get misguided by drinking or wasting your time being a fool.
  In three sentences	you will learn alot... about yourself, others and the world if you have an open mind. it will not be easy.

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• Linda from Urbana, IL

  03/12/2012

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  83 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Campus Safety	you don't have to fear for you life every time you step outside but bad people are everywhere so you just have to be careful everywhere you go.
  Greek Life	we have the biggest greek life of all higher education locations. enough said.
  Great for these types of students	the student body here is so big that anyone can find their place to fit.
  Bang for the buck	it is very convenient to get more than one degree while studying here (it will take more time and work) but if you can spend 4 years getting two degrees that will stay with you for life, you might as well go for it.
  Food and Dining	we are in the middle of corn fields, but there are a lot of businesses that cater to the student body here.
  Academic Rigor	depending on your program and degree, you will have different work. but as a senior, i have never heard of an easy major.
  Tips for prospective students	visit the campus and sit on the quad on a nice day. you will want to come here.
  In three sentences	diverse student body. many activities available over campus. anything is possible.

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• L.G.

  03/12/2012

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  84 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Campus Safety	overall it is pretty safe on campus, but it could use a little more structure.
  Greek Life	there are so many fraternity and sororities on campus, so if it's something you want to do there is definitely one available for you.
  Clubs and Activities	any club you can think of is available here, if it's not you can get a group of people and start it. all you need is a faculty member to sponsor it and register it.
  Great for these types of students	students who value academics, but also enjoy hanging out and just having a good time.
  Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus	if you are here you have to go to flat top grill (possibly the best restaurant on campus), also merry anne's diner is really good. definitely have to take a picture with the alma mater. if you are in a crowded area shout out i-l-l and students will respond i-n-i.. spelling illini.
  Bang for the buck	i feel its definitely worth what i am paying
  What to do for fun	play catch or just hang out on the main quad, go to one of the two gyms on campus (they offer weight lifting, basketball, soccer, swimming, rock climbing, badminton, ping pong, volleyball, dance studios, etc.) intramural sports
  Food and Dining	depending where you go the food can be very good.
  Dorm Life	you meet a lot of people, very easy to make friends.
  Academic Rigor	courses are challenging but very manageable. also professors are always willing to help you out if you have any questions. a lot of tutoring available if you need it.
  Tips for prospective students	schedule a visit, talk to students on campus and ask for their opinion about the school or things to do on campus, do your research on the school and the department you would consider getting into, you may find very interesting statistics, (e.g. u of i is ranked 45th overall in the nation)
  In three sentences	academically the u of i is top notch, i am in the kinesiology program here which is ranked 2nd overall nationally. there are over 1000 registered student organizations so there is definitely always something to get involved in. the university overall in my opinion is a great place to pursue further education.

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• Joyce from Champaign, IL

  03/13/2012

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  85 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  What to do for fun	bowling, ice skating, frisbee on the quad.
  Tips for prospective students	work hard in all your classes, even those easy a courses. get into the practice of visiting your professors and ta's for assistance. find ways to get involved through joining extracurricular activities and taking on leadership roles.
  In three sentences	uofi encompasses a wide range of groups of race, ethnicity, religion, majors, minors, greek life, etc. there is always something for students to do and get involved in on campus. it is a welcoming and accepting community for all students.

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• Chad from Urbana, IL

  03/18/2012

  Reviewer is A past student here.

  86 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Campus Safety	This is generally a safe campus and I've never felt threatened, but as with all large campuses, it's not perfect.
  Greek Life	Massive. The largest Greek community at any public university in the US.
  Clubs and Activities	1000 registered clubs and probably more. There's something for everyone.
  Great for these types of students	Studious, bright, focused on a future in engineering, business, medicine or science and technology. Also good for students interested in study abroad and learning foreign languages.
  Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus	Wear orange on Friday. Unofficial St. Patrick's Day is a giant party in March. Some students who still support Chief Illiniwek as a symbol of the university wear Chief shirts and participate in The Chief's Last Dance during homecoming week.
  Bang for the buck	Tuition is getting a little pricier, but UIUC ranks highly in national lists and among recruiters looking to hire students out of college.
  What to do for fun	Concerts around campus, student plays, student organizations, hang out on the Quad, find a book and hide in the massive library.
  Food and Dining	All kinds of food and dining options. Lots of good stuff all around campus.
  Academic Rigor	This is a school for people who are serious about their academic achievement. Not too many slackers will make it here.
  Tips for prospective students	Don't be shy. Come in and rock this place. Participate in school activities and get out around campus to see what's going on at this big place -- there's something for everybody.
  In three sentences	A large university with exciting programs, lots of opportunities, and mediocre sports teams. The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is one of the nation's most prestigious and well-known public universities. The internet was practically invented here.

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• Clare from River Forest, IL

  03/20/2012

  Reviewer is A past student here.

  87 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Campus Safety	This is something the University has been improving as the years go by.
  Greek Life	Largest greek life in the country. Accepts all!
  Clubs and Activities	Alpha Phi Omega Service fraternity is the largest in the country, yet I felt very close to every member.
  Great for these types of students	Any student would love it here!
  Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus	There are lots of unusual traditions. Pick up a student planner (for free at IUB) and learn all about the campus.
  Bang for the buck	Worth the money!
  What to do for fun	Go to the Union and bowl. Hang out in the quad. Join Alpha Phi Omega Service Fraternity. Corn maze.
  Food and Dining	As good as dorm food could get. But the surrounding restaurants are top notch!
  Dorm Life	The University is re-doing all of it's dorms. They are fantastic regardless.
  Academic Rigor	There is no space to slack off. This University expects a lot from it's students
  Tips for prospective students	Read, read, read! And do your homework!
  In three sentences	Great college town! Academic standards and integrity are set high. Diverse and lots of electives to pick from.

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• Emmanuel from Lombard, IL

  03/29/2012

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  88 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Campus Safety	Safewalks and saferides are always provided after hours to ensure students can travel safely.
  Greek Life	The biggest greek life in the nation! That's right, #1! With over 100 different fraternities and sororities on campus you are bound to find something that suits you.
  Clubs and Activities	100's of clubs. From sword fighting to movie watching, you are bound to find something that suits you.
  Great for these types of students	Anybody looking for a good education and to have fun at the same time.
  Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus	The 1st friday in March marks unofficial St. Patrick's Day here at U of I. Everyone walks the streets wearing green and drinks til they can't stand no more.
  Bang for the buck	Fairly expensive to attend the school but financial aid, scholarships, and loans should help with that.
  What to do for fun	Night life is great! 4 bars located on campus and if your not into drinking the university has many events at the rec room every friday. Also the gym on campus is beautiful. With several basketball, racquetball, and a combat room, there is never a dull moment.
  Food and Dining	Lots of variety but you can only have dorm food so many times before you get sick of it. Food is too expensive, you end up paying a lot for your meal plan.
  Dorm Life	Rooms are small but some places are located conveniently close to campus. Dining halls are located in the building. If you get a random roommate that could be bad since the school has a lot of international students attend the university and your lifestyles could clash.
  Academic Rigor	Is constantly ranked one of the top ten schools in Engineering for a reason. Many classes are weed out classes. Graduating from here give you an advantage over most other colleges in the state.
  Tips for prospective students	Don't worry if you go in undecided. With so many courses the university as to offer, you are bound to find something you love doing throughout the years.
  In three sentences	The biggest, best college campus in Illinois, where the schooling is rigorous, the classes are fun, and a night life that makes you wish you were in college forever! Sure we party a lot but we keep it classy. After all, we are paying this big tuition for an education, and a good one at that.

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• Lauren from New Lenox, IL

  04/05/2012

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  89 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Campus Safety	There are people you can call to walk you home at night. This school puts an emphasis on safety. You'll see, as you'll have to attend a one-day class about safety on campus and everything you can do to be at ease.
  Greek Life	The people in frats and sororities are nice and fun. Sure, there will be a week or so where you'll think there are clones all over the school (seeing as they all wear the same thing when they are rushing), but it usually won't affect your day. If you are planning on rushing, you will find friends for life and definitely have a fun time.
  Clubs and Activities	They have anything you could ever want. Seriously. And if a club you want actually isn't here, you can make it yourself.
  Great for these types of students	Students who want to have fun and learn in a comfortable atmosphere will fit right in. Are you shy and hoping to blossom in college? This college is perfect for you. People genuinely want to know you and make sure you have a great college experience.
  Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus	If someone yells I-L-L, you have to yell back I-N-I. This is a school where everyone really IS proud to be here. Friday nights are especially fun. The Union hosts big parties for the whole night.
  What to do for fun	The Illini Union always has something going on. You can join any of the clubs or just walk around campus. You'll always find something. There are concerts, games and more. The campus has rock-climbing walls, pools, tennis courts and sand volleyball courts, ice-skating rinks and, sometimes, you may find random games on the quad. Practically every student was given a Frisbee on their first day, so play some catch in the sun. At night, you can listen to good music, bowl, watch movies or anything else that the Union offers.
  Food and Dining	The dining halls almost always have something for everyone. If your particular dining hall doesn't have what you want on a certain day, you can go to any of the other dining halls. There are also great, cheap eating places around the campus.
  Dorm Life	While some floors may be loud, the residence halls are clean and enjoyable. The RA's are here to help should you ever have a problem or just need someone to talk to. The rooms are spacious enough, especially the three person rooms. The halls are very good at placing you with someone you'll like. All of my floor mates are interesting, fun and smart.
  Academic Rigor	This school is all about getting a good education. While some classes are taught by graduate students, they are usually helpful and knowledgeable. Professors and TA's set aside hours to help you and encourage you to see them if you ever have a problem.
  Tips for prospective students	The buses are your friends! Learn the schedules. You'll never be late to class. Don't be afraid to ask people for help and definitely don't be afraid to talk to new people. The people at this campus are some of the kindest I've ever met. If you make eye contact, they will smile and say hello. Sometimes they may be so nice, you'll think you already know them! You will have more than one adviser, so go to them all! Something is always happening on campus, from barbeques to flash dances, so go out to the quad if you're bored.
  In three sentences	While this university is incredibly large, it manages to feel like home. The academics and social events are handled in such a way that everybody can feel welcome. This campus is perfect for those who are transitioning into a whole new life.

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• Amanda from Chicago, IL

  04/08/2012

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  90 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Campus Safety	Its so very safe on campus
  Greek Life	The Greek Life is overwhelmingly popular on campus
  Great for these types of students	Hard workers, and hard party-goers
  What to do for fun	Parties! Also, clubs and sports and academic groups
  Food and Dining	The food is always edible, and more often than not, it tastes pretty good. Better than I can say for other colleges
  Dorm Life	The RAs and other people in charge are very organized and supportive. They also care a lot about their residents. I always feel safe in the dorms and its always a very social setting.
  Academic Rigor	The classes are rough. You should expect your grade to reflect the amount of studying and reviewing you actually put into it.
  Tips for prospective students	Appreciate high school, but look forward to what U of I has to offer. Its truly a great school.
  In three sentences	U of I is a beautiful and large school, which can be a little intimidating. But with a large campus, come many resources, hundreds of potential friends, and many great opportunities. I believe U of I has the whole package, giving you a fun school while providing a quality education.

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• Dana from CHAMPAIGN, IL

  04/15/2012

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  91 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  What to do for fun	Plenty of activities, concerts, performances, restaraunts, pubs, movie theaters, etc.
  Tips for prospective students	If you live in Illinois, consider UIUC as a school. High level of education for in-state prices!
  In three sentences	Great campus atmosphere. High level of Education. Many opportunities for all interests.

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• Sarah from Illinois

  04/17/2012

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  92 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Campus Safety	The campus has been getting safer but there still is room for improvement.
  Greek Life	Is huge at U of I. Fraternities and Sororities are definitely popular and have serious influence on some bars on campus and with other vendors.
  Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus	UnOfficial is an awesome tradition. Similar to green beer day at other schools, UnOfficial is the first Friday of March and is an Unofficial celebration of St. Patrick's day 2 weeks early. It consists of everyone getting dressed up in their finest green and parading through the streets all day.
  What to do for fun	There is always a great times to be found in the bars on Green Street. It ranges from the crazy dance floors of Red Lion and Joes to the chill atmosphere of Murphy's and Brother's. Everyone can have a good time on Green.
  Food and Dining	On Green Street (the main street on Campus) there are many options for food like tacos, pizza, noodles, sushi, chinese etc. In downtown Champaign you can find nicer dining options but for a little more $$.
  Dorm Life	Dorms could be a really good experience or a really poor one, depending on where you end up living.
  Academic Rigor	Classes are very difficult, or very easy, depending on your commitment as well as your major.
  Tips for prospective students	If you like big city life, Champaign may not be for you. The pace here is much slower but thats not to say that you can't find a fabulous time on campus.
  In three sentences	It has a great atmosphere in the classroom as well as at night. It's not unheard of to stay in on weekends to study and people won't give you a hard time about it. Its the perfect balance.

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• Christy from Glenview, IL

  04/25/2012

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  93 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Campus Safety	We have campus police, Champaign and Urbana police, and emergency blue light phones all around campus. However, there have still been many crime alert emails in my time here informing us of many late-night attacks. That being said, I have never felt endangered on campus or feared for my safety. Most of the crime alerts have occurred when an individual is alone late at night, so I do not put myself in this type of situation. There are services called SafeRides and SafeWalks where either a bus or two students will come pick you up from your location and drive/walk you home.
  Greek Life	U of I has the largest Greek system of any college by number of students; but, the size of our student population is something to consider as well. It's not the largest by percentage, but rather by number of members of Greek Life. For those who choose to join, Greek life can be a great way to make a big school feel smaller. It's a good way to meet lots of people freshman year. For those who don't join-- you're not a minority. There are a ton of people who aren't in frats or sororities and there are plenty of other ways to get to know people, if it's not your thing.
  Clubs and Activities	There are over 600 RSOs (clubs) on campus. There's a club for nearly everything and it's very easy to find out about and join these groups on Quad Day.
  Great for these types of students	U of I is great for engineers, business majors, and students who aren't sure of what they want to study before coming to college. There are a ton of majors for every type of student here.
  Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus	Unofficial is definitely a strong campus tradition. It's short for Unofficial St Patrick's Day, since the official holiday often falls over spring break. It's a day where students skip class, drink green beer since dawn, and don't stop for hours on end. The University hates it, but it's a great time and a good excuse to kick back, skip class, and enjoy life! There are several restaurants in the area that you can't graduate U of I without having frequented on several occasions. One of these is Jarling's Custard Cup (located off campus-- find a buddy with a car!) which sells phenomenal custard. If you visit campus, pay a visit to Jarling's. Another favorite is Mia Za's, and Italian restaurant located on Green St (the street with all of the restaurants, shops, and bars on campus). Za's offers quick, tasty food at a reasonable price. Parents love it too!
  Bang for the buck	In-state tuition is phenomenal for the quality of education. I don't think you can beat this value. Out of state is a bit pricy, but still a great education.
  What to do for fun	A big part of the student population here parties on the weekends. There are specific party dorms and others that tend to stray farther away from drinking. Since it's such a big school, there is a large population on either end of the spectrum. There are hundreds and hundreds of Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) on campus that often have night and weekend events, too. There are a number of club sports on campus that allow you to keep fit while meeting some really great people.
  Food and Dining	The dining halls and the selection available is impressive. Certain dining halls have a large selection of Kosher food Monday through Friday and there are lots of specialty restaurants-- for instance, one dining hall has one day a week where they serve all pasta related dishes (it's called Oodles of Noodles) and another has a night dedicated to vegan and vegetarian food (Leafy). Each dining hall also has a fridge that has gluten-free and dairy-free food for those with allergies.
  Dorm Life	The dorms are fantastic! They're the typical tiny college dorm rooms, but each dorm has a different atmosphere and a different vibe to it. There's a great fit for everyone-- just be sure to talk to students to figure out what the best dorm would be for you.
  Academic Rigor	Classes are challenging; professors are great. It's a rigorous academic environment here, but luckily the competition (in most majors) isn't too terrible.
  Tips for prospective students	Visit campus to see if right to you. If it does, check out the dorms. You're required to live-in freshman year and each dorm on campus has a different personality-- make sure that you're going to be living in an environment that will suit you.
  In three sentences	U of I is a great school where you can have a healthy balance of academic rigor and having time to for other activities outside of class. You will be challenged in the courses for your degree, but professors are always around to help and want you to succeed. While many professors conduct research, they take their roles as educators very seriously.

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• Destyne from Urbana, IL

  05/06/2012

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  94 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Campus Safety	Not only is there Campus police right in the center of campus, but Champaign and Urbana police departments are 5 minutes away. University police also provides Safe Walks, a student escort system. The bus system provides Safe Rides, as well, which will transport students safely to areas where the buses do not run after dark.
  Greek Life	If Greek life is for you, you are in luck! This school has a huge Greek population.
  Clubs and Activities	There are over 1000 registered clubs and activities at this school!!!
  Bang for the buck	The education is great!!! It is on the expensive though. I'm not sure how easy it is to transfer into this school, but if possible, do your gen eds at community college and then transfer in.
  What to do for fun	There are over a thousand clubs on campus! Outside of that, there is a recreation area in the student union, an ice arena for skating, 2 museums, 2 large gyms/recreation centers, and much more!
  Food and Dining	The food is decent, although sometimes they serve the same things too many times. The good thing is that you can eat at any of the other dorms and there are also specialty places in each dorm where you can buy other things.
  Dorm Life	Most of the dorms are a pretty good size. There are community bathrooms , but the custodial staff cleans daily. I'm not sure how they do roommate matching, but I've had 3 great roomies!
  Academic Rigor	Academic rigor of this school varies from program to program, some more rigorous than others.
  Tips for prospective students	If I can give any advice, it is this: 1. Apply undecided. You will change your mind. 2. Have an open mind. You will gain so much insight and meet so many amazing people. 3. No matter what policies are in place, ask if there are exceptions.
  In three sentences	I have had some of the most amazing experiences at this school. Had I not come here, I would not have found my two passions to which I plan to devote the rest of my life, Latin dance and teaching. This school is so diverse and has so much to offer that finding yourself and what you are truly passionate about is inevitable.

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• Christina from Buffalo Grove, IL

  05/08/2012

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  95 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Campus Safety	although there are some crimes here and there, whenever there is even a suspicion of crime about to take place, you'll get alerted through text and email to take caution and will notify you immediately of any information.
  Greek Life	many many students join greek life
  Clubs and Activities	there are tons and tons of clubs on campus. go to quad day in the beginning weeks of school and sign up for any clubs you are interested in! plus, you get a lot of free stuff on quad day
  Great for these types of students	students who want to make friends, students who are serious about learning. being a big school, there is something for everyone!
  Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus	have sex on the alma mater.
  Bang for the buck	Considering it is not a private school, the school is not too expensive. And even though it is in the cornfields, there are still a lot to do here.
  What to do for fun	Go play at the pool in the ARC. Go study out on the quad. Go play pool or bowling at the union. And of course, go out to parties and bars.
  Food and Dining	Food is pretty good. IKE has the most variety and so probably has the best food. Foods tend to be high in carbs and fat so it is up to you to get in the veggies in your diet. Menu tends to be repetitive.
  Dorm Life	You will make lots of friends if you want it for yourself. Especially in Six Pack dorms, everyone will be friendly and excited to meet everyone. Other dorms such as LAR, FAR, and PAR will still be very social, unlike what is stereotyped of them.
  Academic Rigor	It really depends on what courses you are taking and which professor is teaching it. Many science-related courses such as engineering, computer science. and biology will be difficult. Gen-ed's will be easy to handle.
  Tips for prospective students	Yes, it's college. And yes, it's U of I. Have fun, but still work hard freshman year. Do well in freshman year. Really put yourself out there during the beginning weeks of school to socialize and make as many friends as possible. Work hard, play hard!
  In three sentences	I love U of I. I love the diversity, education, fun, and the endless stream of opportunities available. I wouldn't have chosen anywhere else.

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• Atalie from Melrose Park, IL

  05/10/2012

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  96 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Campus Safety	U of I offers 24 hour safe walks and rides. There are also emergency phones located on almost every corner. Over all, i'd say our campus is generally a safe one.
  Greek Life	The greek life here is very huge and lively. I am friends with people from all different houses and can consider them very good friends. I know I will keep in touch with them.
  Clubs and Activities	On quad day, the entire quad is filled with tables of all of the several greek houses, clubs, and organizations that our campus offers.
  Great for these types of students	Great for students who are willing to work for their future and actually want to accomplish anything. Our university is very diverse and there is always somebody wiling to give you a hand on anything.
  Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus	The alma mater is a statue worth visiting. Also, make sure you try the food at all of the dining halls freshman year. They're all different and good in their own ways.
  What to do for fun	Join a sorority or a club!
  Food and Dining	The food at PAR and FAR is definitely better than that of the food at Ikenberry. However, I must say that, the dining halls are very updated and are always clean.
  Dorm Life	Through living in the dorms, I met several people who I will be friends with for the rest of my life. Living in the dorms also allowed me to find independence and to manage my time.
  Academic Rigor	This depends on the teachers and the help that is available. Free tutoring is offered for almost any class.
  Tips for prospective students	Be ready for a tough transition to a big 10 University.
  In three sentences	This university is a very competitive institution and allows for students to understand real world competition. U of I's curriculum is that of a challenging one. The Greek system on campus, is one of the largest and well known around the country.

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• Kate from Glen Ellyn, IL

  05/11/2012

  Reviewer is A past student here.

  97 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Campus Safety	At a huge school, there will be creeps. Don't walk home alone. Campus and Champaign/Urbana police do the best they can, but you have to have some common sense.
  Greek Life	This is one of the biggest Greek schools in the country. You will be surrounded by it whether you choose to participate or not.
  What to do for fun	Bars are literally across the street from classrooms.. this is a BIG party school. Champaign attracts more of the greek-life, Urbana more of the coffee-shop/hipster crowd. Otherwise, there's a ton of intramural sports all year round and a great gym so it's easy to stay active.
  Food and Dining	Food isn't horrible, there's at least a salad bar and some standard options (cereal, soup, sandwiches) all the time. There's good days and bad days.
  Dorm Life	You're not getting anything fancy, but the rooms aren't as prison-like as some of the other schools I visited. The six-pack dorms are more of a party atmosphere, if you're looking for something quieter, don't choose those dorms.
  Academic Rigor	There's the occasional blow-off class, but for the most part, you have to put some substantial time in to your classes. Once you figure out how you study best (in a group vs. alone, little bit at a time between classes vs blocks of time in morning/night, at home vs library vs coffee shop), you'll find things are way easier.
  Tips for prospective students	Get involved in as much as you can. You will get a way better idea of the types of things that you really want to pursue after school if you test the waters while you're there. There are a million opportunities to get involved, you'll meet a ton of people and really get the most out of your time in school.
  In three sentences	Great school- incredible academic opportunities and social life. Be prepared for the big school environment though.. I absolutely loved that, other people I know felt lost in the crowd at such a big school. Look at schools of different sizes so you know what you prefer.

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• Cortlon from Urbana, IL

  05/15/2012

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  98 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Clubs and Activities	Student orgs, intramural sports
  What to do for fun	Play sport and go to clubs is my best suggestions for fun.
  Food and Dining	The Dinning hall food is great, however, the food choices around campus aren't the best.
  Dorm Life	The dorm life is amazing so take advantage of it.
  Academic Rigor	The academic work here is very rigorous but the diploma is worth it.
  Tips for prospective students	The transition from high school to college is challenging for everyone, so don't get discouraged if the work is overwhelming. Keep the effort high and use local tutors and eventually you will become accustomed to the work load.
  In three sentences	This University is one of top prestigious schools in the Midwest. The education you receive is worth the cost and will ultimately pay off in the future. I have enjoyed every year here and I recommend this school to all.

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• Asha from Champaign, IL

  05/16/2012

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  99 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Great for these types of students	If you like to be challenges academically but also have a good time, this is the perfect university for you.
  What to do for fun	The bars are the number one fun here. But there are also arcades, movie theaters, and a mall to visit as well. The communities surrounding the university are very friendly.
  Food and Dining	Pretty good. At the end of the day it's dorm food so you might get tired of it but it definitely does the body good after a long day of classes. There are a LOT of food places on Green st. though, which is a quick bus ride away.
  Dorm Life	There is always something going on in the dorms, especially FAR/PAR. Great communities to meet new friends and people with the same interests as yourself.
  Academic Rigor	The classes can be challenging but you didn't get to UIUC by being lazy. If you are having trouble in a class, professors and T.A. are usually happy to help you understand the material better.
  Tips for prospective students	Use the academic help resources being offered to you!! That is the best tip I could ever give anyone.
  In three sentences	UIUC is a university buzzing with activities and life. It's a school where the professors are all excited to help you learn as well. I wouldn't trade schools for anything in the world

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• Grace from Round Lake, IL

  05/16/2012

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  100 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Campus Safety	Although there are some robberies on campus, campus security does an excellent job of notifying all of the students about any possible danger.
  Greek Life	Greek life is huge at the school. There are many sororities and fraternities.
  Clubs and Activities	There is a club and activity for just about everything. Quad Day is an event during he first week of school where all of the different clubs and organizations have posters and pamphlets available for students.
  Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus	Unofficial is the event known for a great consumption of alcohol that takes place the week before spring break.
  Bang for the buck	Overall, the campus offers many different options for the students. The academics, dining, clubs, Greek life all contribute to making a well-rounded school.
  What to do for fun	Join clubs and groups to meet people with similar interests.
  Food and Dining	The dorms have different foods, and all of their menus are available online. Students living in a dorm can eat at any of the other dorms, so checking menus is always helpful. There are also many other restaurants on campus, all which have a bus that will take you there.
  Dorm Life	There are a variety of dorms to choose from on campus. Each dorm has its advantages and disadvantages--it would be a good idea to research and talk to current students or graduates about choosing a dorm. Dorms do make living much easier because food and cleaning services are all available.
  Academic Rigor	Depending on the specific major or college, the academic rigor may vary. Because this university is well-known for engineering, future engineering students should be ready for difficult classes. However, as long as students are willing to put in the time and effort, they should be fine.
  Tips for prospective students	Prospective students should visit the school campus to see how they feel about it. They should also prepare to be more independent and studious while meeting new people.
  In three sentences	The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is a big campus with a variety of majors, dormitories, clubs, and people. While the academics are tough, they are manageable as long as effort is put into studying and homework. With all of the different possibilities options given by the school, there is something for everyone.

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• Manali from Aurora, IL

  05/17/2012

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  101 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Campus Safety	I feel pretty safe walking around at night if I have a group with me. There are safe rides and safe walks so there is no need to be walking home alone!
  Greek Life	We have the biggest greek system in USA. Rush can be a little stressful but it is worth it in the end. It is not for everyone though, and it is okay to not be in a frat/sorority.
  Clubs and Activities	There are more than 1100 RSOs on campus, there is something for everyone!!!
  Great for these types of students	Willing to work hard and play hard
  Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus	Be aware of Unofficial, it gets crazy on Green street. Avoid the bathrooms of the English Building unless you like hanging with ghosts. You can go on the roofs and find secret hallways of about any building on campus.
  Bang for the buck	Every major employer you want to work for is going to be here at the job fairs. They love to recruit U of I majors because they know we will be up to their challenge after taking the hard classes here.
  What to do for fun	Sign up for anything that looks interesting on quad day! There are things always going on at the quad. I love playing frisbee, being part of the American Marketing Association, and going to comedy shows at the Union.
  Food and Dining	I love the dorm dorm and I even miss it when I am home. It is buffet style so be careful to not eat every delicious desert you see. Being a vegetarian, they are very good about labeling the nutrition information along with labels of foods that are vegetarian and vegan.
  Dorm Life	If you keep your doors open and talk to your neighbors, you will have a nice group of friends by the end of the year. The dorms are small but it all depends on how spacious you make it. Avoid living at FAR or PAR because they are fairly FAR away!
  Academic Rigor	Most classes for your majors will be tough once you get to the second year. Therefore, balance the gen-eds with your major classes and remember to explore the first year to figure out your niche. If you work hard, you will get the grades you want!
  Tips for prospective students	Because it is a party school, make sure you are keeping up with your studies from the beginning of school. You are among the smartest kids in the state so you need to be working hard. Try to mingle with your hall mates and talk to the person next to you in the lecture hall because they might become your best friend for the rest of your life.
  In three sentences	It is a perfect environment for both studying and having a great college experience. The versatility of your schedule will help you decide what you want to do with life. The options are vast and there are always things to do on campus.

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• Georgia from Urbana, IL

  05/17/2012

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  102 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Campus Safety	I am only on campus during the day. However, as a student I receive emails regarding campus safety tips or any concerns from the Public Safety Department.
  Greek Life	I am not involved with this.
  Clubs and Activities	Please keep in mind that I am a senior citizen. I volunteer for my church's food pantry once a week. I am also a volunteer for Restoration Urban Ministries--a ministry which serves the homeless. I also volunteer for the Hope Center--a church ministry which serves low income citizens with household items, food, car care, haircuts, and providing information about agencies in the area which can serve them.
  Great for these types of students	What information are you looking for in this box?
  Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus	I am not aware of any.
  Bang for the buck	I have been working on my degree sporadically throughout my adult life. I would now like to finish. I am a writer and would like to procure a job at home. I am interested in U.S. History, especially oral history. I have completed 53 hours; I have 67 more hours to complete.
  What to do for fun	Since I am a senior citizen, I am not familiar with social activities on campus.
  Food and Dining	I am a senior citizen and live in my own home. I do not have meals on campus.
  Dorm Life	I am a senior citizen and live in my own home.
  Academic Rigor	Students will get as much out of their education as they put in. The learning environment is great--especially the library which has the largest collection of books outside of the Library of Congress and very helpful librarians.
  Tips for prospective students	Maintain good communication with your adviser, dean, and instructor. If you are having trouble while in school, contact your adviser or dean immediately so a solution can be found.
  In three sentences	The deans, my adviser, and other departments are very helpful. I am a senior citizen and have been treated with respect. The instructors are great.

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• Caleb

  05/17/2012

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  103 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Campus Safety	I always feel safe. Safe rides at night can give you a ride anywhere on campus for free. Also, safe walks are available if you feel uncomfortable walking alone.
  Greek Life	Greek life is huge and really fun. The is no pressure to join the Greek life, but it is an excellent opportunity to meet a bunch of great people.
  Clubs and Activities	There are hundreds of student run organizations and it is really easy to start your own.
  Great for these types of students	Great for outgoing students. Excellent engineering and business programs (highly-ranked). A great school for every major.
  Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus	The undergraduate library was built underground so that it would not block the neighboring experimental plots from the sun!
  Bang for the buck	It is a little expensive, but definitely worth attending.
  What to do for fun	The recreation center (ARC) has a huge outdoor pool great for the summertime. The ARC also offers a variety of activities including video games and rock climbing. Campus bars are also really fun and cheap (if old enough).
  Food and Dining	New dining hall in the six-pack with a lot of good food and choices.
  Dorm Life	Dorms are not in the best shape, but everyone is really friendly. The dorms were an awesome way to meet a lot of great people and make a lot of good friends. New dorms are currently being built; they look awesome.
  Academic Rigor	Classes are rigorous, but definitely manageable. Good time management goes a long way.
  Tips for prospective students	Come in with an open mind, ready to meet awesome people have a great learning experience. I highly recommend this university.
  In three sentences	Well-known professors and knowledgeable teaching assistants. Excellent resources and opportunities that extend beyond basic college education. A great student body that is well rounded and very involved.

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• Kellie from Palatine, IL

  05/18/2012

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  104 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Greek Life	The University of Illinois has the largest Greek system in the country with 18 sororities and 56 fraternities. There is a place for everyone to fit in and the support from alumnae around the world is incredible. The majority of leadership experience I've had in college has come through my sorority and the connections I have made through it.
  Clubs and Activities	Over 3,000 registered student organizations including groups like the Squirrel Watching Club, Cigar Club, and October Lovers Club.
  Great for these types of students	Personable, intelligent students who are ready for a challenge and willing to work with others.
  Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus	The Alma Mater greets students as they walk into campus. It is a statue with Alma herself wishing the best of luck to students that are leaving and promising to take care of the students there. All students must climb her and take a picture of her before they graduate otherwise it is bad luck.
  Bang for the buck	The University of Illinois puts a lot of emphasis on learning both in and out of the the classroom. Students come out incredibly well rounded and are known to have higher starting salaries than the average starting salary.
  What to do for fun	Go bowling in the Union, sample one of tons of restaurants on Green Street, see a Broadway Musical at Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, ring the bells at Altgeld Tower, or simply throw a frisbee around on the quad.
  Food and Dining	New dining center was just built and features stations from food around the world!
  Dorm Life	New dorms for freshmen are being built and to be finished in Fall 2012. Students are required to live in the dorms for one year.
  Academic Rigor	Classes are challenging and make you gain new perspectives, but you will not be spending all your time in the library.
  Tips for prospective students	Get involved in whatever you are passionate about right away! It will make the big campus seem much smaller.
  In three sentences	The University of Illinois is a world class institution with top faculty and staff, incredible research opportunities, Big Ten sports, and students with a work hard-play hard mentality. With the largest alumni base in the world, the pride for the Fighting Illini can take you to anywhere you want to go making this one of the best universities to attend.

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• Jenn

  05/23/2012

  Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.

  105 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Bang for the buck	It's worth the money, and compared to the cost of many other schools within Illinois, this school is much more affordable.
  What to do for fun	There are many fun restaurants and gatherings throughout the year. There are also many events, including concerts.
  Food and Dining	I have not attended yet.
  Dorm Life	I have not attended yet.
  Academic Rigor	I have not attended yet.
  Tips for prospective students	Applying is incredibly easy! They list everything step by step, with links included to all of the forms you need to fill out. Even if you don't really wish to go here, it is worth applying to because of how easy it is. They don't even require teacher recommendations.
  In three sentences	The campus, its faculty, and its students are all very helpful. There is a real sense of community and general friendliness here. Despite being in the middle of nowhere, it is lively and wonderful.

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• Amanda from Chicago IL

  05/23/2012

  Reviewer is A past student here.

  106 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Campus Safety	Though there were some incidences, I have never felt unsafe walking by myself on campus. There are also things like safe walk or safe rides, where you can have someone either walk you to your destination, or drive you there. The buses also run until 2am, and you can take them anywhere on campus (it just might be longer than if you had walked)
  Greek Life	I personally didn't join a sorority, and I'm so glad I didn't. It definitely wasn't my thing at all. If you think that you need to join a sorority to stay involved in campus, you're so wrong-- there's so many other ways to spend your time. But if you do decide to rush, you're required to live in the house for at least one year, and it's pretty expensive.
  Clubs and Activities	Despite all the clubs and activities, I only joined one. It was a great experience, and a lot of fun, and I wish I would have been more involved. Quad day is a great way to see EVERY club U of I has to offer, and get involved.
  Great for these types of students	The cool thing about U of I is that there are so many different types of people that there really isn't one type of student. There are all kinds, so even if you find yourself growing and changing the type of student you are, there will always be people to study with, or hang out with.
  Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus	There are a lot of strange traditions. At football games, you ALWAYS wear orange. There are a lot of dances and cheers to learn, but they're so much fun. It's well known that Geo's has the best chicken strips, Murphy's has the best irish nachos, and the Beef Stand's cheesy fries are to die for. Coco mero is a must go to during the warm weather for frozen yogurt.
  Bang for the buck	Prices aren't bad, but they're not the greatest. Housing is also a lot more expensive then living in an apartment. Of course, it really depends on how much money you're willing to spend. All-in-all, what you get for what you pay for (education wise) is a little over-priced, but I wouldn't change going to U of I for the world. It was the best decision I've ever made.
  What to do for fun	There's so much to do! Whether you want to chill with your friends on the quad, or go out to the bars at night, there are events for everyone. Assembly Hall holds a lot of concerts. In the past, artists such as Carrie Underwood, Rascal Flatts, T-Pain, and Kelly Clarkson have performed. It's also fun to go to football, basketball, or hockey games. There's a movie theater not too far off of campus, and a mall to go shopping at as well.
  Food and Dining	It's not horrible food, but it's nothing special either. The nice thing about it is that there's multiple options, and you don't have to cook a thing! Plus Late Night is AWESOME (they have pizza, mozzarella sticks, etc) though it definitely contributes to the Freshman 15!
  Dorm Life	Dorm life, especially freshman year, is a blast. It was like living in the show Friends-- there's always someone to hang out with, and all your friends live merely doors away! Don't over stay your welcome though. One year in the dorms is good enough-- I lived there for two years, and I regret doing so that second year.
  Academic Rigor	Some classes are more intense than others. As a student in LAS, most of my classes were challenging, while at the same time manageable. I never felt like I was sacrificing a social life in order to maintain a high GPA, though there were definitely semesters in which most of my time was spent in the library.
  Tips for prospective students	Get involved! Make an effort to make friends, join a fun class (ice-skating, dancing, flower arranging, etc.), and get to know your Professors. The connections you make during your years in college are essential, whether you plan on getting a job after graduating, or continuing your education.
  In three sentences	I would definitely give the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign a 10/10. Even though it is a big school, there are multiple opportunities to get involved via the numerous amount of clubs and sports. The Professors are also amazing and most are well known in their perspective fields; they are also all eager to help their students succeed.

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• Brad from Peoria

  05/25/2012

  Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.

  107 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Food and Dining	haven't eaten here.
  Dorm Life	dorms are cool
  Academic Rigor	I've been told it has relatively hard courses but most people make it through them and learn a lot.
  Tips for prospective students	I am a prospective student. I wish I could give myself tips.
  In three sentences	It is a school i would love to go to. It has a nice campus and the type of programs I am interested in.

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• John from Elmhurst, IL

  05/28/2012

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  108 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Bang for the buck	Incredibly lenient with AP's, and you can take other exams on campus for credit, moreover, it costs nothing to go overhours.
  What to do for fun	Either find a student organization to hang out with or go to the (mostly disgusting) bars and frat houses; there's not much else in this place, surrounded by corn. Occasionally Krannert or one of the theatre troops will put on something interesting, but if you like having a bunch of theatre, music, art, and other entertainment venues available, chose a college in a larger city.
  Food and Dining	There are all sorts of places to eat in Champaign-Urbana, you won't have to worry about food.
  Dorm Life	The dorms are always getting nicer, and the certified private housing can provide nearly any housing experience you want. Be sure to check out the community of the dorms though - some are very social, but in others (like my freshman dorm) no one talks to each other.
  Academic Rigor	The university is huge and you can find all sorts of intersting and challenging classes if you want them. However, the humanities does not get the attention that it deserves, if your conception of college involves a more classical conception of intellectual life, I would encourage looking a better liberal arts school.
  Tips for prospective students	Know thyself! There is so much to do here that it will swallow you up unless you know what you want. Socializing, partying, pre-professional networking, and other activities are in no short supply; if that's how you conceive of college, then this is the place for you. If you have dreams of being more of an intellectual, then you might want to try a bit more of an elite college.
  In three sentences	UIUC is a large, diverse college which can provide a number of different college experiences. People looking to party can find plenty of parties; those looking to study can find a large number of classes; etc. The school is so huge that you can make it be almost anything (although the almost is important).

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• Ephrien from Warrenville, IL

  05/29/2012

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  109 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Campus Safety	The University of Illinois is a very safe campus. There is resources called SafeWalks and SafeRides available to anyone. They are exactly what they sound like. SafeWalks is a group who will escort you to your destination if you so desire to make sure you do not go alone. SafeRides is the same concept, except it is a mini bus that escorts you. The campus police also patrol around making sure there is nothing bad going on, keeping everyone safe and comfortable on campus.
  Greek Life	Greek life is awesome. There are many different fraternities and sororities available to choose from. If you choose to join, all of the organizations are very active. There are tons of events that are hosted and it is a great way to develop a networking base for college life and beyond.
  What to do for fun	There are endless opportunities to have fun and stay active. There are many different clubs to join, gyms to go work out at, indoor and outdoor courts for sports, sports teams to join, and almost anything else imaginable. There are Greek events all the time because the Greek society on campus is huge! It is very easy to find things to do on campus.
  Food and Dining	The food is pretty good. The dorm food is not the best, but for dorm food it is good. The dorm food can get old pretty quick. But at least it is edible. The best part about the dorm food is the themed nights. From la cocina to soul food night, the food is great and is a way to change it up if you find yourself eating fries and pizza everyday.
  Dorm Life	Dorm life is so much fun. The dorms are the perfect way to get acclimated to college life and to introduce yourself to many different people. It is the most convenient and ideal place to start making friends, especially with the people in your own dorm. These are the people you will see the most, so you might as well get to know them. The dorms are in groups, so it is also an option to meet other people in different dorms. The dorms just add to the crazy college life, but it is definitely a positive experience.
  Academic Rigor	The University of Illinois is one of the best in the nation academic-wise, which clearly explains the academic rigor. The key to tackling the task of academic rigor is prioritizing. The earlier you finish your studying, homework, and online quizzes, the easier your life will be. Procrastination is your worst enemy in college, especially at this university.
  Tips for prospective students	Make sure you are prepared for a large campus. There are countless buildings and it is very easy to get lost, but there are maps everywhere to reduce this risk. Academics must be taken seriously and set priorities right away, but there are many ways to also have fun. From joining clubs to going to the rec center, there are a plethora of ways to stay active.
  In three sentences	The University of Illinois is a wonderful campus. It has the true campus-town feel to it. It is a big campus, but it is very easy to become comfortable with.

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• Renee

  05/30/2012

  Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.

  110 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Campus Safety	They have all the standard college safety such as Saferide (a shuttle bus for late night trips), Safewalk (similar to Saferide only with a couple of people coming to walk you home), a text system to inform students of detrimental events, and the emergency buttons on posts every couple of blocks on campus.
  Greek Life	It seems to be a HUGE part of campus life. If you're looking for it, it'll be easy to find, but if you're not it's also easy enough to avoid.
  Clubs and Activities	There are over 1,000 clubs and included in your tuition is access to the pools and workout rooms.
  Bang for the buck	Compared to a lot of Private Universities you're paying a lot less because it is a State school. I highly recommend going here if you're in-state. If you're out of state I recommend exploring other in-state options to keep your financial budget in check.
  What to do for fun	Everything. The university is huge. There's over a thousand clubs, there's always tons of people to meet, and new restaurants to explore. You'd be shocked how many things there are to do.
  Food and Dining	Not to over-exaggerate, but U of I has the best college on-campus dining I've had... And I've visited a variety of colleges! There's a ton of options and some of the best Fro-yo (frozen yogurt) in the country.
  Dorm Life	It's college. You're not going to get an incredibly huge room all to yourself your first year unless you're paying for the largest single you can find. Either way, you're going to love all the options that are available to you.
  Academic Rigor	I believe that the school offers ample opportunities to challenge yourself. Even outside the classroom many students participate in internships provided by the school.
  Tips for prospective students	Go to the campus before deciding. Get a real feel for the school and make as many visits as possible. It may be different than what you expected.

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• Karen from Glen Ellyn, IL

  05/31/2012

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  111 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Greek Life	#1 Greek school in the country. So if you want to go greek, go here! If not, there are still tons of other ways to make friends and get involved. I personally chose not to rush and still have tons of friends and a great social life.
  What to do for fun	U of I is in Champaign, which is a true college town. Step outside your door and everyone you see is between 18 and 25. Within a very small area are tons of restaurants, stores, bars, and other activities.
  Food and Dining	They recently built the Ike dining hall and it has AMAZING food.
  Dorm Life	I lived in private certified housing my freshman year, which was super nice. But even the dorms are in really great condition. They recently remodelled the dining hall and it is so fancy and has awesome food!
  Academic Rigor	Engineering classes - VERY rigorous, other classes and gen-eds - it depends.
  In three sentences	This is a top-notch school if you're considering engineering or business. I love the fact that I get to go to a Big 10 school, have such a huge community, yet am still surrounded with my academic peers in my engineering classes. This is a great school if you're looking to have it all!

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• Sydney from Oak Forest, IL

  05/31/2012

  Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.

  112 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Food and Dining	There are multiple payment plans for food. You get to choose from eating a lot or a little. The best part is that if you fun out of food credits you can always add more if need be.
  Dorm Life	The dorms are awesome. They feel like home if you let them. Most dorms have everything a person needs and wants, even some stuff one wouldn't think of.
  Academic Rigor	The university's academics are vastly superior and are not for everyone. U of I has about a 70% graduation rate so make sure you're prepared.
  Tips for prospective students	Keep up with every step you have to take in order to become a college student. You don't just accept and then move into your dorm. The University of Illinois website has an admitted student checklist. Be sure to check that out.
  In three sentences	The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is the best state school in Illinois in multiple aspects. The academics at this university are fairly superior to other universities in Illinois. Lastly, the campus and opportunities are seemingly endless and extraordinary.

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• Andrew from Medinah, IL

  06/01/2012

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  113 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Campus Safety	There are a lot of police around, but don't worry, they're very respectful and will only go after the crazies :P
  Greek Life	Biggest and Best Greek School in the nation. It is unsurpassed. I suggest you get involved, you will not regret it.
  Clubs and Activities	Unmatched.
  Great for these types of students	Partiers, nerds, and everywhere inbetween.
  Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus	Burrito King and Geo's are the common places to eat after a fun night of partying. And don't forget about second story pizza! Most people have a 'bucket-list' of things they'll do before they graduate. A common thing is to climb the bell tower and play the bells!
  Bang for the buck	I may be biased, but this is the greatest school on the face of the Earth. It is it's own little world. You will have more than enough time for academics and still receive the greatest education. Will cornfield all around, the actual campus is a kingdom in a desert.
  What to do for fun	Fun? The fun will start when you click 'yes', I want to go to the University of Illinois. At the campus there are a million of things to do. With of 1000 RSO (registered student organizations), it is near impossible to not find a group of people will similar interests. Whether you want to play underwater hockey, paintball, write music, form a study group, or simply go bowling, you will easily get involved. This is easy to get accompanied with at quad day. Joining Greek Like is also something I highly suggest. This is the biggest greek college in the nation, it is almost sacrilegious to not become involved. Greek life will involve you in many inter-murals, philanthropy events, service projects, and intense parties. There are tons of fields for soccer, beach volleyball, football, basketball, tennis, badminton, racquetball, boxing, and dancing setup across campus.
  Food and Dining	The food looks nice and tastes great, but you know it's fake when you compare it to good old home cooked foods.
  Dorm Life	The dorm life is good for your first, and as such it is required. After your first year, I suggest you move on to the greek houses or get an apartment with friends. This will help you wholly mature.
  Academic Rigor	The level of academics at the University of Illinois is unparalleled. It is beautiful to see so many people all trying hard. In high school you may notice the people who don't care, or do not get involved in group projects. This University is full of students who care, so you will be involved in a good environment.
  Tips for prospective students	The next four years or more of your life are going to be the best of your life. As such, approach them as such. At the University of Illinois you will be surrounded by constant opportunities to get involved with intermurals, business organizations, small group discussions, the party scene, and much more. Involvement and the balancing of time for actual academics is where you were learn the true value of responsibility. Once you have achieved that balance, you will then see why the next four years of your life at this campus will be the greatest in your life. Live as if you only life once, this campus will provide you with what you need to survive, thrive, and have a blast doing so.
  In three sentences	The University of Illinois at Champaign/Urbana is the dream school that anyone could ever hope to attend. The various Greek life opportunities, vast array of classes, beautiful sights, and the overall atmosphere of the campus goes unchallenged by any other school. The experience gained socially, mentally, and physically cannot be matched by any other school; choose the University of Illinois at Champaign.

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• Melissa from Aurora, IL

  06/03/2012

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  114 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Bang for the buck	Tuition is a bit high, especially for the sciences, but it is cheap compared to other schools, especially for engineering! Very worth it.
  What to do for fun	Green Street is where all the fun activities are! It will never be boring there.
  Food and Dining	I love their many dining halls you can choose from and their late night dining options as well!
  Dorm Life	Very social environment and you meet many new people freshmen year, it's great!
  Academic Rigor	Great school but very difficult.
  Tips for prospective students	Do not plan on having an easy college major here, everything you major in will be tricky. But with the right effort and time management skills, anything is possible!
  In three sentences	I absolutely love the university! It is so diverse with many different nationalities including many international students. It is also a challenge and prepares everyone well.

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• Kyle from Calumet City, IL

  06/05/2012

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  115 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  What to do for fun	Go to the fitness centers, take walks around campus, attend parties on campus or go bowl at the union.
  Food and Dining	The food is delicious and the campus has several locations where students can eat, and on some meal plans extra credits are included so items can be bought at a cafe or market like store.
  Dorm Life	Dorm life is alright. Not all of the dorms have A/C and I know many don't like that but the one I stayed in did indeed have air conditioning. The rooms are a reasonable size and many people were very social. Bathrooms and halls were always clean and the staff was always friendly.
  Academic Rigor	Every class I have had thus far is intuitive and gives you a great insight because most professors, even the teaching assistants have experienced what they teach first hand. They offer great challenge at times, but it all works out if you study the material.
  Tips for prospective students	Don't come here expecting to party all of the time. It is a challenging school that will open many doors if you do what you're supposed to do. Not saying you wont have fun, but make sure your main focus is on school.
  In three sentences	Whatever the highest rating is, this school gets it. It has challenging curriculum, a vast and captivating campus, and a great greek system for those interested.

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• Justin from Vernon Hills, IL

  06/05/2012

  Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.

  116 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Campus Safety	Campus police are always alert.
  Greek Life	Unsure.
  Clubs and Activities	Here is a squirrel watching club.
  Great for these types of students	Want to have fun, but serious about learning.
  Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus	None
  Bang for the buck	For in school tuition, definitely worth it.
  What to do for fun	Hang out with friends.
  Food and Dining	Sometimes good, sometimes bad.
  Dorm Life	Decent.
  Academic Rigor	Recognizably harder than most colleges.
  Tips for prospective students	Be sure to apply before the priority deadline!
  In three sentences	The small town setting is very welcoming. The teachers and students are always willing to help you to get to where you need to go. The campus is very widespread.

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• Rivka from Buffalo Grove, IL

  06/07/2012

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  117 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus	Visit the alma mater for some great pictures and memories with your friends.
  What to do for fun	As any college campus, you will find a variety of different activities, regardless of your involvement in clubs. If you are an athletic individual, there are multiple gyms on campus as well as tennis courts, indoor and out door pools, and dance studios. For more social events, the campus is equipped with bowling allies, restaurants of different ethnic groups, and a large shopping center within a few miles.
  Food and Dining	Every dorm on campus offers specialties unique to the dorm dining hall. They are conveniently located around campus, providing you with a place to eat within walking distance from any location on campus. Food tends to never pose a problem because the meals are all-you-can-eat and the meals tend to be delicious.
  Dorm Life	Depending upon your choice, you may decide to live in an extremely social dorm where you will experience the real college life, or at least that is what they call it. You may decide that you prefer accommodations where the students residing keep noise levels down. Such dorms also exist, allowing you to study in your room while making life-lasting friends with students living next door.
  Academic Rigor	As one of the top state universities, UIUC offers classes which increase in difficulty as a student progresses in his/her major. General education classes encourage students to explore new ideas and think outside the box, tending to defy the typical stigma easy A classes. Not to say that such general classes are beyond a student's scope of understanding, but each class challenges its students in different ways.
  Tips for prospective students	The major advice I would give a perspective student: SEARCH for what you like/want to achieve. College usually proves overwhelming, especially a large university as UIUC. The amount of possibilities is beyond anything you can imagine, but the key part to remember is that you must take responsibility and personal initiative to search for those possibilities. I guarantee that you will find a vast selection of options; remember, do not be scared off by the shear amount of possibilities. Think positively and remain confident about your abilities. Most importantly, remember to take initiative at anything you choose to dedicate time into; opportunities do not search for you. They are available, waiting for you, but you must discover them on your own.
  In three sentences	UIUC provides an extraordinary environment for both social development and knowledge expansion opportunities. As a young adult, I am proud to attend the UIUC because of its endless educational opportunities as well as its vast variety of extracurricular and professional involvement and religious options. Academically, the professors commit their time to sharing their knowledge and experience with each student, during lecture or by appointment, providing guidance both academically and in other realms.

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• Karoline from Orland Park, IL

  06/12/2012

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  118 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Campus Safety	The campus is always filled with people, and it is very safe. If it is late at night, you call Saferides for a ride, and a small bus will pick you up from wherever you are and bring you to wherever you wish to go. The regular buses run until 3AM, so that is always an option too.
  Greek Life	Greek Life is huge at the University of Illinois. Even if you are not sure if you want to go Greek, you should still rush or go through recruitment because it is an excellent experience.
  Clubs and Activities	Be sure to go to Quad Day to check out all the various clubs and activities.
  Great for these types of students	The University of Illinois is good for students who would enjoy being on a large campus. There are opportunities for everyone!
  Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus	Be sure to see the alum mater! Also, the undergraduate library is underground, which is interesting. Never enter the Morrow Plots, or else students are expelled instantly.
  Bang for the buck	The education and opportunities that students receive, make the cost of the University of Illinois definitely worth it!
  What to do for fun	There is a mall not too far from campus. There are also two movie theaters close by. The Krannert Center also offers show tickets for a discounted student price. The Union also offers various free programs.
  Food and Dining	The dorms have a large selection of food, and students can chose to go to any dining hall that they chose, which leads to many options. There are also a large variety of restaurants on campus mostly on Green Street. Most restaurants also deliver, which is very convenient.
  Dorm Life	There are many different dorms at the University of Illinois. Some are louder than others, some are co-ed, while others are all boys or all female dorms. Students can request which dorm they would prefer on their housing contracts. The university is also rebuilding the older dorms.
  Academic Rigor	The University of Illinois is a tough school to get into, so the academic course load is rigorous as well. There are many opportunities to receive help though. There are tutors, professors have office hours as well, and of course students can also form study groups.
  Tips for prospective students	Students should join sports, clubs, or organizations because they will make friends that will help the campus to become a little bit smaller.
  In three sentences	The University of Illinois is an excellent school that offers many wonderful opportunities. There are hundreds of sports, clubs, and organizations to join on campus, which is beneficial because students can meet other students who are interested in similar areas. Since the University of Illinois is so large, it is easy to meet many people which will be good for networking in the future.

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• Sara from Romeoville, IL

  06/13/2012

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  119 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus	For a university that has dealt with major mascot issues, it has not taken away the spirit that the students have for Chief Illiniwek. Along with the ILL-INI chant, you always see students, staff and alumni yelling CHIEF The Alma Mater also has a special place in every past, present and future student's heart. Standing in line for hours waiting to get a picture with the Alma Mater on graduating is as normal as it gets. Being an Illini: it's just the way of life.
  What to do for fun	The university provides many opportunities for students as well as alumni to get involved. One of the most exciting things that occur on campus is quad day, which is an event that allows students to roam around and sign up for student organizations that interest them. It�¢??s a great way to get involved and see what each organization has to offer. Football and basketball season is also a big deal for the entire town. Fans from all over come to support the Fighting Illini in their fight for victory against opposing teams. Sports bring together the staff, students and surrounding communities and honestly, how can you not get excited when all you see is a stadium full of orange? Campus night life is also a must-do. Not every student likes to party but experiencing the many parties that occur across campus is a must before you graduate.
  Food and Dining	Eating in a residence hall is nowhere near compared to eating a home-cooked meal from mom and dad. You quickly learn what you like, what you don�¢??t like and what you tend to eat on a daily basis. In addition to residence hall dining, there are numerous restaurants located on campus ranging from Subway, Chipotle, Sbarro, Jimmy Johns, etc. The campus bars also provide delicious meals that many students enjoy.
  Dorm Life	The dorm life at the University of Illinois offers a variety of living arrangements and activities. The students can choose to live in a single, double or triple room in a number of different residence halls dispersed across the campus. Each residence hall provides a similar experience but with its own added touch. It allows the incoming students to feel as comfortable and safe as possible, while still experiencing the college life.
  Academic Rigor	The staff and students take pride in the academics offered at the university and it is especially seen in the level of difficulty within the classes. It may so seem that one major is easier or more difficult than the other, however, it can all be mastered with self-motivation and outside assistance. The professors want their students to be capable of taking the material taught and applying it in the outside world. Just remember, you can accomplish anything. Never give up.
  Tips for prospective students	As a prospective student it is important to establish a set of behaviors that will help make the next four years as simple as possible. Create a schedule that is visible to the eye everyday and within it, allot certain times to your specific needs such as class times, food, gym, study time, etc. By doing so, it allows for a more organized way of life especially when classes become more demanding. In correlation with establishing behaviors, if you want to play hard make sure you work just as hard. The college atmosphere tends to lure students into its party scene the moment of arriving on campus. Understand that in order to enjoy the college years, you must be successful in the classroom as well. Learn to control your behaviors before they take control of you. In addition, take the time to experience what the university has to offer. This may take many forms such as participating in a registered student organization, joining a club sport team or even just spending time on the quad or in the union. Appreciate the time spent on the campus because it will be over sooner than you realize.
  In three sentences	The University of Illinois provides current and prospective students with the proper education needed to become successful individuals in the future. Due to the competitive nature of the academics, the professors strive on teaching students the necessary knowledge in order for them to excel not only inside, but outside the classroom as well. In addition, the university provides many opportunities for students to get involved and continue to form and build the tight-knit community that already exists in Urbana-Champaign.

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• Renee from IL

  06/14/2012

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  120 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Campus Safety	There are buses that run around campus at night. There is a Safe Ride and Safe Walk program where you call a number and a bus or person can pick you up and get you home.
  Greek Life	The Greek life is fantastic here. If you can afford the time and money to join a fraternity or sorority, do it!
  Clubs and Activities	There are organizations that have to do with your major but plenty of them that have to do with your interests.
  Great for these types of students	Social, friendly, ambitious, and smart.
  What to do for fun	Dining on Green Street. College parties.
  Food and Dining	There are bad days once in a while, but for the most part I really love the food. The dining halls are usually clean. There is good variety in the menus at the different locations.
  Dorm Life	Living learning communities are great ways to make friends with similar interests. Also, it is easy to make friends in the dorm you live in.
  Academic Rigor	The classes require plenty of study, memorization, and homework. The professors I've had so far are decent but don't expect to learn everything in lecture, individual time must be spent to learn material.
  Tips for prospective students	Don't worry about the campus being too big. There are plenty of people to be friends with and lots of activities to be involved in. Don't think about your peers being your competition, you have to cooperate with each other!
  In three sentences	I am extremely happy and satisfied with this university. I love the academics, the people, and the environment. I can't imagine being anywhere else.

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• Jess

  06/16/2012

  Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has not been to campus.

  121 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Food and Dining	Typical school....
  Academic Rigor	Definitely more on the average side for very bright students, but an excellent choice for the average student.
  In three sentences	Appears to be an amazing school for the money, for the academics and activities, alike.

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• Allison from Hanover Park, IL

  06/17/2012

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  122 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Campus Safety	Safe Walks and Safe Rides are available, and there are emergency telephone booths dispersed throughout campus.
  Clubs and Activities	All of my clubs gave me many opportunities to get involved in the community.
  Great for these types of students	Engineers!!!! They have their own quad.
  Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus	Every year, the Alma Mater statue is adorned in various garments for major events such as the start of basketball season and graduation.
  What to do for fun	Go out to eat, join clubs, and meet amazing people in the laundry room.
  Food and Dining	The University has specialty nights each week, including Soul Food and Taste of Asia.
  Dorm Life	Freshman year, my RA was amazing and everyone respected the bathroom space. Sophomore year, the new RA was a bit awkward and people were vandalizing the bathroom.
  Academic Rigor	Courses are very challenging, but you'll be OK if you stay on top of school work .
  Tips for prospective students	1. Study at least a week or two in advance for exams 2. Do NOT walk alone at night, even if you think you'll be fine. It's better to be safe than sorry! 3. ALWAYS lock the door when you leave your dorm room. 4. Join a lot of clubs! You get to meet really great people and you also get amazing experiences
  In three sentences	The University has a wonderful bus system to travel on and off campus. The class locations for each major are generally localized. There are always excellent research opportunities.

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• Amanda from Chicago, IL

  06/20/2012

  Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.

  123 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Academic Rigor	U of I has a great program called LLC-Living Learning Communities. They put people together in specific dorms that share a common interest such as creativity and leadership. IN the housing application there is a short essay to apply.
  Tips for prospective students	Go visit campus. It was a major aspect in choosing U of I.
  In three sentences	I look forward to starting college here in the fall. Every time I visit I get the feeling that everyone talks about. I know I made the right decision.

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• Vianca from Round Lake, IL

  06/21/2012

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  124 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Clubs and Activities	You would find a lot of choices on quad day. I've joined October lovers and a new one that started recently Holly Jollies (for those who love the winter & the holidays). I participate with the Office of Volunteer Program. You can find many volunteer work with them.
  What to do for fun	Go bowling at the Union, run around campus, work out at the gyms, check out some clubs, go to concerts, IUB makes some cool, fun events, join a RSO
  Food and Dining	There are some good food and nights, but you do get tired of eating in the dining hall. You miss home cook meals. Take advantage of going out with friends to different restaurants and if you know people with an apartment have some meals with them or offer to cook.
  Dorm Life	I love my RA and all my floormates I made my first year. I lived at ISR, a great quiet place, near campus.
  Academic Rigor	I would say you have classes that will always keep you busy or you might have blow off classes (easy electives/gen eds)
  Tips for prospective students	Study, study, study. Join RSO, it will help you gain friends. Stay involved. Do volunteer work.
  In three sentences	I love the big campus and beautiful buildings. The campus life is big here with many RSO to join.

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• Amanda from Plainfield, IL

  06/26/2012

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  125 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Campus Safety	The university has patrol all around campus and programs such as safe rides and safe walks at night. Watch out for thieves and there has been a case where there was a shooting.
  Greek Life	The Greek Life is HUGE! The University of Illinois at Urbana- Champaign has the largest Greek system in the nation. It is hard to escape the Greek life at UofI. The students make it a huge deal.
  Clubs and Activities	There are over 1000 clubs and activities to join on campus. If there isn't anything you like you are given the opportunity to start the club your self!
  Great for these types of students	Students who want a great education but want to have fun and meet a wide variety of people.
  Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus	Unoffical Saint Patricks Day. It is a huge deal on our campus. Students buy shirts and plan events months ahead of time.
  Bang for the buck	The University can be a bit expensive especially for Business and Engineer students. If you apply for scholarships and budget your money you should be fine.
  What to do for fun	There are many clubs and activities on campus to join. Many people join a Fraternity or Sorority and it can take up a lot of time, but everyone has fun. The University is a huge party school but there are always alternative activities for those who do not like to party. They have a bowling alley right ton campus and two movie theaters and a mall very close by.
  Food and Dining	Although the cafeteria can get old they have multiple dining halls to choose from. Also there are many restaurants on campus so there is always something delicious to eat.
  Dorm Life	Depending on where you are placed can make or break your dorm life experience. Some are very social but of course less clean. In the more social dorms it's harder to get work done. In the less social dorms it might be harder to make friends because people tend to keep to themselves but it is quiet and a nice to study in your room.
  Academic Rigor	Some classes are extremely tough where the class average is a 50 other classes are so easy you do not have to show up to class.
  Tips for prospective students	Do not be afraid to try new things and get involved. On a huge campus the best way to meet people is to join clubs and activities.
  In three sentences	The University of Illinois at Urbana- Champaign is a huge campus town. Although it is a huge campus there is always a familiar face and someone to talk to. There is always something to do on campus.

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• George from Oradell, NJ

  06/26/2012

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  126 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  What to do for fun	The gyms are very nice and basketball is always an option when going to the gym.
  Food and Dining	Food isn't the best and the variety isn't great but there are food you will come to enjoy during your time at school.
  Dorm Life	The dorms are very quaint and comfortable.
  Academic Rigor	The coursework is very tough and falling behind is the last thing you would like to do in a course.
  Tips for prospective students	Work hard and pursue everything you are willing to pursue and the university will help you get to your goal.
  In three sentences	The university provides many opportunities for students to look for and apply for many internships and jobs. The university truly opens the door for all students in what they are willing to pursue. The diversity of the university helps you to meet people from all over the world.

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• Alexa from Chicago, IL

  06/26/2012

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  127 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Greek Life	It's ok
  Clubs and Activities	There are more than 5000 organization on campus.
  Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus	Unofficial is when student celebrate St. Patrick's Day by getting drunk since early in the morning. It tends to get crazy!
  What to do for fun	For fun I party, socialize, join clubs, and get involved
  Tips for prospective students	Don't Procrastinate Socialize with everyone and have fun!
  In three sentences	It is a huge school and there are always something going on. The lectures tend to be very big but you still learn.

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• Malik from Olympia Fields, IL

  06/26/2012

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  128 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Campus Safety	The only problem is stolen bikes, but there are always night patrols and none of my friends have issues if they travel in packs. You're always safe.
  Greek Life	We have the largest Greek populace in the nation; need I say more?
  Clubs and Activities	See Fun.
  Great for these types of students	Engineers and Sciencey folk; if you're interested in liberal arts you'll find yourself partying and if you like the arts you'll feel as though you're not challenged a tad. But it's also great for social types.
  Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus	SOs all have their own stuff, but the Illini Union always has Improv every week and Alma Mater gets decorated FOR EVERY EVENT.
  Bang for the buck	It's good for public ivy and definitely worth your money if you're passionate about the sciences.
  What to do for fun	Dude, if you need fun go to quad day and sign up for a SO as SOON AS POSSIBLE they will go into hiding and you won't get another chance. So take the time to get involved as soon as you can. If you do you won't have a problem finding something to do.
  Food and Dining	For how much we pay the food is lack luster, but it has variety.
  Dorm Life	It's awesome in Allen; outside of that most people don't know each other. You're really better off after the first year getting an apartment because that's exactly how it feels in the dorm anyways. Plus, food is cheaper with a Link Card (you're eligible if you're in college and have a job).
  Academic Rigor	If you don't like your major you will know, but I find that in Fine Arts we have to make the best of our education by pushing ourselves inside and outside of class.
  Tips for prospective students	If you need help ask for it; don't rely on yourself there is tons of study groups. What's more is that if you want to be an RA work hard as soon as you get in join a couple of SO (Student organizations) and don't stop working; they love that stuff.
  In three sentences	It's rad. I'm away for the summer and I already want to come back. Love the place.

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• Rebecca from Mt. Prospect, IL

  06/29/2012

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  129 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Campus Safety	It's very safe at night, but you should still be aware of your surroundings at night regardless.
  Clubs and Activities	There are a lot of clubs to join.
  What to do for fun	There are often a lot of Frat parties to go to, but you'd have to be one that enjoys having a few drinks there.
  Food and Dining	It's institutional food, you can't really expect anything more.
  Dorm Life	The dorms may offer social events, but a lot of the people staying there aren't very social. They also tend to be rather cliquish.
  Academic Rigor	It requires a lot of studying. Keep up with everything and you'll be able to handle it.
  Tips for prospective students	Keep your grades up, always.
  In three sentences	It is a school where the environment is very encouraging of studying hard and preparing yourself for the future. It's a pricey school, but if you get in and work hard, it will pay off in the end when you find a full-time job. There are also a lot of extra-curricular to choose from to join.

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• Jennifer from Niles, IL

  07/01/2012

  Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.

  130 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  What to do for fun	Illini Union Station - It has bowling and other activities

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• DChase B.

  07/01/2012

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  131 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Campus Safety	UIUC campus police is pretty good with being responsive. There are emergency phones as well as emergency numbers to call if you need assistance. But that wont really be needed because they patrol everywhere on campus. They are pretty cool about drinking and parties. Unless it has the potential to become the next Project X party , you'll have nothing to intimidating to worry about.
  Greek Life	Greek life is abundant on the UIUC campus. Pick wisely otherwise consider yourself and outcast.
  Clubs and Activities	So many clubs and so many activities. Too many to list. Check out the cool RSO's on the University's Student Affairs website
  Great for these types of students	If you are an exercise junkie there are two Top of the Line recreation centers named CRCE and the ARC. For the cafe lovers, there's a Starbucks and an Espresso Royale in 4-5 different locations on campus. Students can study and grab good food from here.
  Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus	Fat Sandwich Company serves the best drunken food. Def a must go after the bars. Another post-bar stop would be Insomnia Cookies. They deliver the warmest fresh baked cookies 6pm-2am. Both places have the friendliest staff.
  Bang for the buck	It costs about $7 to go to the movies. Sometimes its cheaper.
  What to do for fun	Clybournes, Fire Haus, and Joes are the hot spots to go party on campus. If you are into Greek life, Red Lion has a lot of that scene there. Also the Illinois Union has its own Arcade/Billiards/ and Bowling Alley.
  Food and Dining	We have DELICIOUS dorm food. The best cafeterias are Ikenberry Commons, Florida Avenue Residency (FAR), and Pennsylvania Avenue Residency(PAR).
  Dorm Life	I never lived in the dorms but I was told it is awesome. The dorms is where you will meet most of your friends, and establish organizational skills (due to room space constraints).
  Academic Rigor	If you do all your homework you will pass. If you do all your homework and study minimally, you pass with an above average grade. If you study rigorously, do all your homework, and go to study hours/office hours with your instructors, you will get an A maybe even an A+
  Tips for prospective students	Live on campus!!! Its the most efficient way to meet new people and network. Also, get a job working either for the school or the mall. These establishments are more understanding about school obligations.
  In three sentences	UIUC is great for networking and career fairs. There are so many resources available to students for every cause. Every student can find their place in the UIUC population.

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• Daniel from Chicago, IL

  07/05/2012

  Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has not been to campus.

  132 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Greek Life	Awesome
  What to do for fun	Chess.
  Tips for prospective students	Goodluck.
  In three sentences	Its a great school. Great,enviorment. Also, awesome campuses.

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• Rebecca from Des Plaines, IL

  07/06/2012

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  133 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Bang for the buck	Although the cost is a little high, UIUC does offer a lot to do and also will help yo in the future.
  Food and Dining	I was really surprised at how good the Ikenbery dining food was.
  Dorm Life	I live in Snyder and it is a great dorm. Everyone is friendly and there are always doors open and groups to go with for meals.
  Tips for prospective students	Focus on school and write good essays. Don't forget to make it personal and do some extra circular activities.
  In three sentences	UIUC is a great school that offers something for everyone. Whether you want to focus on school or party you will definitely fit in. UIUC was a great choice for me.

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• Nancy from Lincolnshire, IL

  07/09/2012

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  134 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Food and Dining	Food is good for the most part, but the school meal plan can get a little repetitive after a whole year.
  Dorm Life	Dorms are pretty good at U of I. Some dorms are known for being noisier, but there's a sense of community in the dorms that allows you to make friends with others pretty easily.
  Academic Rigor	Depending on what college you're in and what classes you take, you'll have varying degrees of difficulty in academics. Mostly, classes are pretty easy to understand, and teachers as well as TAs are around to help you quite a bit. With the extra support and help, it's much easier to do well in classes, but the classes do still require you to put in a large amount of effort yourself to excel.

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• Civil Engineering Student

  07/10/2012

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  135 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Great for these types of students	Hard working, social, outgoing, smart.
  Bang for the buck	UIUC is getting ever more expensive and as an instate school for me, its incredibly expensive. Do I wish it was cheaper to attend? I do. But with all the resources and the education I'm getting I think it's worth it in the long run.
  What to do for fun	I love going to the ARC or CRSE to play volleyball with my friends. There are also a bunch of other events going on campus, you just have to find them.
  Food and Dining	We get spoiled with food here.
  Dorm Life	I lived in a all girls floor so it was pretty quiet and clique-y.
  Academic Rigor	A lot of the first year classes are massive, so you'll have to work hard to establish yourself within them. However, that doesn't mean that it is impossible to well in the classes or that the professors are trying to give you a hard time.
  Tips for prospective students	Keep a schedule, you'll have lots of assignments and deadlines, events, club meetings. It's a great way to stay on top of things and keep your stress levels low.
  In three sentences	I think the University of Illinois is a great place to learn and meet people from multiple backgrounds. The professors there are devoted to your learning and always willing to help. There are also abundant amount of resources for students to take advantage of.

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• Raphael from Copperas Cove, TX

  07/10/2012

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  136 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus	80% of the campus is Greek. UIUC has one of the largest Greek communities out of any other university in the US.
  Bang for the buck	Every dollar was worth it...
  What to do for fun	The list is endless...
  Tips for prospective students	Get involved. With a vast array of clubs, activities, and groups, UIUC provides a little something for everyone.
  In three sentences	UIUC provides a personal academic experience on a large university scale. Students will not feel overwhelmed by the 40,000+ community, therefore allowing a chance for a successful college experience. With a diverse environment, the university takes into consideration each individual with care.

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• Kesha From chicago

  07/10/2012

  Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.

  137 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  In three sentences	I love the vastness of this school. You can meet some one new everyday and there are never-ending supply of stuff to do. It's a truly awesome school.

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• Alison from Urbana, IL

  07/11/2012

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  138 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Greek Life	Sucks.
  What to do for fun	There are a ton of university sponsored activities, a lively bar and frat scene, as well as a constantly buzzing community calender from both the Champaign and Urbana areas.
  Food and Dining	The food in my private residence hall was awful. However the university housing has a great selection of dining hall food that actually tastes good and is healthy for the most part.
  Dorm Life	I lived in a private dorm and loved it. It was perfectly social if you wanted it to be, but if you wanted your privacy you could get that too. The experience is really what you make of it.
  Academic Rigor	The academic rigor of UIUC is stimulating and challenging, to be here you have to work hard.
  Tips for prospective students	Come onto campus during a typical school day and sit on the quad for a while or walk through a campus building. That will give you a good idea of a typical day in the life of a UIUC student.
  In three sentences	This university is an outstanding academic institution that offers a wide variety of paths for its students to venture on to. There is a large variety in extra curricular activities as well ranging from clubs to the Greek system. There is something for everyone at UIUC

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• Kelsey from Lombard, IL

  07/12/2012

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  139 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Campus Safety	Illini alerts, sign up and you're good to go!
  Greek Life	Didn't join, but seems okay. I think the idea of paying for friends fights greek life here
  Clubs and Activities	I was on a sport here, and let me say they hook you up!
  Great for these types of students	Those who was a great education and don't mind working hard
  Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus	UNOFFICIAL. If I need to explain what this is, you obviously know nothing about UIUC.
  Bang for the buck	For paying for college all by myself, I'd definitely say it's worth it
  What to do for fun	DRINK. With the countless bars at UIUC complete with entry for 19 year olds, it's basically the only fun thing to do.
  Food and Dining	Eh, it keeps you going.
  Dorm Life	I lived at a private dorm my freshman year. The rooms were phenomenal, complete with my very own bathroom. I did random roommate and she turned out to be my best friend. However I did feel like the social aspect of my floor wasn't exactly where it should have been. Much room for improvement.
  Academic Rigor	I can only speak from the perspective of a biology/premed major, but the chemistry, math, and science classes will DEFINITELY give you a run for your money
  Tips for prospective students	Do not bring every possession you own, trust me, I was there and about 50% of what I brought to school came right back home.
  In three sentences	The easiest way to describe UIUC is in one word; BIG. Despite being one of the largest campuses in the state, the university does an excellent job in creating an atmosphere that allows its students to excel in the community. This university provides an excellent place to develop academic, social, and life skills that leads its students to success.

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• Angelina from West Dundee, IL

  07/13/2012

  Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.

  140 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Food and Dining	The food, in my opinion, is really good. The pizza is excellent!
  Dorm Life	The dorms are great! There is a lot to do in each dorm facility.
  Academic Rigor	The rigor so far seems fair. It will require you to study and work hard.
  Tips for prospective students	Research the school, it will most likely be a great fit. Schedule a visit too. You won't know what there is until you visit.
  In three sentences	I love it here. The atmosphere is great. And the college has a lot to offer.

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• Sami

  07/15/2012

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  141 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus	The botanical gardens at U of I are really pretty and I like to go running through them.
  What to do for fun	There is always something to do because it is such a big campus, so basically depending on your interests you will find something to do. Although there is a large party scene, there are plenty of restaurants and clubs that do things on the weekends. I occasionally went to the mall or movie theater as well.
  Food and Dining	I personally think the food at U of I is exceptionally good. I had visited at least 10 other schools and I personally think that the U of I food offers healthier foods and a lot of variety.
  Dorm Life	I loved my dorm and the friends I made were amazing. I was lucky to never have any problems with floor mates. Everybody respected each other and it became everybody's home.
  Academic Rigor	Your gen ed classes should be easy, but some of your major classes will require you to put effort in; however, it is your major so you should find it interesting.
  Tips for prospective students	The school is very large; however, after you come to campus it really is not that big anymore. There are buses that are convenient and most classes are on the quad. Basically half the quad is dedicated to the engineering quad.
  In three sentences	An amazing school that has taught me more than I ever expected. A town that I have fallen in love with. Most of all I have met some amazing people from all over the country, which has been very interesting and has taught me to be thankful for what I have.

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• Eric from Channahon, IL

  07/17/2012

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  142 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Campus Safety	Do to some recent problems campus safety has been tripled and crime is down lower then ever.
  Greek Life	By far one of the best in the country this is defiantly the campus for you in the Midwest.
  Clubs and Activities	Well over 100 clubs make their home on campus and Champaign/Urbana boasts the most Greek Houses of any campus in the country.
  Great for these types of students	Engineering students will love having nearly half the main campus to themselves and we also have a strong Asian population on campus as well. Socialites will again refer to the greek organizations and many of the campuses student groups.
  Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus	Rush week (the first week on campus) every Fraternity opens its doors to freshman and sophomores which can be a really neat experience. To be honest there is a tradition for nearly every location on campus and half the fun is discovering or making some up yourself.
  Bang for the buck	The school seems worth it for your experience here and there is always something new to discover but it is rather expensive.
  What to do for fun	Everything from parties to movies and performances are scattered everywhere around Champaign and Urbana.
  Food and Dining	Recently U of I has upped their menus and built one of the largest dinning halls in the country that offers numerous food selections throughout the week. Also many students find their favorite meal on Green Street only a short 2 minute walk from the main quad.
  Dorm Life	Dorms are rather small and most students move out after their freshman year. This doesn't mean that they aren't fun though and good friendships are easy to develop.
  Academic Rigor	Depending on your major you can have a very intense and rigorous class load or you can have 4 days of class a week and almost no homework.
  Tips for prospective students	Defiantly go Greek and rush fraternities and sororities as this campus has one of the largest greek organizations in the country. Studying should also never take a back seat but it is not hard to balance a good education and social life.
  In three sentences	The University of Illinois mixes deep academic research with a strong student body. This is a place to develop deep friendships, hard won knowledge, and enjoy the challenges and rewards of college life. The experience ranges from in-depth studies to weekend retreats with a big campus that you can make into whatever you want.

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• Nick from Fremont, CA

  07/17/2012

  Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.

  143 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Food and Dining	Huge variety of food for all types of people.
  Dorm Life	Great dorm life. Lots of options and meet lots of friends. Great food.
  Academic Rigor	Depends on your major especially engineering and business but class schedules are up to you.
  Tips for prospective students	Don't worry about it. Get used to the transition into a huge school and make new friends
  In three sentences	UIUC is a great school for anyone whose looking to study hard and play hard. The professors here are very caring about how much the students learn and athletics are very competitive around here, but at the same time fun and enjoyable. What UIUC preaches is letting its students gain leadership experience.

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• Anonymous

  07/20/2012

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  144 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  What to do for fun	There are always events on campus, there are plenty of concerts/movies/parties
  Food and Dining	Food is great, probably best cafeteria food ever
  Dorm Life	Depends where you end up living, the food isn't as bad.
  Academic Rigor	There are easy classes and then there are some hard ones, find the one that interests you and work your butt off.
  Tips for prospective students	Make sure you are prepared for class everyday.
  In three sentences	The campus is huge, but you will always find students with similar interests. There are many organizations to become a part of. It will become your home.

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• Mary from Elmhurst, IL

  07/20/2012

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  145 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  What to do for fun	There are tons of things to do for fun! You can hang out in the Quad, join a fraternity or a sorority, go to the movies or the mall, hang out with your dorm friends, go to Green Street to get food, etc.
  Food and Dining	The Ikenberry Dining Hall is very nice and very new. However, the types of foods get repetitive sometimes.
  Dorm Life	I love it! You're surrounded by all of your friends. You get to hang out with them every day and it's a great atmosphere to be in.
  Academic Rigor	The professors really love what they teach so they expect you to learn from them. That is why the classes are harder sometimes.
  Tips for prospective students	1. Make sure you have good walking shoes because classes are pretty far away! 2. Always go to class! It's very beneficial. 3. Pay attention in class.
  In three sentences	This school is everything I had hoped for in a university. I love the big size of the school and how many people from Illinois are involved in its community. Also, I always feel like I'm being challenged (in a good way). :)

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• Brandon from Chicago, IL

  07/23/2012

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  146 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Food and Dining	The dorm food is pretty good. I never really had a problem, but sometimes it does get repetitive. When that happens, you can go to one of the restaurants on campus, they're fantastic.
  Dorm Life	I enjoyed my stay in the dorms, you meet a lot of cool people, you just have to be somewhat outgoing.
  Academic Rigor	It's a difficult school, but it's worth it. You definitely learn a lot.

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• Susan from Des Plaines, IL

  07/23/2012

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  147 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Campus Safety	I have never felt unsafe on campus. There are police patrolling the ground in the dorms late at night, an extensive bus system, and a service that picks you up and drop you off where you need to be for FREE after dark.
  Greek Life	Illinois has one of the largest greek systems. But the great thing is that there aren't only Social fraternities and sororities, there are also professional ones too!
  Clubs and Activities	There are hundreds of RSOs (registered student organizations) on campus. Whatever you're looking for, its likely theres a group for it. And in the case that there isn't, you can just start your own RSO!
  Great for these types of students	Students with a work hard, play hard mentality. Students at Illinois work extremely hard to get an education but are rewarded with so many great social activities and fun with clubs!
  Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus	Tight roping on the quad, watching the piano man cover popular songs every tuesday, and Ikenberry Commons hosting a free midnight breakfast during finals week. Also, you can ring the bells at Altgeld Hall to any tune if you request it!
  Bang for the buck	The University of Illinois is expensive, but the quality of education and the prestige of the school is worth it!
  What to do for fun	The University always has great concerts and events at Assembly Hall. Last year, we even hosted the Victoria Secret Pink Party. Sporting events are also big since U of I is in the Big Ten. No matter what day of the week it is, there is never a shortage of social activities at Illinois.
  Food and Dining	The dining halls are new and beautiful, the food can be a little repetitive but it is pretty good. There are also great University dining days like Mexican food on fridays and Soul food on thursdays at certain dining halls.
  Dorm Life	In the dorms, you meet people that you would never have imagined meeting before. People from halfway across the country suddenly become your closest friends. Dorming is a great experience!
  Academic Rigor	This is not an easy school. If you want to be an Illini, be prepared to spend long hours studying and working hard to get the fine education that Illinois has to offer.
  Tips for prospective students	Come in with an open mind to all the different kinds of people you'll meet, Illinois has every kind of student - and with over 40,000 students that's no surprise. You will always be meeting new people and always have support emotionally and academically.
  In three sentences	The University of Illinois is a big campus that can definitely have a small campus feel. Everyone who goes here finds a sense of belonging and oneness with the ideals that Illinois stands for. No matter who you are, you can find a place at this university.

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• Dominique from Maywood, IL

  07/24/2012

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  148 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  What to do for fun	Party, go out, hang out, go to the gym, social events, attend different organizations and clubs.
  Food and Dining	Food in the dining hall is not always the best.
  Dorm Life	Depending on where you stay the dorm life is cool!
  Academic Rigor	Academics is the key to success here. This is a research institution.
  Tips for prospective students	If you want to attend this university you got to remember why you came here in the first place. If you keep that in mind you should be good to go here. Attend offices hours and tutoring for help.
  In three sentences	This is a great school to attend academic wise and social wise. You really learn how to balance school, work and being social here. This school has a many majors you can choose from.

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• Yaebeen from Urbana, IL

  07/25/2012

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  149 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Campus Safety	It has been not so safe in the past few years but we all have to be careful and practice common sense at night and as always.
  Greek Life	The school has literally largest Greek Life in the nation.
  Clubs and Activities	Be a part of it if you can. It is where you will meet your life time friends and family.
  Great for these types of students	Ambitious and hard-working students who like to have options in social life and likes to party.
  Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus	Urbana downtown is pretty neat.
  Bang for the buck	In cultural Houses there is this thing called Food for thought from noon to 1. This is where they have guest speaker and some forum and offer free delicious food. If you don't have class during that time, take advantage of it.
  What to do for fun	Participate and give your input in student organization. I highly recommend Floor Lovers Illinois, UC Hip Hop Congress, Amnesty International and Engineers Without Borders. Take advantage of Krannert Center where you can get world-class performing arts for generous student price. You will be thankful.
  Food and Dining	I could not really complain about the dining. There is impressive choices for vegetarian and some for vegan too. If you are not happy with your dorm's dining, you can visit other dorms during their specialty nights.
  Dorm Life	Food is great. Resources are abundant. There is always some activity going on welcoming your participation. If you cannot find something that interests you, you can voice your opinion and affect change through RA, RD or Multicultural Associate.
  Academic Rigor	As long as one keeps up with assignment and show necessary effort in class, the classes should not be that hard, as for humanities courses.
  Tips for prospective students	Attend classes. Go talk to TAs often. Go to sleep at night. Stay healthy and keep regular routine. Find your balance. Seek out intellectually and professional enticing people. Try at least 5 things you have never done before.
  In three sentences	University of Illinois offers literally 1000s of RSOs and is sure to meet your need to find your niche. Academic wise, the school offers limitless resources and excellent step-stone to your dream career.

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• SOURABH from Schaumburg, IL

  07/25/2012

  Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.

  150 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Greek Life	I hear they have the largest greek scene in the US
  Great for these types of students	Any type..legit
  Bang for the buck	If youre in state and into any one of their science/engineering programs, your getting a bargain.
  What to do for fun	Join clubs, meet friends...idk dude, im not even in college yet!
  Food and Dining	Not that picky when it comes to things like pizza and fries so i'd say its pretty good. Just dont expect any fine dining from your cafeteria
  Dorm Life	Heard they suck, they look like they do too :(
  Academic Rigor	Well Im going to be taking a lot of math and science courses here and I hear they are quite difficult. So you better prepare for a rough time no matter how smart you are.
  Tips for prospective students	Im just an accepted student but don't stress out about not getting in. I was a pretty decent student in high school and i got in. All it takes is a decent ACT (Id say 27 or above), a decent GPA (if you have lots of APs you can get by with almost anything above a 3.0), and a few extracurriculars.
  In three sentences	UIUC is one of the most well rounded colleges your going to find in the world. Whether your into academics, research, art, entrepreneurship, or a lively social scene, this is the place to be. With that being said, nobody can go wrong with UIUC

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• Mackenzie from Minooka, IL

  07/26/2012

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  151 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Campus Safety	There are police, but it would be a much safer place if they were more evident by walking around campus and stopping the fights or attacks.
  Greek Life	I love it! I have been a a member for 4 years and have made friends that I know will last a lifetime. It also helped make the campus seem smaller.
  Clubs and Activities	I am the internal chair for the Occupational Therapy club and really enjoy it. There are so many different clubs and activities that students can take part in. There is literally something for everyone, just go to Quad Day and find out!
  Great for these types of students	There is something for everyone on this campus.
  Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus	There is so many unique places and history that is behind the University. All the monuments and buildings are beautiful. The Quad never fails to show its beauty to the passerby.
  What to do for fun	Go out with friends, walk around the quad, bowl at the union, go shopping, see movies, the list is endless.
  Food and Dining	There was always a lot of choices to choose from.
  Dorm Life	I lived in the dorm and I enjoyed it for the year that I did. It helped me meet new people. It is small but nothing that I could not handle.
  Academic Rigor	Studying really does pay off. What you put into it, you will get out of it.
  Tips for prospective students	Become active in something!!! This is such a huge campus that you will be able to find some club, group, organization, etc that you can join in order to meet people with similar interests.
  In three sentences	I absolutely love U of I!! I am now a senior and have gotten so much out of attending this University. I have made some great friends, learned so much involving my major, and have had the time of my life on this campus.

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• A girl from chicago

  07/29/2012

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  152 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Greek Life	HUGE
  Clubs and Activities	RUGBY! (womens and mens) both are club teams All the sports teams
  What to do for fun	RSO has what ever you could possibly want to do.
  Dorm Life	6-pack is great! The school is rebuilding all of the dorms.
  Tips for prospective students	Go on campus before you commit to any school. U of I is great but might not be the right fit for some people.
  In three sentences	U of I is a large school that you can really make your own. There is a huge greek life and tons of school pride from football, to basket ball, and of course volley ball, illini pride is all over.

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• Clair from Greenville, IL

  07/30/2012

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  0 out of 1 people found this review useful. 153 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Clubs and Activities	The number of clubs and activities at the U of I is unbelievable, so if you're worried about finding one you might enjoy, don't be. However, because there are so many and the school is so big, it can take some time to find one that truly suits you.
  Great for these types of students	The University of Illinois is, I believe, a school for just about any student. Providing they are willing and able to meet the academic standard, U of I is the perfect place to learn how to stand out in a crowd. The atmosphere is not necessarily one of pure academics, nor is it one of all fun, and the result is a place where you can explore who you are freely and take with you what you will.
  Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus	Some things that come to mind are climbing the Alma Mater Statue, kissing under the eternal flame, and staying out of the Morrow Plots. They may not quite be traditions, but more so rituals of the thousands who claim Illinois as their alma mater. They are actions that can only occur at the university, and they are part of what make it the school that it is.
  Bang for the buck	For a Big Ten school, tuition is reasonably priced. Room and board though, especially if you live in the dorms, can be a little pricey. However, you can not put a price on opportunity, nor on experience, and in those regards the U of I is well worth the cost.
  What to do for fun	The university itself offers a wide variety of activities for your enjoyment. As a Big Ten school, there is almost always a sporting event to attend. Most have discounted or even free student prices, as well as student cheering sections. Between it's two main recreation centers, it offers a water slide, a rock wall, numerous basketball courts, tennis courts, hot tubs, and more. The School of Music and Performing Arts is also home to the Krannert Center, which is a great place to catch a play or concert. Student organizations and LLCs are almost always putting on some kind of adventure or event, and of course there are the ever-popular Murphy's Pub, Canopy Club, or CocoMero frozen Yogurt. If you want to get a little ways off campus, there is always the Arboretum, one of Champaign's many bars, or one of the numerous parks in Champaign-Urbana. No matter what kind of entertainment you're looking for, U of I will provide.
  Food and Dining	The food and dining are 5-star in terms of possibilities, but usually only 3-star in terms of taste and quality. The dining halls cater to practically every dietary need, including vegans, vegetarians, celiacs, and more. However, it is still school food, wether it tastes better than what one may be used to or not, and as such it hasn't much luck of being a home-coocked meal.
  Dorm Life	One simple visit to the campus is often enough for a student to know where they want to live on campus. The dorms at the U of I each seem to have their own personality, and once one finds a dorm that they fit with, they are typically only left with the usual dorm complaints like My roommate snores too loud or I wish this place was just a little (a lot!) bigger.
  Academic Rigor	The professors here push their students towards academic excellence, the how-so of such is seen as easily as most course syllabi. However, in terms of how well a student does, it is often left entirely to the students themselves. At a school the size of the U of I, it is near impossible for faculty and staff to personally monitor student progress and to adjust course speed or direction, but if a student is prepared, the academic system works well.
  Tips for prospective students	In general, I fell everyone should learn to communicate effectively in person and through email. Not only will this help you get along with your roommate(s), but it will also be key to communicate with your advisors, professors, TAs, and peers. While applying, try to show as much of your own personality as you can. They want to know who you are and what you're about. Finally, its never too early to start looking for scholarships. While tuition isn't too high for a Big Ten school, the cost of living can be another story.
  In three sentences	The University of Illinois is a wonderful place to explore who you are and who you want to be. Academically it is high ranking, but it also ranks highly in it's number of participants in greek life, living-learning communities (LLCs), registered student organizations (RSOs), and more. Never before has going to school amidst cornfields ever had so much to explore!

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• Quiante from Markham, IL

  08/01/2012

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  1 person found this inaccurate. 154 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Campus Safety	There are cops always circling the campus. we also have emergency call buttons located throughout the campus.
  Greek Life	Greek life is awesome. During rush you see everyone traveling to different fraternity and sorority houses and its just exciting.
  Clubs and Activities	There are well over 100 clubs and activities available for everyone.
  Great for these types of students	Everyone who has great work ethic and also knows how to enjoy themselves.
  Bang for the buck	When you think college it's just how University of Illinois is. There are awesome people around, great buildings, and lots of Greek life. The campus is huge, so expect to get lost at least once.
  What to do for fun	There's everything to do for fun. We have a bowling ally in our union and we also have shows that take place in the union. A lot of people play certain games on the quad. There's also two awesome rec's, where you can workout or take yoga classes and group training classes.
  Food and Dining	We have a lot of options for eating. There are numerous dinning halls where we can eat, if you chose to have a meal plan. If you don't have a meal plan there are also great places to in the area.
  Dorm Life	Depending on where you stay dorm life can be awesome. It also depends on your roommate, if you have one or not, they can make it very fun or just the opposite.
  Academic Rigor	Depending on your choice of study the work can be tough. However, U of I is one the best schools in Illinois. With that being stated don't be surprised when you don't do good on your first exam, just study hard and learn how your professor grades.
  Tips for prospective students	If you're planning to attend U of I apply early and apply for a lot of scholarships. There's no feeling like not having to worry about being able to afford your education. I you do get accepted take a trip down there and explore the different buildings on the campus.
  In three sentences	This school is very diverse, with activities for all cultures and different ethnicity. There is always something exciting going on at the union, which is by the most beautiful quad. Thankfully this school is located in an urban area, therefor we have everything we need, malls, movies, restaurants, and plenty more.

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• Angela from Carmel, IN

  08/02/2012

  Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.

  1 person found this inaccurate. 155 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Campus Safety	Feel very safe.
  Greek Life	Not active.
  Clubs and Activities	Swing Dance
  Great for these types of students	Foreign.
  Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus	The Chief, but he's gone now.
  Bang for the buck	Expensive.
  What to do for fun	Play in the band for football and basketball games.
  Dorm Life	Terrific
  Academic Rigor	Tough, but fair. Very fast paced.
  Tips for prospective students	Apply early!
  In three sentences	It is an exciting and historic school. It is busy all times of the day. It is full of great people.

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• Kelly from Clarendon Hills, IL

  08/07/2012

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  156 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Campus Safety	I've never personally be assaulted by anyone but we always get these email alerts saying that someone got sexually assaulted, or mugged, or beat up by random people that come to the campus and want money or other things. This is the one bad thing about the campus I would say.
  Greek Life	Since the Greek community is so huge, there is a chapter for everyone to fit into. Like the university, the chapters are very diverse also. Along with meeting a lot of new people and making friends, being in a chapter is good for getting involved in the community with philanthropy and gaining a leadership position in an organization because they have so many positions.
  Clubs and Activities	The school makes sure that there is so much for students to do. There are hundreds of clubs that have a lot to offer for any interests, the union holds a lot of events, and there are also sports people can sign up for for fun. If someone goes to U of I and is bored, they are not maximizing their experience and opportunities at the school.
  Great for these types of students	If you study a lot, it's the place for you. If you're very social and want to have fun, it's the place for you. If you are a Christian, it's the place for you. Basically, it has everything and so much diversity that anyone would fit in.
  Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus	Everyone always goes to Second Story pizza and loves it. It's not even called second story, I think it's called Stone Baked Pizza or something like that but people all know it by the same given name.
  Bang for the buck	It's a good school so when people graduate they know that they received a good education, but it's also a lot of fun. There are also so many organizations to join no matter what your interests are. I like that there is a Greek presence but people aren't outsiders if they decide not to join a chapter.
  Food and Dining	I'm not a picky eater so my rating might be skewed on this, but I really loved the food. I feel like there is something for everyone and everything is always cooked well. I never had a problem with it.
  Dorm Life	Overall, dorm life is pretty enjoyable. The dorms are clean and the school is starting to build new ones so in the next few years incoming students will be able to live in brand new buildings with air conditioning. That was the only downfall; my dorm didn't have air conditioning so it was a little unbearable at times.
  Academic Rigor	I have definitely felt challenged in a lot of my classes, so I would give this 4 stars. I like to be challenged because that is a good indicator that I am attending a good school. It might be because of my interests, but there are definitely classes that I find more interesting and because of that they are easier to grasp.
  In three sentences	I love the campus, it's a beautiful place. Although it's a big campus I feel like we live inside our own little bubble and I always look forward to coming back to school.

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• Phillip from Chicago, IL

  08/07/2012

  Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.

  0 out of 1 people found this review useful. 157 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  What to do for fun	Great for these types of students Tips for prospective students Bang for the buck Am enjoying being here Am learning a lot
  Food and Dining	I've learned things so far in every course I've taken and have met really great professors and instructors. You learn a lot from the people as well. They're from all over the world.
  Dorm Life	It's not really urban or rural. It's a campus town. You kind of just have to experience it for yourself to see whether or not you will like it.
  Academic Rigor	The costs of tuition, room and board can be really expensive or inexpensive depending on how you go about financing them and finding the right deals.
  Tips for prospective students	Do your research about the school and the community. Visit the campus and sit in on a class or check out Green Street and other attractions around town.
  In three sentences	Great for students looking for the big campus experience and who are very sociable, motivated and intelligent.

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• Bomi from Wilmette, IL

  08/11/2012

  Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.

  158 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  What to do for fun	Hang out with friends
  Food and Dining	Different dorms have different stuff to eat
  Dorm Life	Some of the dorms are old without A/C
  Academic Rigor	Depends on your major but if you keep up with your work it should be manageable. Unless you're a biochem major. Ohh boy.
  Tips for prospective students	Definitely visit the campus before committing. The large campus can be overwhelming.
  In three sentences	It's has a large student population. Greek system is also very popular. It's not as diverse as some other schools even though there are lots of people attending.

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• Lavell from Matteson, IL

  08/14/2012

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  159 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Clubs and Activities	Over 1,000 clubs!!
  Great for these types of students	Engineering, Psychologists, its a large campus with a lot of students so be social!
  What to do for fun	Parties are great, alot of things go around campus town.!
  Food and Dining	FOOD IS AWESOME!!
  Dorm Life	As with any college freshman encouraged to live on campus the first year, here it's mandatory, and for good reason. The dorms are perfect, but there is an option to get private certified housing for more alone time.
  In three sentences	This university is a high quality institution, with a large cast of dedicated undergraduate students. Along with it's professional faculty and cultural expansion, this experience is one of great valor. I highly recommend The University of Illinois to any aspiring student.

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• Edeth from Northbrook, IL

  08/15/2012

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  160 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Campus Safety	There are constantly police alerts, but there is SafeWalks and SafeRides to help you get around at night, just don't walk around alone at night.
  Greek Life	The biggest in the country.
  Clubs and Activities	So many to choose from, it's impossible to not find one you want.
  Great for these types of students	Outgoing and willing to go out on a limb and enjoy themselves. This place is also good for people who are more independent.
  Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus	I think it's not talked about enough, but the arboretum is a beautiful place on campus, albeit extremely out of the way unless you live at FAR or PAR. As for unusual traditions, it's said that anyone who steps on Morrow Plots (the oldest agricultural experiment) will be instantly expelled. It is also said that a ghost lives in the english building
  Bang for the buck	Obviously this school is more affordable than many others, and if you want to be part of Greek life, this is where to do it. We claim to have the biggest Greek system in the country, so if you want to join a fraternity or sorority, it's fairly simple.
  What to do for fun	Besides the normal college stuff, the student union (Illini Union) has bowling, a mini arcade, and pool. With a car, it's easy to go to more fun places, like corn mazes in the fall. The mall is near by, 10 minutes by car, 45 by bus. There's also lots of clubs to keep your time occupied.
  Food and Dining	I didn't gain the freshman 15 at all, in fact, I lost weight, since I wasn't a fan of the food. It's very uniform food, everything probably started out frozen. It's easy to get your daily nutrition, but not taste isn't something to strive for.
  Dorm Life	I found it pretty easy to make friends in my dorm, and I liked how clean the rooms were. I lived in a Living Learning Community, which makes making friends a lot easier. The showers are cleaned daily, which was nice, and there's plenty to do inside the dorms, like having a workout room and a pool table.
  Academic Rigor	As an engineer, the program is extremely time consuming and requires constant work. The other schools are much less difficult, however you'll never do well academically if you don't apply yourself.
  Tips for prospective students	Be prepared for the big school environment. Attention isn't individual, so it's easy to get lost in the crowd, but there is always opportunity to seek out help, whether it's academic or emotional. Also, getting along with your roommate is important, you don't have to be best friends, but it's nice to not be on bad terms.
  In three sentences	UIUC is an amazing school full of wonderful opportunities. Since it's such a big school, there are so many activities available, including sky diving club. With all the students, it's easy to find your niche and people you can get along with.

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• Mei from Champaign, IL

  08/25/2012

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  161 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Campus Safety	They send alerts out to the college email accounts as soon as something happens on campus. It's a good system. Hey, there's a fire over here. Stay away. However, there are just as many sleazy drunk rapist types as there are on any campus. Everyone should protect themselves at night and be extra careful when walking or biking while inebriated. This isn't Pleasantville.
  Greek Life	It's crazy. Huge Greek scene on campus.
  Great for these types of students	Studious and responsible students who also like to have a good time.
  Bang for the buck	It's a decent priced public institution and it's highly regarded. Considered a public ivy. Plus, cost of living is a lot cheaper than going to school in a metro area.
  What to do for fun	Bars, school events (there is literally a club for everything), plays and performances, fine dining, pool parties, you name it. Just your average Midwestern town with a funky college kid feel. Oh! The Ebert film festival, Sweet corn festival, and Blues Festival. Farmer's market in Urbana is every Saturday with live music and awesome produce!
  Food and Dining	There's a little something for everyone on and off campus. Enjoy!
  Dorm Life	I never lived in the dorms. I can imagine it's awful.
  Academic Rigor	It's not Yale or Harvard, but there are times of the year it sure feels like it. You were approved for a 500 level class? Good. Prepare for you soul to slowly be sucked out of you by the end of the semester.
  Tips for prospective students	It's big. It's sprawling. Get a bike. Chances are if you are doing Gen-Eds you will be all over the place. Oh, and parking is RIDICULOUS. Just take the bus and bike.
  In three sentences	This school is great, hipster and hopping enough to be fun but also all the resources you need to be studious. I really like it here. There are a lot of opportunities and a lot of different kinds of people.

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• Veronika from Chicago, IL

  08/28/2012

  Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.

  162 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  In three sentences	I actually go to the University of Minnesota right now but U of I is very similar-both great schools!!

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• Marissa from Hillside, IL

  09/05/2012

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  163 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Campus Safety	IT IS VERY SAFE! If you're ever walking alone late at night, there are numbers to call so people can come and walk with you. The buses run until about 5AM, there are numbers you can call to have you picked up from locations for days the bus stops running.
  What to do for fun	There are multiple clubs you cant sign up for, or you can even come up with a group of friends to create a group on your own. This is a college town, meaning there are all types of activities. There is never a moment when you should be bored. There are things such as a bowling alley and an ice skating rink on campus.
  Food and Dining	There is a LARGE variety of food from various cultures. There are also different places to eat on campus which becomes very convenient for those who get out of class later than others.
  Dorm Life	Singles, doubles, and triples are all nice here at U of I. There are multiple dorms, some being co-ed and others are not.
  Academic Rigor	The school wants all students to be the best they can be. There are office hours for students that need that extra help, but if the student can't make the scheduled office hours all they have to do is contact their teacher to make a personal appointment.
  Tips for prospective students	-Apply EARLY. -Answer the last optional essay on the application, it really does help. -Don't be shy to contact the school, or contact someone via Facebook or Twitter if you have any questions in regards to anything. The whole campus is friendly.
  In three sentences	UIUC is great school to come to for those who are serious about furthering their education in ANY area. We have some of the top ranked majors in the country as a whole. There are also a large amount of people that are opening to assisting you with anything you need help with whether it's school related or not.

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• yogi from Urbana, IL

  09/06/2012

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  164 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  In three sentences	It is one of the best engineering colleges in USA. i can say that the staff and faculty of the CS department is amazing. I cant really comment on anything other then the CS department

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• Joyre from Frankfort, IL

  09/15/2012

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  165 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  What to do for fun	There are plenty of things to do for fun here! Concerts, Football games, Shopping at the mall, Going out to the Movie Theater, Parties, Talent shows, Events hosted by various Organizations...
  Food and Dining	The food here is great.
  Dorm Life	The dorms are great!
  Academic Rigor	As a transfer student, I would say that academically the classes at UIUC are more demanding and challenging than some other schools.
  In three sentences	This is a great school! The campus is huge, and beautiful and creates an environment in which students are motivated to excel academically. Everyone is friendly, and there are plenty of organizations to get involved with here.

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• Jeremy from Illinois

  10/10/2012

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  166 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  What to do for fun	Whatever you are into you will find it here. Intramural sports, gaming, partying, academic clubs, etc. You will find people with similar interests.
  Food and Dining	Public Dining is great, and stay away from Illini Tower food.
  Dorm Life	Apply for your dorm early to ensure you get your top choice.
  Academic Rigor	You will be challenged in most of your classes, however there are always those classes that are very simple.
  Tips for prospective students	Get an understanding of the campus early. Get a bike if you dont like walking long distances.
  In three sentences	A great place to be with tons of great people. There is always something going on. You will find something that you have in common with other people here.

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• Khadijah from Chicago, IL

  10/15/2012

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  167 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Campus Safety	The university if huge on safety. One item they have is safe rides, which is open to university students if they need to be picked up late at night and have no way home. They send emails immediately if something occurred and the entire university needs to be notified. They make all freshman, international and transfer students attend seminars and workshops dedicated to drinking, smoking and raping.
  Greek Life	There over 10 fraternities and sororities. A majority of both host parties or events that may charge a fee in order to raise money to support a charity or another organization.
  Clubs and Activities	There are many. Here are a few: LGTBQ (lesbian, gay, transgender, bisexual and queer), Knitting Illini, Illini Late Nighter, Majors and Minors Fair, Girls next Door (singing), Hypnotic (dance crew) and Miss/ Mr. U of I.
  Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus	One tradition is Wear a hijab Day. It happens in October where women are given a Hijab to wear all day, no matter the ethnicity, to see how they are treated by others. At the end of the day, you can attend a meeting that discusses what happen and possibly be interviewed.
  What to do for fun	If there is not something fun in the dorm you live, there are a plethora of activities to do outside. One event that occurs monthly is called Illini late Nighter. It last from 9 pm to 3 am of over 30 activities that occur simultaneously and even open to the public. Everything is free.
  Food and Dining	The building I live in, has an attached dining hall which everyone loves. There are students who travel to our dorm area just to eat there. Because the school attends to the needs of students, there was an event called late night that last from 8 pm to midnight to students can have a late night snack if needed.
  Dorm Life	The dorm life is fun. I personally live in a building that is connected to three other buildings. In my building, it is all females and there is always something to do. Once a week, there is an activity that can reach out to one sex or both and can be fun and advising.
  Academic Rigor	The courses range from easy to extremely hard whether it is a an honors program or an 8-week course. As the student, you have to be the one to take initiative.
  Tips for prospective students	Seek assistance quickly when you notice your grades are not up to its highest standards. Do not wait for the professor to approach you, because he or she may not; be the first to help yourself and others around you. Do not be afraid to ask questions; there is always someone wondering the same question or idea but does not have enough courage to do so.
  In three sentences	University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is a largely populated community where students succeed. As a big 10 school, students are both academically prepared while also providing assistance to others. There are numerous opportunities to attending this university beginning with internships to community service projects.

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• Paulina from Orland Park, IL

  10/18/2012

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  168 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Clubs and Activities	Quad day is the big day where you see all of the clubs and activities. The main quad, or area, on this day is filled with the booths for nearly all of the clubs and activities on campus. There is a whole variety, which allows all the students to pursue their desires to participate in all levels.
  Food and Dining	Food can be a hit or miss, there are times where the food is amazing and it leaves you wanting more. Then there are times where you decide that cereal may seem to be the better option for the night. Some dining halls have the same meals every day, yet the meals are a large variety. But the downside is that eating becomes habit and eventually boring. Other dining halls have different meals every day, which is where the idea of hit or miss comes in.
  Dorm Life	The dorms are in good shape, the rooms are not too small and it fits enough for two college students. They provide a desk, a sturdy but still comfortable bed, a closet, and a drawer; the basic necessities to live. There are new events every week, that the dorm hosts in order to meet new people, which always give the opportunity of a fun experience. Dorm life is fun and different, to say the least.
  Academic Rigor	It depends on your schedule, but the more classes you add the more academically challenging the classes are. Each class requires time and effort, it is difficult but you know that you are getting an education.
  Tips for prospective students	This university provides you with a new kind of independence where it is all on you. You do your homework and you balance your schedule, so remember to keep a balance and your head on straight. Do not put too much stress on yourself but at the same time remember that too much relaxation will not get you anywhere either.
  In three sentences	A school that is constantly providing new opportunities to build an individual in the way that they choose; good or bad. There are many opportunities to learn and grow through a great education. Yet, in turn, there are chances to have too much fun and go too far; thus building yourself in the wrong way.

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• Jacqueline from Gurnee, IL

  10/19/2012

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  169 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Campus Safety	Very eÃ?Â?Ã?Â?icient. If anything ever goes down, I always get a text and an email very soon after. It isn't a dangerous campus though. Just follow your common sense.
  Greek Life	Pretty strong here. They give pretty awesome parties too.
  Clubs and Activities	I don't think you want an extensive list, it would be pretty long. Just go to quad day and you will know what I mean.
  Great for these types of students	Engineers, party animals, cowboys, and tree huggers
  Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus	Red Herring! The best vegan place I have ever been to. It is a total hidden gem right next to the quad in the basement oÃ?Â? a building. The Ã?Â?ood is great by any standards and the atmosphere is very Ã?Â?un. DeÃ?Â?inately check out one oÃ?Â? their dinner nights, they always have neat perÃ?Â?ormances going on.
  Bang for the buck	Its still pretty pricey. I recommend getting some gen eds out of the way at a community college before you come.
  What to do for fun	Party, duh.
  Food and Dining	Has gotten sooooo much better these past few years. You will not be disappointed!
  Dorm Life	Pretty fun. Cramped, but definitely a worthy experience.
  Academic Rigor	Its pretty demanding in the science fields, but with hard work, it can be done.
  Tips for prospective students	Ã?Â?ind a good preÃ?Â?essor to advise you and do not rely on an actual advisor! The school is so big and there are so Ã?Â?ew advisors that they cannot give you the attention you need or deserve
  In three sentences	The University is very diverse in its culture, its studies, and its populations. Truly it is a hub oÃ?Â? learning, and the campus is beautiÃ?Â?ul no matter the season. Just don't sit next to the bushes in the Ã?Â?all months, there are these little flies that are alive that time of year that love to nibble at people's Ã?Â?lesh!

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• Katharine from Elburn, IL

  10/24/2012

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  170 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Greek Life	Huge part of campus. Many options. All very into partying, but also very serious about their studies.
  Clubs and Activities	Over 1,000 options! Anything you can possibly think of, you can find here.
  What to do for fun	Anything! Get involved in activities, walk down green street, lay on the quad, go swimming or ice skating, go to the mall, go to parties.
  Food and Dining	Offer a large variety of foods at various dining halls, including many vegetarian and vegan options. Very nice that students can eat at any dining hall on campus. Not many healthy options.
  Dorm Life	Dorms are small, just like on any campus. Resident Advisors strive to offer fun opportunities for residents and to meet other people on their floor.
  Academic Rigor	Classes are difficult, but definitely manageable, as long as you choose classes that you know you can handle. Get a good deal of homework (often optional). Largest part of grades is test, so you have to make sure you are prepared.
  Tips for prospective students	Don't be intimidated by the big size! You can make it much smaller by taking time to get to know the professors and forming your niche in the college community by getting involved on campus.
  In three sentences	Great school academically, not only for engineering and business, which it is more well known for, but also for lesser known programs such as kinesiology and pre-vet. Has countless opportunities for getting involved on campus - almost too many for someone that is interested in virtually everything! If in a smaller major (such as mine, Materials Science and Engineering), you are able to get the small-school feel as well as the big-school.

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• ShadowCat

  10/25/2012

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  171 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  What to do for fun	The are sports activities for athletic students like a tennis court, basketball, ice skating, and hockey. There is a arcade for students to play with friends in co-op video games. The student can go to recreation center to excersies with friends.
  Food and Dining	The food at the campus have familiar place that students are used to eating at. Around the campus are other dining that offer discounts to students. The food is based on cultural cuisine for the adventurous eater.
  Dorm Life	The dorms have a variety of people to meet and greet. The dorms have different specialty restaurants for students to eat at. The dorms have a libraries, computer labs, and laundry rooms open 24 hours.
  Academic Rigor	The academics at the university can be hard from the transition from high school work to college level work and study habits. To succeed with the academic at the university is time management. Use all of the professor office hours and tutor session to keep grades up.
  Tips for prospective students	My first tip is to get the teacher syllabus to see what books you need for the class but wait for two to three weeks to avoid long lines and the out of stock bookstore. If you want to save money buy your textbook used or rent the text for that semester. Always applied to scholarships to help your parents pay off the tuition.
  In three sentences	The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is the top quality university for updates with the students through personal email. The university have concern for the students safety. The university has a variety of resource for student to get the help they need tutors for the class they are taking.

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• Elena L.

  11/05/2012

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  172 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Campus Safety	The university does put in the effort to make sure that parents feel safe about their children attending the university and that students feel safe about attending.
  Greek Life	Based on what I'm told from friends, the Greek life here is difficult, as it is everywhere, I'm sure, but they're glad they chose to rush/pledge.
  Clubs and Activities	I'm personally not involved in too many clubs, but the ones I am involved in are a ton of fun. More than just looking impressive on a resume, they are actually a nice way to meet people.
  Great for these types of students	I'm not saying that this college isn't a good fit if you don't like to work hard, but you definitely have to be willing to put in the extra effort and be proactive in your college course load.
  Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus	Squirrel watching.
  Bang for the buck	As an out of state student, I have to pay a high tuition, but I know it'll be worth it at the end of the four years.
  What to do for fun	There is always something to do on campus, even on a Wednesday night. Even if you don't like to go out and party on the weekends because you're not about that kind of lifestyle, then that's okay because there will be other people like you. Or if you do like to go out and party every day, there will also be people like you.
  Food and Dining	You have to be careful about where you go to get food, and even at that, dorm food does get really boring after a while. Luckily there are a ton of food places located on Green Street. Just remember that eating out does get expensive!
  Dorm Life	Although the dorms are relatively small, I love the feeling of dorm life because there are always people around. People here are really friendly, so it's easy to make friends, especially living in a dorm.
  Academic Rigor	As an engineering student, I do have to take one of the most difficult and most demanding course loads offered by the university. Going to office hours has definitely helped me, whether the office hours are held by my professor or a TA.
  Tips for prospective students	College is nothing like high school, so be prepared to have a shocking awakening when you get a low exam score or if you feel like you can't handle all your work. However, there are so many sources of academic help, so should you feel like you're struggling, you will be able to pick yourself up. Just be prepared.
  In three sentences	I am extremely glad I came half way across the country for college, because it has been such a great experience so far. The fact that the university has such a great atmosphere makes the experience so much better, as well.

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• Anthony from Chicago, IL

  11/06/2012

  Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.

  173 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Bang for the buck	Definitely a value school
  What to do for fun	The sky is the limit.
  Food and Dining	I had great food on campus and there are a lot of nice places around the campus as well.
  Dorm Life	I have not yet experience it.
  Academic Rigor	I believe it is a top-notch academic community based university
  Tips for prospective students	Don't hesitate to apply.
  In three sentences	I think it's a fantastic school. By far, one of the top ranked in the region.

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• Priscilla from Posen, IL

  11/07/2012

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  174 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Food and Dining	There is a dining hall at just about every residence hall on campus. Each is different, so make sure you try each one while you live at the dorms. It's a great way to mix up your meals so they don't get repetitive.
  Dorm Life	Make your dorm into a home. Turn your friends into your family. This is where you will be living, so make sure you love it.
  Academic Rigor	Academics are fair. Every major has it's ups and it's downs, it is just a matter of how much time you plan to put in. If you don't make the effort you will fail. If you do all of your work you will get great results.
  Tips for prospective students	If you want to attend here, be ready to put yourself out there and join an organization that you will fully commit to. I recommend being especially friendly the first couple of weeks since that is when most people find the people they hang out with most. Also, make sur you find a balance between school and play because once the semester starts, it will not stop.
  In three sentences	The University of Illinois is a huge school with great traditions. There is always something to do, whether it is academic or social. Illinois will have a place for you.

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• Just Some Guy

  11/14/2012

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  175 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  What to do for fun	Whatever the hell you want to do. Seriously.
  Food and Dining	Occasionally there will be something decent and there are usually several choices, but the dining hall food is generally pretty bland, the meat is almost always dry, and, even when extremely hungry, there is no appeal to going to the dining hall past eating to stay alive or using the full meal plan you have payed for.
  Dorm Life	Being in one of the worst dorm halls on campus my opinion may be skewed here, but Forbes Hall, while it doesn't have any horrible issues, is not the best place to live. After this year it is actually being torn down, though, so anyone looking to apply for the 2013-2014 school year or after can ignore this.
  Academic Rigor	This varies by major, but if you're in an engineering major expect to do some work.
  Tips for prospective students	Learn where your classes are and have a basic idea of the bus routes before your first day of class. The campus is big enough that you may not find where your classes are, though being able to check a map of the campus on your phone makes it easier.
  In three sentences	UIUC has a big campus, and a ton of people. There is definitely no shortage of things to do here at any time, regardless of your personal taste in entertainment. While you'll have to check on your own for your particular major of choice, many of the programs at U of I are among the best in the nation, which in the case of US universities also means the world.

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• Chloe from Urbana, IL

  11/15/2012

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  176 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  What to do for fun	go out on the quad!
  Tips for prospective students	Don't cram! Make sure to study a little everyday and join an organization!
  In three sentences	It is one of the funkiest schools ever! With awesome students and professors, you're bound to love it! No matter what type of person you are, you will make a whole lot of friends that will be with you for life.

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• Ashley from Urbana, IL

  11/19/2012

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  177 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  What to do for fun	Go for a walk around the campus or around town, go bicycling, go shopping at Marketplace Mall, go for a road trip.
  Food and Dining	It's all-you-can-eat dining, but the cheese does get too much. Sometimes I feel like all I eat here are basically cheese stuff, even though there are a lot of salads and vegies to choose from.
  Dorm Life	Great dorm life if you're willing to mingle with others. Go out of your comfort zone but be yourself. The people here are open to others, and you'll learn all sorts of things from them, and scour valuable information from the seniors or anyone holding any kinds of positions.
  Academic Rigor	So far economics is okay, but not that strong. For majors like engineering, it is REALLY rigorous, from what I heard from my ECE major friend, but I haven't heard that much from other majors.
  Tips for prospective students	Come here with the spirit to to better than what you've given in high school. Learn time management skills before coming here and know that you will really, really need to know how to prioritize your life.
  In three sentences	It's a great university if you're finding one that is good at pretty much every single subject. It is a tough school, but the atmosphere here would make you want to study harder and give more on your assignments and homework. But choose Illinois for the majors that is best here: engineering, psychology, and the sciences, and the undeclared.

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• Jvon from Rantoul, IL

  11/21/2012

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  178 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Campus Safety	For security you have the Champaign police, the University police walking around all the time and you have the Illinois state police and the cook county Sheriff department, and a security firm. A lot of protection.
  Clubs and Activities	You have fraternities and sororities. In addition to, having the young Democrats and the young Republicans. There is even a political science club and many other different types of clubs to join.
  Bang for the buck	The University has many libraries some of which offer twenty four service to students and even in the dorms they have twenty four hour computer lab service for studying.
  What to do for fun	There is bowling, game rooms available, and a gym to workout in or you can play basketball.
  Food and Dining	There are many options when it comes to dining, all you have to do is just pick. It ranges from Burgers to sandwiches to chicken to Pizza anything a college student would love to eat.
  Dorm Life	I'm a transfer student from the city college of Chicago,IL so I do not live in the dorm
  Academic Rigor	You must put your time and afford towards your academic studies so that you don't get on academic probation.
  Tips for prospective students	Come with an open mind and willing to learn new things from new people. Come willing to work in a group setting. And take advantage of this great opportunity by attending such a prestigious university
  In three sentences	It's a very big campus with many options to chose a major. The professor here are very friendly and there is a great opportunity to make new friends from different ethnic backgrounds to learn different cultures and experience new and exciting things.

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• Cody from Knoxville, IL

  11/28/2012

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  179 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Clubs and Activities	The parkour club and tricking club are great ways to stay active while meeting awesome people and doing awesome stuff.
  What to do for fun	Anything that you want; the opportunities are endless.
  Tips for prospective students	The first thing to do is get involved with a club or two. It is a great way to meet like-minded friends.
  In three sentences	It is a fantastic university with huge diversity of students, schooling, and things to do. Though it is a large school, everyone can find his/her niche.

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• Trumpet Player

  11/28/2012

  Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.

  180 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  What to do for fun	Marching Illini!
  Food and Dining	I personally haven't had the food here, but I've heard good things about it. If you live in University housing, you can eat in any of the dining halls. All the dining halls offer specials on certain days.
  Dorm Life	I like the Learning Living Communities. It seems like a fun way to start college and make friends who share similar interests.
  Academic Rigor	It offers most any course you can think of. I liked the variety of classes available. I know even if I want to change my major, they will have whatever else I'm looking for.
  In three sentences	It has a great campus and a college feel. There are countless opportunities and has a great community of students.

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• Christine

  11/29/2012

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  181 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  What to do for fun	Go out, watch a movie, sleep, hang with friends
  Food and Dining	A lot of options of where to go, so pick your favorite or try something new. There is something for everyone and the food is pretty good.
  Dorm Life	The dorms are nicely furnished and have good accommodations. I would recommend trying to get into a dorm with AC because it can get pretty hot at the beginning and the end of the year.
  Academic Rigor	The Chemical Engineering program is quite rigorous, but the general education classes are definitely doable.
  Tips for prospective students	Make your essay stand out. Grades and extra-curricular activities can only take you so far. Look into other opportunities like studying abroad or undergraduate research..
  In three sentences	The engineering program is very highly rated (for a good reason) and there are lots of opportunities to get involved with professional organizations. The social scene is also fun, with a large Greek system and many things to do around campus. Don't write off UIUC just because everyone goes there, because you could be missing out on a great college education and an ideal place to spend 4 amazing years.

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• Max from MT Prospect, IL

  12/28/2012

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  182 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Campus Safety	There is infrequent violent crime that is immediately addressed by Campus, Urbana, and Champaign police. Theft is very common especially in the fitness centers. The University also provides students with SafeRides and SafeWalks.
  Greek Life	There is a VERY big Greek system here, but it can be easily avoided if you're not into partying. Peer pressure can be a very strong influence, so choose your friends wisely and don't be afraid to say no and make your own choices.
  Clubs and Activities	With over 1,000 to choose from, there are clubs for everyone! Sky diving, volunteering, sports, October lovers, squirrel chasers, theater fans, etc.
  Bang for the buck	There are so many opportunities open to students at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. From study abroad, to volunteering, and career exploration, UIUC helps guide students through college.
  What to do for fun	Volunteer, go to sporting events, go see concerts and plays at The Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, get involved in Registered Student Organizations, hang with friends.
  Food and Dining	Wide variety of decent buffet-style food.
  Dorm Life	Wide variety of places to live at throughout the campus. Some dorms also have Living Learning Communities (LLC) that focus on a certain topic such as environmental sustainability, women in math and science, and maintaining a small-college feel.
  Academic Rigor	Many general education classes are easy, but it is imperative that students stay on top of their homework and projects, as many classes have very few assignments (some only have 2-3 tests the entire semester) and each assignment can really affect your grade. There are, however, a number of places like The Writer's Workshop and the career center that provide tutoring and homework help.
  Tips for prospective students	Maintain good grades in high school and do your best on the ACT and SAT. Don't stress out about application essays, but be sure to devote adequate time to developing a thorough answer to the prompt and enough time to edit them. The application essays will be used by the university to help determine scholarship and honors distributions to incoming freshman.
  In three sentences	The University of Illinois gives students the resources to explore many career paths, so that they can find the one that suits them best. There is a definite sense of community throughout the campus that helps students connect to one another. The opportunities to volunteer and get involved in organizations are phenomenal.

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• Angelica from Streamwood, IL

  12/28/2012

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  183 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Food and Dining	The food is usually the same every week.
  Dorm Life	Dorm life is very social and friendly.
  Academic Rigor	It is a difficult school but worth it.
  Tips for prospective students	Stay on top of your studies and do not party too much.
  In three sentences	It is a really good time. The school is based on TAs and Professors so you have to get used to large classes. You gain a quality education.

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• Kelly from Elburn, IL

  01/02/2013

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  184 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Greek Life	I am in greek life and I absolutely love it! It provides many social opportunities and great friendships.
  Clubs and Activities	If you can think of any club, U of I has it.
  Great for these types of students	Determined, Organized
  Bang for the buck	It is certainly a very good school but I believe they over charge. Especially for being a public school.
  What to do for fun	For fun most people just go out to frat parties or the bars.
  Food and Dining	The food is about average. Some days it's really good and others I decided to just eat the cereal because I know it's safe.
  Dorm Life	I absolutely love the dorms. Many of my good friends live in my hallway. It is especially nice living in the dorms when you need academic help. Generally someone else is in your class and can help you.
  Academic Rigor	This school is very challenging. Especially the classes in the science departments.
  Tips for prospective students	Write determined essays that show you want to be part of this University. Once you get here, don't be shy. Show everyone who you are, and join as many things as you can handle.
  In three sentences	The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is an excellent University. They provide many opportunities for students to research and publish their work. This University truly looks to help its' students.

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• Kayla from Peoria, IL

  01/02/2013

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  185 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Campus Safety	The University of Illinois has, by far, one of the safest campuses in Illinois. Between the bus system, safe walks, and safe rides you are guaranteed to never be out alone past night fall. There are also Illini Alerts to let you know where robberies or other mishaps have occured.
  Greek Life	If you're looking to go Greek, pledging will be no problem for you. Fraternities and sororities are plentiful at the University of Illinois. There so many different types all dependent on what you want from your college experience.
  Clubs and Activities	There are so many clubs at the University of Illinois, it's hard to know where to start. There are clubs that revolve around majors and look good on resumes such as an engineering club. Or there are also clubs just for fun, such as the movie-watchers club.
  Great for these types of students	Illinois is a large enough campus that anyone could find where they fit in. It's obviously not for those that are looking for a small campus.
  Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus	One of my favorite places on campus is unique to the University of Illinois. Our undergraduate library. It was built underground in order not to block the sun from our famous Morrow Plots (the oldest experimental soil in the United States).
  Bang for the buck	The University of Illinois is expensive! Although, the university is known for its excellent academic and research programs. A little extra money is no match to the degree with the reference of Illinois.
  What to do for fun	Illinois has a the good talent of keeping people busy. There is no boring day between our recreation centers, bowling at the union, concerts at Assembly Hall, even gazing at the stars in our observatory. It's harder to be bored than find something to do!
  Food and Dining	There is always something to eat on campus that you will enjoy. There are at least ten different dining halls on campus that each have there own menu, as well as many specialty restaurants for those that are vegetarian or vegan. The university has made eating easier by putting up menus online also.
  Dorm Life	Dorms are a great way to meet people at the University of Illinois. There is a Resident Adviser (RA) for each floor that makes sure things are running smoothly. The RA's will usually hold open door contests or other floor activities to promote each student's social life.
  Academic Rigor	Illinois consists of both hard and easy classes. The difficulty of the class is dependent on the class taken and the professor the class is being taken with. The university is greatly known for its sciences. Therefore, science classes are typically harder than a math or English class.
  Tips for prospective students	Prospective students can't be afraid to meet professors! Even if they are not yet enrolled, meeting professors and advisers can give you the heads up on what classes can be like. Come on a campus visit and sit in on a lecture while you're at it.
  In three sentences	I love the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign! The large campus ensures friends and there are an infinite number of clubs to join. Classes are tough, but there are tutoring labs in nearly any building.

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• Fanny from Chicago, IL

  01/02/2013

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  186 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Bang for the buck	School gives out good money, yet I recommend applying for scholarships yearly!
  What to do for fun	There is never anything to do on campus. Whether it be cheering for the football team, bowling in the Union Station, or relaxing on the main quad! The campus has numerous of clubs and sports available for students to join or the student him or herself can create one !
  Food and Dining	There are many cafeterias throughout campus in which the student can go and eat. Food is decent but as always it does get tiring of eating just cafeteria food.
  Dorm Life	Dorm life is amazing! All the friends you meet on your floor besides your roommates. Some buildings have its ups and downs but overall all buildings have activities for the students or even the floor itself has competitions for best decorated door.
  Academic Rigor	Academics are no jokes on campus. Students spend majority of the days and many hours at the libraries when its mid terms and finals week. It is a top fifty national ranked university so be prepared to study!
  Tips for prospective students	I would recommend visiting campus and picturing yourself spending the next four years there. Take a walk around campus during passing periods and talk a walk around the Kirby/ Florida avenues and check out all the sport fields and football stadium! Don't hesitate to ask a student about his or her life on campus!
  In three sentences	First year and I absolutely LOVE the University of Illinois at Urbana- Champaign. It is a Big Ten Campus so campus has so much blue and orange school spirit, which is amazing to be part of! However, it is also a top fifty ranked campus so academics are challenging yet worth it in the end.

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• Emily from Chicago, IL

  01/04/2013

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  187 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  What to do for fun	Partying.
  Food and Dining	You get tired of it pretty quickly.
  Dorm Life	Some halls are better than others.
  Academic Rigor	Not very tough.
  Tips for prospective students	School for engineering majors.
  In three sentences	It's big. It's not very diverse. It's rural.

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• Marisa from Hampshire, IL

  01/04/2013

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  188 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Campus Safety	Campus at the university is very safe. There are many resources available in order to make campus a safer place as well. You can call safe walk and two people will arrive at your location and will proceed to walk you to your destination, free of charge. There is also safe ride that can be called, where a police officer will pick you up and drive you to your destination, no questions asked and also free of charge. Bus services run all day and all night, and there are blue emergency light poles located throughout campus as well. Dormitory access is limited to those with an identification card that will grant entry into that dormitory alone. You must swipe in at the door and also at the stairs or elevator entrance to gain access to any of the floors as well. As long as you make good decisions and do not walk alone late at night, safety will not be an issue.
  Greek Life	Greek life is very big on campus. There are many fraternities or sororities to choose from, covering a wide range of academics or causes. If you are interested in joining a fraternity or sorority, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has a large Greek life spread throughout campus. The Greek life here provides an enriching college experience whether or not you have joined a fraternity or sorority by providing fundraising opportunities, advertising on the quad, or just being seen throughout campus.
  Clubs and Activities	The University has something to offer everyone. There are so many clubs, organizations, and activities to choose from, it is unbelievable. There are sports clubs, dance clubs, volunteer organizations, religious groups, virtually anything you can think of! Medical research groups, science groups, an inventing club, there is even a medieval sword fighting club. Clubs and activities at this university are unbeatable in quality and extremely versatile as well.
  Great for these types of students	The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is great for students that are willing to work hard for what they want, not only in school but in life as well. It has something to interest everyone on campus, and if the university does not have it, you can make it. This university is great for students that dream big and are willing to work to make anything happen. It is also great for anyone that is adventurous and willing to try new things, because that is what the college experience is all about.
  Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus	Legend has it that if you go to Lincoln Hall and rub the nose on the Abraham Lincoln bust before an exam, that you will have good luck on that test. During finals week of the first semester, Snyder Hall hosts Dial-a-Tune where you can call and request a Christmas song to hear or to send to anyone in the 217 area code. There are many unusual locations on campus, for example the Krannert Art Building has a little garden behind it with statues and figurines; it is a comfortable, quiet place to sit and relax or even to study with friends or by yourself. The arboretum is also an unusual but beautiful place to go. It is very beautiful and really lets you keep in touch with nature. It is serene and a lovely place to see, especially in the spring.
  Bang for the buck	Although it is very expensive, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is an absolutely wonderful school. You will graduate with a higher level problem solving ability, be more able to think critically, and more likely to succeed in the workforce by graduating from this university. The professors are so intelligent and at the same time so willing to help you accomplish your academic and personal goals. They are amazing people that truly care about the futures of their students. Attending this university will make you more able to succeed by pushing you to new levels. The quality of education that you receive here is beyond great, and attending here will reap an abundant reward.
  What to do for fun	There are so many things to do for fun, it is unbelievable! For starters, joining a club or student organization is a great way to meet people and have fun. With some, you can even volunteer and raise money for good causes. Then there are the Activities and Recreation Center (ARC) and the Campus Recreation Center-East (CRCE). These have many physical fitness related activities to offer. At the ARC, you can take fitness classes for fun or just go there to play basketball or lift weights. It even has a rock climbing wall. CRCE has a great indoor pool, and they have a hot tub too. The Student Union has many places to grab lunch with friends and has bowling lanes in the lower level. There is a great shopping mall a short bus ride away, and downtown Champaign is a great place to look at the little shops and boutiques with friends. Sports games are on the cheaper side for students and are always an exciting way to show school pride while having fun and watching your favorite sport. (Some events students can get in for free!) There are also many places to go to eat, especially down and off of Green Street. Campus is full of so many things to do, you will never find yourself bored or without anything to do.
  Food and Dining	All university dining halls are nice. The Ikenberry is rather large, but has many options to choose from and will have something for everyone. Busey- Evans is very small but has great food and their Beanery is delicious! Illinois Street Residence has great Mexican food and a ton of seating. Pennsylvania Avenue Residence has an absolutely wonderful stir-fry station, and Lincoln Avenue Residence has awesome breakfast-for-dinner. The chefs usually try to come up with new dishes so you are not eating the same thing every meal, but sometimes it gets a little redundant. If that happens, just go to a different dining hall for that night! Also, the salt content is a tad bit high in the food but it is not terrible. There is plenty of seating in all of the dining halls mentioned above, and each has its own flavor to it. Overall, the food and dining experience is great.
  Dorm Life	Dorm life is great! The Ikenberry Commons (also known as the six pack) is amazing. You are given so many opportunities to meet so many new people. Many lasting friendships will be formed because of the dorm experiences given here. Residence Assistants are very nice and will help with anything you need. Common areas in the dorms are usually very quiet and great to study in. There are also activities hosted by the Resident Assistants or by the dorm itself that are very fun and a great way to meet more people.
  Academic Rigor	To be completely truthful, this university is very difficult. The curriculum is extremely rigorous and always keeps you on your toes. In order to succeed, you need to study. Good studying reaps great academic benefits. The more you put into your homework and studying, the more you will get out of the material and the better you will do on exams. Exams are extremely important and are a high percentage of your final grade. Work hard and it will definitely pay off.
  Tips for prospective students	Work and study hard for the grades you want. The more effort you put in, the more reward, knowledge, and experience you will get out. Take advantage of all the opportunities given, because you may not ever get these opportunities again. The university is large, but has so many organizations and activities available to students that it makes the school seem smaller. It has something for everyone and you will never be bored. Get out and be active and involved in campus life. Join those clubs, go to the ARC, volunteer, play club sports or do intramurals. Never be afraid to ask or get help; the professors are there to help you in any way they can; it is their job to do so. Asking for help can never hurt, it can only benefit. Academically, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is tough. However, it is well worth the hard work, because the university is â??ranked as a top pick for graduates best prepared and most able to succeedâ?? by a Wall Street Journal study. You will not only get a great educational experience here, but you will get an amazing college experience. You have the resources here to make and accomplish goals in life, learn and be successful, and fulfill your dreams. Do not be afraid to reach for the moon, because you can do anything when you put your mind to it.
  In three sentences	The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is an absolutely amazing university to attend. It has provided an amazing collegiate experience so far, and the academics are of the highest degree. Professors really want the students to learn and expand their knowledge and experiences here, and it truly shows.

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• Anonymous

  01/07/2013

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  189 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Campus Safety	Every so often robberies do occur. The campus does its best to try to prevent it from happening. Cops are everywhere on campus to watch anything that might look suspicious. At night is when things usually occur.
  Clubs and Activities	The University has over 200 clubs and activities for students to join. They are very diverse and their goal is to have students join at least one of these clubs because they are very fun and it makes their college experience so much better.
  Great for these types of students	There are many places students can go to have fun. There are bowling alleys, clubs, movies, gyms, arcades and many other fun activities for students around campus. There are also many restaurants around the campus that would satisfy any college student.
  Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus	The Morrow plots is the oldest crop field in the United States and it is located in the middle of campus for everyone to see. Also every year there is a bike marathon for students that can wear little to no clothes during the race.
  What to do for fun	I usually go to the gym and work out with my friends and play basketball. I also play football with friends in my dorm. When I have spare time I play videogames jog every once in awhile.
  Food and Dining	I used to think that dorm food was the greatest thing ever because I can eat as much as I want. However, eventually you get tired of looking at the same food every three weeks and you will want something different. I go out to eat a lot more often now because I don't like dorm food as much as I used to.
  Dorm Life	I love living in the dorms. It is very easy to build friendly relationships in dorms while also helping each other out with work. I enjoyed living in the dorms so much freshman year that I wanted to live there my sophomore year as well. I made many friends living in my dorm and I encourage students to stay in the dorms at least two years in college.
  Academic Rigor	The work can be difficult. However, if you put in the time to work hard then you won't have any problems. The professors are more than happy to help you and there are also plenty of tutors that are available around campus to help as well.
  Tips for prospective students	Students should know that the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign takes academics very seriously and the number one priority should be your grades. It is very easy to be distracted in college so students should learn how to balance their academic and social life.
  In three sentences	The University of Illinois at Urbana champaign is an outstanding University that helps students prepare for the real world. The professors are very well educated and love to see their students perform at their highest level. UIUC is a fantastic college and I am that I attend there.

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• Sean from Mahomet, IL

  01/11/2013

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  190 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Food and Dining	Excellent. The dining and food is all buffet style with given food plans, as well as small convenience stores that students can use. Hours the dining halls are open are not always perfect for students with a tough workload. A few of them offer late night options for food and the food there is tasty and filling, even if it is not extremely healthy.
  Dorm Life	Life in the dorms is what most would expect; the food is actually really good, and its very easy to be social with those living with you in the dorms. RA's are friendly and helpful for incoming freshman. Some dorms are a bit cramped, but for the most part they are fairly comfortable.
  Academic Rigor	One of the most rigorous, and appropriate schools for any and all majors. The difficulty of the academics reflect the adeptness of the pertaining major in the field after college. Professors and assistants are respected individuals in the real world and know what they're doing.
  Tips for prospective students	Don't get too bogged down with what major you are in during the first couple semesters at college. Taking different classes and joining clubs are the best ways to see what you want to do both in college and afterwards. Networking is also one of the more useful things that a student can do in college.
  In three sentences	The University of Illinois I would say is in the top schools in the nation, not only for its academics, but also because of the copious amounts of opportunities there are to expand career objectives and networking connections. Clubs, classes and other extracurriculars help students broaden their horizons, as well as giving them the experiences necessary to make intelligent career and life choices. I give it an A+

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• Kylie from Champaign, IL

  01/20/2013

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  191 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Campus Safety	I've never had a problem with safety. Of course it is good to travel in groups at night.
  Clubs and Activities	There are so many to choose from! Get involved with your major. I am biased towards Cru and Dance 2XS. I love those clubs!
  Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus	The chief has been banned but will never be forgotten. At sports events we always remember the chief and take time for the 3-in-1 song. It is awesome!
  What to do for fun	Sporting events are really fun! There is always something going on and it is a blast to get in the Illini spirit and cheer on your team.
  Food and Dining	The food is good. It tends to be repetitive, but there is always something to choose from. Dining is a great time to unwind with your friends and hang out after a long day.
  Dorm Life	Dorms are the best way to meet people right off the bat. The rooms may feel small, but every school is like that. It is a blast to have friends on your floor that you can hang out in each others rooms whenever you want. For the girls, it's like having a bunch of closets to choose from!
  Academic Rigor	Academics are a lot tougher than high school, but are worth it. They challenge you to learn new things and push yourself outside of the box.
  Tips for prospective students	Don't let the size of the school scare you. It can be as big or small as you want. Get involved in something that you love to make the school feel like your new home.
  In three sentences	The University of Illinois is the best school I could have chosen, and I am so thankful that I did. I would rate this university at a 10 out of 10. There are so many great professors, opportunities, and people here.

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• Jennifer from Bloomingdale, IL

  01/23/2013

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  192 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Campus Safety	It's a big campus. With that being said, it must be difficult to control so much crime. There's probably something that happens almost every night.
  Greek Life	Biggest in the nation! There's something for everybody.
  Clubs and Activities	Everything. Literally thousands.
  Great for these types of students	adventurous, determined, social, students who can balance and handle stress
  Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus	My favorite tradition is sitting in the student section at football games and participating in all the chants and card flips and dances. It is definitely a good time :]
  Bang for the buck	Yes, it's expensive, a little more expensive than I think a public university should be. But realistically, if you take advantage of all we have to offer, you will get the most of your money.
  What to do for fun	Everything. The advantage of such a big campus like this is that there is literally everything offered. Greek life, bars, ice skating, rock climbing, dances, movie theaters, art theaters... you Google search it and I guarantee this campus has it.
  Food and Dining	Again, I live in private housing and therefore can only eat at Bromley Hall. It's dorm food. You really can't come in expecting the healthiest and most delicious of choices, but they do make the effort at least.
  Dorm Life	Dorm life varies. RESEARCH RESEARCH RESEARCH to find the dorm you think will suit you. (ie. six pack is generally loud and diverse, Bromley [where I live] is big into greek, Allen is artsy, ect)
  Academic Rigor	There's a reason why many employers value a degree from the University of Illinois
  Tips for prospective students	Be flexible. You need to know how to adjust to this new and exciting environment. No matter how big or small your high school was, college is a whole new ball game. What you did won't work, and what you didn't do will kill you. Take your first semester to explore and take chances; don't have specific expectations and prepare to to grow and chance.
  In three sentences	The University of Illinois is a fairly diverse university with 40,000 students. It definitely has the big school feel, both in scale and opportunity. It may be a top party school, but the work load and course vigor is generally challenging.

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• Marc from Niles, IL

  01/27/2013

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  193 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  What to do for fun	Clubs (from sports to video games to larping) Bars (I don't drink but if you're into that thing... watching drunk people can also be fun) Events at the Union (varies, but some are free) Union rec center (pool, bowling, video games) Workout (CRCE or ARC) Parties
  Food and Dining	Like dorm life, food quality differs. You may have to look up the acronyms (because I'm lazy), but in my experience, PAR and SDRP have the best food. You can always choose to eat fast food if none of the dining halls float your boat.
  Dorm Life	Depending on the residence hall you live in, the social scene differs. The dorm I'm in is known as the engineering dorm, so it is assumed to be quieter than others. At times, that is true, but when I go to other dorms with friends they are much quieter than mine.
  Academic Rigor	I'm an engineering major, so I have a lot of math and science classes. They have a pretty fast pace, but not so fast that I am completely lost.
  Tips for prospective students	Check out clubs or other things to get involved in. Balance work, play, and sleep. Take your vitamins (getting sick sucks!). Leave your dorm room once in a while. Go exploring in your free time. Talk to people. Eat a fruit or vegetable. Go to office hours or tutoring.
  In three sentences	The student body is very diverse. There are many opportunities to get involved with clubs, research, etc. Everyone will find something that interests them.

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• Tyler from Champaign, IL

  02/05/2013

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  194 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Campus Safety	There are police around all the time (but they arent invasive) and at night you can get escorts back home. There are always a few incidents but its usually pretty safe.
  Greek Life	Illinois has the largest Greek system in the world. If you're interested in joining one there will be one that suits you. Overall the Greek culture is great and joining a fraternity was a great choice, personally.
  Clubs and Activities	There are clubs for anything you can think of and Fraternities and Sororities at a whole new experience to the college life.
  Great for these types of students	Anyone who wants to grow as a person and have a great experience.
  Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus	Certain clubs or groups may have there traditions but nothing unusual.
  Bang for the buck	In state tuition is a good deal, especially if you can get a good scholarship to go with it.
  What to do for fun	There of course are all the parties and joining fraternities and sororities are fun as well. The bars are 19 entrance so there are a lot of undergraduate students there as well. There are also intramural sports and 2 huge gyms to play different sports in or workout in.
  Food and Dining	Pennsylvania avenue residence halls have the best food and that happens to be where I live. In university housing you can eat at any of their dining halls so people in different dorms can eat with each other or take trips to other cafeterias.
  Dorm Life	Dorm life depends on your floor mates. Me and my guys get along great and it has made dorm life awesome but if you dont like the people on your floor it might not be the best experience.
  Academic Rigor	It depends mostly on your major but every class has some difficulty because it is a world class university.
  Tips for prospective students	When looking at schools, try to come during the year to see what student life is like and once you start school do what you enjoy.
  In three sentences	Illinois is a world class university and on campus it is apparent. The school is very large and this its pros and cons but overall the size is in its benefit. There is a great balance of cultures and the whole university community is great.

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• K

  02/11/2013

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  195 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  What to do for fun	Take advantage of the bus systems! You can get to the mall, movies, Target, etc.
  Food and Dining	There are several dining halls, so venturing out to the other ones will keep things fresh and new for you.
  Dorm Life	Depending on where you live, the dorms can be loud at night. Overall a great experience.
  Academic Rigor	Study study study! But relax too.
  Tips for prospective students	If you are interested in a big sports school, but you also like to work hard, U of I is a perfect choice.
  In three sentences	Highly-ranked, yet super fun school. It is so diverse because there are a lot of international students, different majors, overall so many people.

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• Taylor from Lockport, IL

  02/12/2013

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  196 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Campus Safety	Safe Walks and Safe Rides present students with the option of calling for escorts to either walk or transport them to their location if they feel anxious or scared to reach their destination alone - especially late at night after a long night of studying at the Undergrad library.
  Greek Life	Greek Life dominates campus. There are so many sororities and fraternities that it is very unlikely that students don't find a house that they love.
  Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus	Before an exam, students visit Lincoln Hall and rub the nose of the Abraham Lincoln bust for good luck.
  Bang for the buck	Get season tickets to football and basketball games. This is a Big Ten university, and sporting events do not disappoint - some of the most anticipated events on campus. Season tickets can get pricey, but it is worth it one hundred times over. If something comes up and you can't make it to the game or match, selling your ticket on the Student Ticket Exchange Facebook page is usually very easy.
  Food and Dining	Green Street has everything you can want and more when it comes to food. From Sushi Rox, to Potbelly's, to Chipotle, you'll never go hungry here. Also, each dining hall is accessible to those with a meal plan, and all dining halls have a wide variety of types of food, ranging from Italian, to make-your-own-pizza, to vegetarian only stations.
  Dorm Life	Dorm life at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is awesome. Plain and simple. Living in an LLC (Living-Learning Community) is beneficial to all who have done it. LLC's and other dorms alike provide a friendly environment and frequently have programs for students to learn about new cultures or traditions, as well as meeting new people. The size of the dorms aren't awful either - just make sure to bring a rug!
  Academic Rigor	General education classes keep a managable balance to the work load, and teachers are almost always willing to provide extra help with extensive office hours and eagerness to help students succeed.
  Tips for prospective students	Tip number one concerns safety - stay out of the bike lanes! Learn the bus schedule before the first week of classes and always know where the nearest coffee shop is. Never walk around in a Michigan, Ohio State, and especially not Indiana merchandise: people will give you dirty looks. Last but not least, stay true to the orange and blue.
  In three sentences	Adjusting to life at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is smooth and enthralling. The Illini pride is evident eveywhere on campus - a sea of orange and blue every which way you look. Clean and easy to navigate, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is an excellent home away from home.

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• Cecilia from Berkeley, IL

  02/18/2013

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  197 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Campus Safety	Campus town is very safe! I wouldn't go outside of campus alone at 1 am but other than that there are many ways you can get around without feeling unsafe!
  Greek Life	Greek life is huge here on campus! Almost everyone rushes, but don't feel left out if going Greek isn't for you.
  Clubs and Activities	There are so many clubs and activities I cant even name you a tenth, but if you want to make one, go for it! You just need 2 people to register it.
  Great for these types of students	Great for international students and students who like to have fun on the weekends.
  Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus	Quad Day for orientation is the biggest day on campus! You get free t-shirts and you get an idea of how diverse and occupied this campus stays.
  What to do for fun	You may be living in the middle of no where, but Chabana has a lot to do for free time! You can go to the ARC and work out, take a free bus to the mall or the movies, as well as ice-skating, or just joining thousands of student organizations.
  Food and Dining	Depending on where you live, food could be awful or amazing! Living near the new dining halls is very convenient and you are prone to a variety of foods everyday.
  Dorm Life	Dorm life is very social and safe. You meet a variety of people here and they seem to do a good job pairing roommates.
  Academic Rigor	Time management is crucial to your academic performance. Academics here are taken very serious.
  Tips for prospective students	Academically and socially, you will have the best experience here. You have so many resources here that help you with classes and fit in as a freshman!
  In three sentences	I am in love with U of I. I always new I wanted to come here. The campus is fits the college setting, the academics are well-known and you meet people from all over the world, making campus very diverse!

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• Lucy

  02/24/2013

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  198 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Campus Safety	There are many safety procedures that campus has put in place to keep their students as safe as possible. You have to be smart to keep yourself safe as well.
  Greek Life	UIUC is one of the biggest Greek schools. That being said, give it a chance, but if you decide it isn't for you, don't worry about it at all because a lot of people aren't in a sorority or fraternity either.
  Clubs and Activities	There are sports club, fan clubs, professional clubs, everything. The first week of school there is a day called Quad Day where all the clubs on campus set up a booth on the quad and you can sign up for any club you want! It is a great way to get involved!
  Bang for the buck	For the amount of money you pay, you will get a great education in return. You will also have a connection for life.
  What to do for fun	The ARC is awesome. The ARC is the recreation/gym for students. There are so many things to do there like rock climbing, basketball, and soccer. It's huge, so you gotta check it out.
  Food and Dining	The food is pretty much the same everywhere. There are a lot of varieties and you will usually not have trouble finding something that you want to eat.
  Dorm Life	It depends what dorm you live in. They are all decently good, but the private ones seem to be more popular because they are nicer and cleaner, and they tend to have better food.
  Academic Rigor	This is a top school. You are going to get the best education here, but that includes hard work. The work is doable though. If you got into this school, you have what it takes to get through if you apply yourself.
  Tips for prospective students	Get involved right away! You will make so many friends by putting yourself out there and experiencing new things. Make connections and keep them. You never know when they could help you or when you could help them. Find out what you want to do with your life and what makes you happy. You may not know exactly what you want until your second or third year in, and that is ok.
  In three sentences	The University of Illinois at Urbana- Champaign is a very prestigious school. Here, you will get the best experiences possible and truly have the time of your life. This is the place where you can find out who you are and challenge yourself at the same time.

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• M from PA

  03/04/2013

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  199 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Campus Safety	I feel safe at all times.
  Greek Life	Check it out for yourself. It's great, but not for everyone.
  Clubs and Activities	Illini Pride.
  Great for these types of students	Independent. You are not coddled here like you might have been in high school.
  Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus	Alma Mater statue.
  Bang for the buck	As an out of state student, the cost is high.
  What to do for fun	Go to as many athletic events as you can. Join the official fan section.
  Food and Dining	Soul Ingredient rocks.
  Dorm Life	I have lived in two dorms. Both are more than adequate.
  Academic Rigor	Classes are challenging, but if you go to class and do the homework you will be successful.
  Tips for prospective students	Use the buses. They are very convenient. Try all the different dining hall options. Each place is a little different. Soul Ingredient is the best.
  In three sentences	So much to do here. I attend as many different sporting events as time allows. Illini Pride (Orange Crush, Spike Squad, etc.) is the best.

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• Jennifer from Lake Zurich, IL

  03/05/2013

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  200 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Campus Safety	I have never felt unsafe on campus, and there are many times that I have to walk from work at 2am back home. Although not recommended there are plenty of options at that time such as Safe Rides, Safe Walks, etc. The key to being safe on Campus is simply being smart.
  What to do for fun	What is there to do for fun? I don't think I can fit all the options into this little box. The activities available to you are endless. From swimming, rock climbing, working out, to shopping, going out, dancing, seeing a movie, bowling, billiards, the list can go on. Green street- the hub of the social life here on campus- is almost at the center of campus. Champaign-Urbana is truly a campus town.
  Food and Dining	The dining options are great on campus and there are plenty of options to choose from. Your I-Card will get you into almost every dining hall on campus and they have everything from American, to Chinese, to Mexican, to whatever you could be craving. The one thing I miss about dorm living is the food.
  Dorm Life	I lived at ISR last year and those dorms are considered to be weaker on the social life scale. However, I know the 6-pack (Ikenberry commons) are great and I have not heard of anyone who has had a bad experience there. There are also private certified housing options that are really nice and would get 5 stars, however I did not live in them because they were a little to expensive for me.
  Academic Rigor	Classes are challenging, but as long as you stay on top of your work and don't save off studying till the last minute, there shouldn't be a class that you couldn't handle. There is a fair combination of easy and hard classes, you just have to make sure that you even that out each semester e.g. you don't take all hard classes one semester, and all easy the other.
  Tips for prospective students	Open yourself up to new opportunities, challenges, and new people the very first day. Take steps out of your comfort zone the very first week, and continue to do so throughout your college career. Every step you take out of that comfort zone will pay off. Although grades are extremely important, the connections that you make through your social life will be just as important in the future.
  In three sentences	I love the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Although classes are challenging, the opportunities here, the connections you make, and the social life that the campus provides is immeasurable in its value. I'm am currently a sophomore but all that I have done, been able to be a part of, and what I have accomplished I wouldn't have even considered for myself before actually attending the University.

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• Amanda from Lisle, IL

  03/05/2013

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  201 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Campus Safety	I get crime alerts very often and it scares me. I have friends that have been mugged in the middle of the day. The Champaign Police do not do a good job keeping students safe. However, the university does have safe rides, which I take all the time to go places after 6pm. The people are nice and willing to help.
  Greek Life	Greek life is huge at U of I. A lot of students choose to get involved. I am in a sorority and love it. All of the girls are nice as can be and a lot of fun. It is a great way to be involved. Last year, however, I was not Greek and still had a great year. I did not feel a large division between those who were Greek and those who weren't.
  Clubs and Activities	There are tons of clubs on campus--so many that picking one is hard! However, there is an office in the Illini Union to help you find a club that is right for you. U of I has a club for everything from triathlons to chemistry to October Lovers.
  Great for these types of students	Great for students who are dedicated enough to go to office hours and find the opportunities they want. Everything you could possibly want in a college is here, you just need to find it.
  Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus	U of I has an alma mater statue, that students dress up in honor of whatever they choose. Sometimes she will be dressed for game day, while other times she will be supporting an upcoming band. It is located at the top of the quad.
  Bang for the buck	My in-state tuition is a good price, and I have a lot of opportunities available to me. My only complaint is that getting know professors is difficult. (But not impossible.) Office hours can be hard to attend because of other classes, but professors are normally willing to find time to help you if you ask.
  What to do for fun	U of I is a large Greek community. A lot of people get involved with Greek life to have fun. U of I also has a large drinking community and tons of bars that are accessible to those 19 and older. That said, I do have a friend that chooses not to drink and still has a good time attending sporting events and relaxing with friends around campus. Though U of I's drinking population is large, the university makes a strong effort to provide non-drinking events for any who are interested.
  Food and Dining	The dorm food is amazing! The meals plans allow you to pick up food from university convenience stores as well as eat in all of the dining halls. The dining halls had tons of options, lots of healthy variety, and plenty of vegetarian, vegan, and kosher meals. I wish I still had access to the amazing food.
  Dorm Life	The dorms at U of I are great. I opted to live in private certified housing, an expensive but nicer place to live than the dorms, and I totally regret it. The dorms provide a great opportunity to meet people, all of my friends dorms were spacious enough and well kept, and the dorm food is amazing! Best of all, the dorms are all located by buses and near work out facilities.
  Academic Rigor	U of I classes are very doable. I have straight A's as a Chem major, yet have plenty of time to exercise, hang out with my boyfriend, and go out with my sorority. I do this by taking advantage of office hours and attending my classes, so that I have less work to catch up on later. As long as you stay on top of your classes, your grades will be fine.
  Tips for prospective students	When deciding if U of I is the place for you, ask yourself how proactive you are. In order to succeed, you can't be afraid to ask for what you need. If you need help in a class, go to office hours or email your professor or TA to set up an appointment. If you want to get involved in research, then email a professor whose research interests you. College will not be rewarding if you don't make it rewarding.
  In three sentences	The U of I has tons of opportunities for its students, but they require work to find them. In order to get a true college experience at this university, students have to be proactive enough to attend office hours, search for research opportunities, and even just meet with advisers. Overall, the college has everything you need to succeed, you just have to be brave enough to look for resources yourself.

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• Eduardo from Plainfield, IL

  03/05/2013

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  202 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Clubs and Activities	There is a club for pretty much anything you're into, whether you are into watching squirrels for fun or you like to skydive, its all here.
  Great for these types of students	This is a great school overall.
  Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus	There use to be some good traditions here on campus, like hash wednesday. Now we have Unofficial, where you take a normal friday night and times that by 10.
  Bang for the buck	Honestly if you receive multiple scholarships and have to take out a small loan then it's well worth the buck. This is one of the top schools for engineering and a great party school, it's worth it.
  What to do for fun	What to do for fun? Well, there's the gym for after classes, rock climbing for saturday afternoons, bowling for after friday classes, movie viewings and social events during the week, and then there's friday and saturday nights, enough said.
  Food and Dining	The food here starts off great. Eventually it starts to get boring to the point where it sucks.
  Dorm Life	The worst part of the dorm life is laundry, period.
  Academic Rigor	You can either find yourself with tons of free time or with barely enough time to sleep, it all depends on your major.
  Tips for prospective students	Apply early and become familiar with the campus and bus routes. Also bring quarters, tons of quarters, to do your laundry on tuesday nights.
  In three sentences	It's a huge campus with tons of people from all around the world. Everyone here is friendly and nice to each other. Night life is amazing and yet very safe because of the late night bus system.

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• KeAnthony from Chicago, IL

  03/05/2013

  Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.

  203 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  In three sentences	UIUC is a great college! I have a sister who goes here and she really likes it. I hope that i one day will be able to attend this prestigious school.

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• Christine from Sarasota, FL

  03/12/2013

  Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.

  204 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus	There are quite a few that they tell on the general tour.
  Bang for the buck	Out-of-state tuition is a bit high, so the bang is much more debatable than in-state.
  Food and Dining	I didn't real eat anything on the actual campus...
  Dorm Life	Dorms were really nice and clean, and there was a good system set up for duties shared on floors. Only hard-wired internet in dorms is allowed, though, which is really not awesome.
  Academic Rigor	I didn't see any classes, but the school is highly-ranked. From what I was told from a student there, classes are mostly taught using projectors and lectures.
  In three sentences	I thought this campus was really pretty, and I found a friend that showed me around because I couldn't make the Engineering tour - met a lot of very friendly people there. This school has very highly-ranked programs and seemed really awesome for the couple hours I was there.

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• Joshua from Loves Park, IL

  03/17/2013

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  205 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  What to do for fun	Speaking mainly to guys, a lot of the guys who come to U of I are pretty big gamers. I play a bunch of computer games with my dorm mates and we made a DOTA 2 team, and watch The Walking Dead together on Sunday nights. Going to campus events like football and basketball games are alot of fun as well. Assembly Hall, which is UIUC's arena gets some pretty goods events like comedy acts, music performances, and WWE. There is stuff to do for just about everyone.
  Food and Dining	U of I dining halls vary in how good they are. Many times students will catch a bus to go eat at another dining hall that is better, but they are all decent. The larger dorm complexes, Ickenberry and PAR, generally have the best selection and menu items. Anyone that lives in a campus dorm must purchase a meal plan. Unless you are a graduate student, you are forced to purchase a very expensive meal plan that runs at the cheapest around $5,000+ per academic year. The cheapest option, with 12 classic meals and 15 credits, is sufficient to live on and anything more isn't really necessary. There are as many ways to use credits as I would hope for, only certain stores accept the credits you're forced to buy. These stores have drastically expensive prices compared to the same items in the grocery stores. The quality of dining halls and food at U of I is good, but the prices are absolutely exorbitant this why I rate it so low.
  Dorm Life	I enjoy dorm life as a whole, it like living with friends for neighbors and it's a ton of fun. The only negatives would be public bathrooms which tend to get dirty, small dorm rooms, and no kitchen or bathroom for yourself.
  Academic Rigor	The academic rigor here all depends on who we are talking about. There are students that have frat parties and hit the bars often, but there are also very astute students who study constantly. I'd give it about an average rating.
  Tips for prospective students	Try and apply during the earliest application period in Nov. This will give you the best chance to get into the University. Don't worry if you don't know what you want to do for a major, many students are undecided when they come. Also, get to know the people who live on your dorm floor, because they may turn into your best friends at college. Join some student groups or college clubs, this will help you meet people when you get here.
  In three sentences	It seems to have pretty good professors, it has a large international student program, and it is really cool to go here. The tuition is somewhat expensive, but it is really not as bad as many other large schools. Overall, I'm glad that I choose to attend this university.

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• Francisco from Fort Wayne, IN

  03/19/2013

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  206 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  What to do for fun	The recreation center is only a few years old and includes: a massive weight room, 8 basketball courts, an indoor soccer court, 8 raquetball courts, 2 Olympic-sized pools, a track, a sauna, a rock-climbing wall, and so much more. In addition the main recreation center there is an additional recreation center with similar facilities. Intramurals is always a fun way to meet new friends and stay in shape. There is a club called Orange Krush that guarantees courtside sides to every basketball game if you make a donation and show up early enough. Another big attraction that most don't know about is that you only need to be 19 to go to the bars. Don't plan on getting drinks whenever you want them, but it is a lot more lackadaisical than you would think. Members of fraternities and sororities will usually rent out a bar for the entire house and have an event all night at that reserved bar.
  Food and Dining	Freshman are now spoiled when it comes to dorm food. Whether you are in private housing or public you are going to get top-notch food. The only dorms that were struggling were the dorms that have just been renovated and now upper-classmen are buying meal plans at freshman dorms. If you are not going to eat dorm food, there is one main street with over 20 restaurants and a grocery store close by.
  Dorm Life	Most of the public housing dorms are located in the same general area or even neighbors to each other. This creates a perfect freshman environment where it is easy to make new friends and truly assimilate into the college culture. In addition to the public housing, the private certified housing is extremely nice apartment style units with all of the basic commodities located in the same building.
  Academic Rigor	The curriculum is tough, but at the same time you will quickly find out which electives can be great GPA boosters. Illinois is unique in that students who plan there semesters carefully will have very rigorous and insightful major courses, with one or two easy elective courses. Illinois is still a very respectable school, so one should not plan on cruising through their undergraduate studies without putting in the time and effort.
  Tips for prospective students	The freshman dorms (6-pack) have just been renovated and everything is brand new. There really is no point in spending the extra money on private certified housing for this sole reason. If you are planning on going into business, engineering, or agriculture then Illinois needs to be on your radar. The school is a leading institution for these big majors as well as many others. Aside from academics, if you plan on joining a fraternity or sorority Illinois has the biggest and most involved Greek life in the country.
  In three sentences	The Univerity of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign is an excellent institution with extraordinary academics, but the school also has numerous extra curricular events and hundreds of clubs suiting any interest a student might have. The campus is gigantic and beautiful; the campus has 3 massive quadrangles and new buildings are being erected every year. With so many respected programs, the University of Illinois should undoubtedly be a school of interest for prospective students.

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• Claire from West Dundee, IL

  03/26/2013

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  207 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Campus Safety	Small town Illinois with plenty of police. Saferides, Safewalks, and safety lights come in handy!
  Greek Life	Really big here, but it isn't a big deal if you are not into it. I'm not, and I still have a lot of fun.
  Clubs and Activities	We have any club you can think of. Period.
  Great for these types of students	Love to learn, open, and not shy.
  Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus	Unofficial St. Patrick's Day and Alma Mater!
  Bang for the buck	A little pricey for a public school, but then again UIUC is a good school to get a job after graduation, which is the goal.
  What to do for fun	There are a lot of shows and free activities. You will not be bored.
  Food and Dining	Big buffets, but it gets old after a while. Not bad food though!
  Dorm Life	Allen Hall. Best dorm ever! The people are great, and I for sure make life long friends.
  Academic Rigor	A lot of classes are tough, but there is a lot of help offered and you really just need to stay on top of your work.
  Tips for prospective students	This is a party school, but you still need to study hard to get good grades.
  In three sentences	UIUC is a big school with lots of opportunity. I love it here because of the vast things they have to offer. It is not for everyone, but if you are looking for a challenging school with endless possibilities, this school is for you.

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• Tyler from Olympia Fields, IL

  04/02/2013

  Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.

  208 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Bang for the buck	Tutition was ok; however, the Presidental Scholarship is only $5000.
  What to do for fun	Lots to do around campus.
  Food and Dining	Food seemed to be pretty good.
  Dorm Life	Some of the dorms were kinda old and not air conditioned. I would like to see all dorms with a.c. Otherwise, the dorms were nice.
  Tips for prospective students	Really talk with students
  In three sentences	Good school. I've always liked the school after taking a field trip there.

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• Sydne from Belleville, IL

  04/03/2013

  Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.

  209 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  In three sentences	This campus is soo nice! The people are friendly, the eateries are abundant and the bus rides are free! Just make sure you score well on your ACT to get in.

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• Kalon from Memphis, TN

  04/04/2013

  Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.

  210 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Food and Dining	The dining is good but if you don't want to dine in the campus cafeteria you can go around the campus town to got to different dining establishments.
  Dorm Life	The dorm life is great despite the small size of the room
  Academic Rigor	The academic rigor is very extreme but I encourage people to still apply

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• John from Chicago, IL

  04/06/2013

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  211 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  What to do for fun	University of Illinois is considered a party school.
  Food and Dining	Well staffed, buffet style.
  Dorm Life	Enjoyable.
  Academic Rigor	Professors do not comment on work turned in, so there is no opportunity to improve yourself.
  Tips for prospective students	Before choosing this university, ensure you are not an interactive learner.
  In three sentences	Large classes with very little opportunity for student participation. Professors offer office hours but rarely attend them themselves. There is no regulation or organization of the students resulting in many distractions.

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• Anonymous

  04/13/2013

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  212 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  What to do for fun	Clubs and organizations offer many fun and exciting projects to take part in. You are sure to find something new to do when boredom strikes.
  Food and Dining	Green street on campus offers a wide array of restaurants with almost every type of food that you can imagine. Everyone is sure to find at least one restaurant that they can't get enough of.
  Dorm Life	Being in a dorm is a great opportunity to meet new people and make friends.
  Academic Rigor	You should expect to work hard in order to receive the A that you want. Although it may seem challenging at times, there are many resources for you to get help. Don't be afraid to go to office hours or tutoring if you have a question. Take advantage of the resources you have on campus and you will find yourself on the road to success.
  Tips for prospective students	Students should be prepared to study hard to earn the grade and recognition that they want. It's a new environment and may feel scary or difficult at times but you will find yourself transitioning into college life quickly.
  In three sentences	The University of Illinois challenges you to become the successful individual that you are meant to be. It prepares you for your career not just in the classroom but there are many opportunities to join academic clubs that relate to your major as well as interning and job opportunities. Expect to be faced with challenges that will allow you to learn and grow at the University of Illinois.

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• Cardell from Chicago, IL

  04/14/2013

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  213 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  What to do for fun	Go out with friends, attends multiple Registered Student Organizations, and join in on activities at the ARC.
  Food and Dining	The food starts off great, but eventually gets repetitive.
  Dorm Life	Very social and loads of fun where ever you go.
  Academic Rigor	The teachers can be hard pressed on you at times, but still put forth an effort to help you learn all you can.
  In three sentences	University of Illinois is great school, well diversified in its student body. I have enjoyed myself over the 3 years I have spent here thus far.

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• Ivy from Mount Prospect, IL

  05/08/2013

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  214 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  What to do for fun	I usually meet up with some friends and head over to the Quad, which is where people go in the nice whether.
  Food and Dining	The food was okay. It was a lot of unhealthy junk food but it was still well prepared.
  Dorm Life	Some of the dorms are newer then others, some are a lot nicer. My dorm was pretty nice, but the people can be really rowdy even during the night.
  Academic Rigor	The courses can be tough but overall if one puts in the time and effort, they can succeed.
  Tips for prospective students	If one isn't looking for a big school then U of I isn't for you. The classes are very big, but the the professors are well educated.
  In three sentences	Overall, U of I is a great school. It is very big and diverse. A large campus allows one to meet many people and have a lot of opportunities.

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• Apps from St.Charles

  05/14/2013

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  215 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Campus Safety	it is decent. Sometime you get emails constantly about the crimes that happened, but it is not too much, and definitely avoidable
  Greek Life	Not very familiar with it, but it has a lot of options to choose from if you are interested.
  Clubs and Activities	have anything and everything you can think of and if they don't you can create one
  Great for these types of students	Open-minded, liberal, adventuruos and outgoing need to be able to make friends and talk to everyone
  Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus	Check out: Eternal Flame and Alma Mater
  Bang for the buck	It is okay, I personally don't think it is worth what I am paying.
  What to do for fun	There are normal things such as bowling, partying, walking around the campus, playing at the arc, or just chillin' in the dorm with your friends.
  Food and Dining	I'm a vegetarian so the options are less. I ate pizza and salad for most of my meals.
  Dorm Life	It is different depending on which dorm, but they are all decent and the life is fun.
  Academic Rigor	Depends on what your major is but it is a lot more difficult than high school. Especially for engineers, make sure to stay on track.
  Tips for prospective students	Make sure to have everything planned out, don't delay picking classes or taking to your advisor.
  In three sentences	UofI is a great school and gives people the opportunity to live how they would like. You can find your small niche and spend time with those people or you can be a part of many organizations. Overall a school for people who like to explore and experience many new things.

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• Ariana from Monticello, IL

  05/14/2013

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  216 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Campus Safety	You can call safe walks (two built people will walk you anywhere) or safe rides (a mini bus will take you around) after dark.
  Greek Life	A large portion of students are part of Greek but they're generally down to earth.
  Clubs and Activities	Everything.
  Great for these types of students	Students who know how to work hard and play hard.
  Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus	Check out the coffee shops around campus!
  Bang for the buck	If you're in accounting or engineering you are definitely getting your money's worth because of the great programs.
  What to do for fun	There's always activities and events on campus.
  Food and Dining	There is a lot of variety in the Ike dining hall
  Dorm Life	I lived in the 6 pack and loved it. The people there were mostly underclassmen and freshmen so there was no age gap.
  Academic Rigor	It's hard but not impossible. Make sure to join the easy classes FB group to pick easier classes.
  Tips for prospective students	Buy both a mattress pad an a foam pad.
  In three sentences	I love this school. There are so many opportunities and activities. People are pretty friendly.

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• Jaclyn from Batavia, IL

  05/14/2013

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  217 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Campus Safety	I feel very safe on campus. U of I has Saferides, which is a service that will pick you up where ever you are so you do not have to walk home alone at night. All the students also receive texts and e-mails alerting us of any crime in the nearby area.
  Greek Life	U of I is the largest Greek campus in the US, but that doesn't mean that everyone is Greek. I joined a sorority my second semester and I've met a lot of great people through sisterhood, philanthropy and social event. It's also good for networking. There are also many professional fraternities on campus which are not as time consuming as social fraternities and sororities.
  Clubs and Activities	There are over 1,000 clubs on campus, so there is something for everyone. I'm very involved in my advertising club which has given me so many opportunities such as internships and networking opportunities. I've also met some awesome people in all of the clubs I'm involved in.
  Great for these types of students	Open minded students that do not mind a large campus
  Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus	At football block, the section of the stadium blocked off for students, there are many chants and dances that the students do for plays and calls throughout the game which makes it a fun experience, even if you're not into sports.
  Bang for the buck	I love U of I and I do not regret my decision coming here. Academically and socially it provides many opportunities for future careers. There are endless opportunities at U of I. I had an internship on campus during my freshman year because U of I provided me with resources.
  What to do for fun	Sporting events (Go Illini!), hanging out on the quad, swimming/tanning at the outdoor pool, rock climbing, going out to eat at restaurants on Green Street, shopping, intramural sports, etc. At night, the legal age for bars are 19 so many students go to bars or fraternity parties.
  Food and Dining	At U of I, you can eat at any dining hall on campus which is nice for variety. There are also specialty nights that serve Asian, Mexican, breakfast, vegetarian, Soul food, etc. The food is served in buffet style so there are always many options. At every meal, cereal, sandwiches and waffles are available.
  Dorm Life	Dorm life is really fun because you meet so many new people. Keep your doors open, so you can meet more people and make an effort to introduce yourself to people on your floor. These people may be your future best friends.
  Academic Rigor	I've learned a lot of new skills and have been exposed to many different issues that are relevant to my life. The work can be challenging, but the professors are very open and hold office hours.
  Tips for prospective students	Be open minded! Join clubs and go to every event you can to get more opportunities and meet new people. Be busy, but also manage your time well so you can balance your academics.
  In three sentences	This may sound dramatic, but I've never been happier in my life than my time at the University of Illinois. There are so many opportunities and amazing people here. U of I is the right school for you if you want a big school with a small campus feel.

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• Rohail from Champaign, IL

  05/15/2013

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  218 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Campus Safety	Its a big school so there is some concern but there really isn't much to be worried about it because they do take a lot of safety measures. So just be smart and there shouldn't be a problem.
  Greek Life	Pretty big compared to most other schools. I've never joined one so I can't say much except that they do a lot of bar crawls.
  Clubs and Activities	It is called a big ten school for a reason. There is pretty much a club for everything so I'll just leave it at that.
  Great for these types of students	For students who like a good challenge.
  Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus	There is the Japanese house on campus which is very pretty building and decorated nicely. Unfortunately that's all I can say as I can never find time to go inside and look around.
  Bang for the buck	So far it has been a satisfactory experience it is just feels like they could do more, research wise. It is very expensive too. Very very expensive and financial aid isn't to wonderful for students from middle class families like me.
  What to do for fun	There are many activities to do in the union such as bowling and arcades. There are usually some plays or comedy routines on Friday nights and bands play in the Canopy club. All that and their famous football games.
  Food and Dining	There are a lot of restaurants on green street and a couple more scattered around the university. It isn't the best but you have burger places, subs, sit down dining, Chinese, and a lot more so you do have a selection.
  Dorm Life	I can't really speak for dorm life empirically because I have never lived in one but based on what my friends say I think it is just like every other dorm life. The food from what I've heard isn't the best in most and unfortunately it is mandatory for freshmen to dorm (not transfer students).
  Academic Rigor	I can only speak for the math, physics and CS courses and they are tough. You always have something due and the graders are not lenient. This does not mean that it is unfairly hard or just too much work, it means that you should do your best all the time.
  Tips for prospective students	If you're transferring do not take a lot of courses the first semester. Take it easy the first semester no matter how smart you think you are or it will be a painful first semester. An important thing to master is discipline, know when you need to study and when you need a break, find you balance.
  In three sentences	Relative to my experience as a transfer student the school does an excellent job at providing assistance and the advisers will do their best to make sure you have an easy transition. The classes are always serious there is no room for slacking here its big change from community college were you are always reminded of the fact that you are in a university. It's campus is nice and well maintained as well so overall it is a nice place to study and good environment.

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• Sonya

  05/15/2013

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  219 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  What to do for fun	The social life is very vibrant, with numerous events taking place daily all over campus. With over 40,000 students, it is impossible to avoid meeting new people!
  Food and Dining	The meal plans at U of I, especially for first year students are flexible and cover the dining needs of most students, including vegetarians.
  Dorm Life	The dorm life at UIUC is a very valuable experience, definitely for first year students. The living learning communities especially stand out, as they give students the opportunities to meet students with similar interests and personalities.
  Academic Rigor	Attending office hours allows you to have a unique relationship with professors and TAs to better understand material. Always make sure to attend lecture and stay updated with the current information.
  Tips for prospective students	Try to have a general idea of a major or some classes that you feel an interest for, so that you do not spend too much time trying to find out what to major in.
  In three sentences	UIUC is a community of not only 30,000 undergrads, but also 10,000 graduate students and the greater Champaign-Urbana area. This contributes to its diversity and rich culture, giving students opportunities in almost any interest they could wish to pursue. Courses are challenging, yet though-provoking, and some of the best interactions are found in the classroom.

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• Monique from Chicago, IL

  05/19/2013

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  220 of 220

  Categories	Comments
  Greek Life	Friendly and have exciting events all the time.
  Clubs and Activities	All types of clubs to join.
  Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus	Unofficial Weekend
  What to do for fun	Go to different types of parties and explore the campus.
  Tips for prospective students	You will enjoy it!
  In three sentences	Fun, Huge and Exciting

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