University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Top Questions

Very diverse, liberal

In Illinois, there is a pretty even divide of liberal and conservative students. There are groups for everyone, and the groups tend to keep to themselves, so there are few issues here. You probably won't know enough students to experience any kind of insulting or discrimination. You learn what is important to argue about and what you should just brush off.

Illinois, at least my dorm, was not as diverse as I would have liked to see. However there were many religious LGBT etc groups available. However, the integrations is poor especially in the cafeteria. Often Asians sit together, athletes sit together, and Caucasians sit together. Most of my friends on my floor came from poorer families and paid for a lot of college themselves.

I have not found Illinois to be a very diverse campus. An overwhelming majority of the students come from the Chicago suburbs area, so out of state students are more rare. There is a large Asian population, and a large African American population as well. Several socio-economic classes seem to be represented. For the most part, students from different groups seem to interact in the classroom, but outside, the groups are more segregated.

Very diverse campus, feels very openminded and accepting of other races, backgrounds, religions, etc. There are many clubs and groups that help people feel accepted as well.

Students can be found dressing cute to class or wearing a hat and hoodie. The style and student body are very easy-going and accepting of all ethnicities, religions, and other groups on campus.

Any background you can think of you can find it, so if you want to meet kids like you then you'll have no problems, and if you want to meet new people from different countries, cultures and upbringings, you'll find that too.

There are student groups for every type of person, every interest, every culture, every background, and if you can't find one you like, it's easy to start a new one! I think everyone can find a way to fit in here. The different student groups host events together to encourage students of different backgrounds to interact.

This is one of the most diverse campuses in the country, and the minority groups here are really strong. They make their presence known by constantly emailing students and setting up booths. Flyers and chalked ads are EVERYWHERE. The school is large enough that everyone can find a niche. There are always groups competing for students' time and involvement. Despite our diversity, we have a terrible reputation for social segregation. In particular, the Greek system is considered really elitist and discriminatory. For example, one house here two years ago threw a "tacos and tequilas" themed party and dressed up in racial stereotypes. I think being a minority at U of I is probably rather uncomfortable, but we are extremely racially and socioeconomically diverse. As a result, I would assume it is easier to fit in here than at other colleges.

I don't think you can feel out of place at Illinois. That is what is so great about Illinois. It is so big and offers so much that if you are out of place somewhere just find another group. You'll eventually find where you belong on this cmapus.