University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Top Questions

I've said this before, but there are so many different students at Illinois. They're different in race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, backgrounds, interests, ability and more. You can meet someone new and different everyday- but that's up to you. Admittedly, same type of students usually stick together, but there isn't an unspoken rule that you can only hang out with people similar to you.

I've said this before and will probably say it a million more times, but there are so many different types of people here at Illinois, and no matter what clique you came from in high school, what your cultural background is, or what your interests are, you will find at least one other person who shares them here. It's hard to characterize or describe the students here because do vary so much from college to college, major to major, and person to person. You hear some things about how everybody at "College X" is "preppy" or a "stoner" or "crazy hippy" or whatever, but at Illinois, we have everybody. If you like wearing Northface, Uggs, and leggings to every class, there are hundreds of clones here like you. if you are a dyed-in-the-wool (er, flannel) hipster, then you can discuss bands nobody else has heard of with several hundred other hipsters in horn-rimmed glasses. If you are a passionate activist, you will have plenty of friends here. If you don't care about anything, you will have other apathetic buddies. I think most people here could just be described as "normal." We go to class, hang out with friends, and try to be good people. That being said, like any place in the world, there are sometimes conflicts. Although the university as a whole is very accepting of people of all races, sexual orientations, and economic backgrounds, you will always find some closed-minded people who just can't see past others' differences. Fortunately, those people are few and far between.

UofI is very fostering for people of all kinds of backgrounds. When going through the application process I heard the word diversity so many times I forgot what it meant. You don't really understand what "diversity" colleges are talking about until you get there. At UofI there are students from all over the world. There are students of every age, race, religion, economic background, and sexual orientation. I don't think any student would have a hard time finding someone like themselves unless they were trying NOT to meet people. Anyone can feel at home. Most students probably come from middle class families in the Chicago suburbs area, but there are also a lot of out of state students, and international students, especially from Asia.

The students at the University of Illinois are all from completely different backgrounds and places in the world. However, one thing everyone has in common is school spirit. Before coming to the University of Illinois I had never seen so many orange clothes in my life! Illinois students are dedicated to their schoolwork and take academics very seriously. The prestige this school holds ensures that students will not waste their time here. On the other side of things, the University also has a huge social life. Whether students make friends by getting involved in clubs, Greek life or just in their dorms, there are endless opportunities to have fun and students often take advantage of things like swimming at the recreational facilities, rock climbing, ice skating, going to the mall or movies, biking, seeing live music and comedy performances or just hanging out together. With 40,000 students on campus the options are endless to find that perfect fit for you.

If I had only one word to describe the students at U of I, that word would be diverse. There are students from all 50 states and almost 120 countries enrolled at the U of I. 17{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of the student population is comprised of international students. Due to the diverse make-up of the student body, there is truly a place for everybody at the University of Illinois. In two of my three years of living in the on-campus dorms, I had the opportunity to live with students of a different ethnicity, which allowed me to experience different cultures. The University of Illinois is also known for its four cultural centers (Asian American Cultural Center, African American Cultural Center, Japan House, and La Casa Cultural Latina). These centers put on events throughout the year for all students to come and experience their respective cultures. Each dorm also has at least one multicultural advocate that plans events to promote diversity. U of I students have the opportunity to join one of over 1,000 registered organizations, that focus on things from sports to politics, religion to volunteering. Students also can join one of the 68 fraternities or 36 sororities on campus that comprise the largest Greek life in the nation.

Students are pretty accepting of other students for the most part. Some students that may feel out of place are students from rural areas, out of state, or international students. There are so many students from the suburbs (over 80{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c}) that some of these other students feel out of place. However, I would stress there is a place for everyone on this campus. There are international organizations and other groups that are very inclusive. Students wear pretty much anything to class from pajamas to jeans and a polo. The environment is very relaxed in terms of what students wear. Students in class do try to interact with each other. Middle-class students are the majority on campus. There are preps/suburban kids, international students, and rural backgrounds. These are the main types of students on campus. Some are quiet and some are social. Everyone seems friendly and relaxed. There are many students very involved on campus and politically aware. I would say there are a fair share of left, right, and center. Most students never talk to each other about how much they will earn, politics, and grades to each other. People seem sensitive to this type of information. Outside of class they talk about things that are not related to academics.

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign uses affirmative action and boasts a diverse population. The campus is 6{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} black, 6{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} Latina/o, 15{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} Asian, and 10{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of the students are international students. Many cultural organizations hold events that offer the opportunity for an integrated, unique education. LGBT groups have held vigils in support of gay rights. There are many social justice organizations that focus around, opportunities for equal access to education, international politics, volunteer work in the local community and many others. There are a range of financial backgrounds. Most students are liberal. The graduate student teaching assistants in November of 2009 were facing cuts to their tuition waivers and their union led a two-day strike to advocate for better treatment. There is a wealth of activism at the University of Illinois.

The students at the University of Illinois are all from completely different backgrounds and places in the world. However, one thing everyone has in common is school spirit. Before coming to the University of Illinois I had never seen so many orange clothes in my life! Illinois students are dedicated to their schoolwork and take academics very seriously. The prestige this school holds ensures that students will not waste their time here. On the other side of things, the University also has a huge social life. Whether students make friends by getting involved in clubs, Greek life, or just in their dorms, there are endless opportunities to have fun and students often take advantage of things like swimming at the recreational facilities, rock climbing, ice skating, going to the mall or movies, biking, seeing live music and comedy performances or just hanging out together. With 40,000 students on campus the options are endless to find that perfect fit for you.

The students at the University of Illinois are all from completely different backgrounds and places in the world. However, one thing everyone has in common is school spirit. Before coming to the University of Illinois I had never seen so many orange clothes in my life! Illinois students are dedicated to their schoolwork and take academics very seriously. The prestige this school holds ensures that students will not waste their time here. On the other side of things, the University also has a huge social life. Whether students make friends by getting involved in clubs, Greek life, or just in their dorms, there are endless opportunities to have fun and students often take advantage of things like swimming at the recreational facilities, rock climbing, ice skating, going to the mall or movies, biking, seeing live music and comedy performances or just hanging out together. With 40,000 students on campus the options are endless to find that perfect fit for you.

With hundreds of Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) on campus, there is a place for everyone here, regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, or political affiliation. Students are very motivated and involved in every aspect of student life. They care about their futures and get as much job experience as possible prior to graduation.