University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Top Questions

The University of Illinois prides themselves on being a really diverse school, and this is proven walking down a street. People of different ethnic backgrounds, cultures, and countries interacting on a day-to-day basis. So that's one stereotype that holds true. Another that I was unaware about before coming to the campus was how big fraternity and sorority life is. There are frat guys everywhere you look and sorority sisters promoting their sorority everywhere you go. Obviously, the frat guys are pegged as "bros" and the sorority can be pegged as being pretty snobby. That's a major stereotype around campus. Other than those, there aren't really other stereotypes around campus. It's okay, and even cool, to be a nerd here and to want to excel in class so students brag about how much time they spent in the library, they don't shy away.

Many prospective students believe that because the University of Illinois is a large, Big Ten school, that there are many cliques and sub-groups that exists within the school, making it difficult to find a place to fit in. While it is true that the university is quite large, it is also very tight knit and familiar faces are seen every day. Contrary to popular belief, UIUC is not overpowered by Engineering students. One can find a surprising amount of every major on campus, from Sculpting to Integrative Biology and Computer Science to Journalism. This makes it easy to collaborate when working on projects and research tasks. Alongside the major variation, the Greek life on campus tends to pull students of all types together, especially during times like Homecoming and Philanthropy events.

One of the biggest stereotypes I have come across about the University of Illinois is that you need to join the Greek system in order to have a good experience. That is not at all the case. I am not a part of the Greek system, and the greater majority of my friends aren’t either, but I can safely say that we’ve all had a great time and education here. Joining the Greek system or not joining it is all a matter of preference, but it won’t make or break a student’s time here.

The stereotype at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is that there are only two types of people, Greeks and geeks. Frankly, this isn't true. In addition, you aren't relegated an outcast if you don't join a sorority or fraternity. Many people do join these organizations, but it is important to note that there are many professional, honors and otherwise non-mainstream sororities and fraternities. These organizations have the potential to be very resourceful in terms of developing leaders, socializing and networking. As is the case on many campuses, there are a TON of registered and non-registered student groups. You can still have an amazing time without joining the Greek system.

The University of Illinois is known to be very Greek. The fraternities and sororities can seem to rule to social scene. But remember, you create your own reality. If the Greek system interests you, come aboard! If not, there are hundreds of student organizations to look into as well as 40,000 other students looking for friends in all sorts of ways.

Stereotypes at our school have a wide range, but most would say it comes down to Greek life. We have one of the largest Greek communities of any campus, and there are times when it shows. Each sorority has a "reputation", and although most of them aren't true, most people still believe every word. I'm in a sorority and the common stereotype surrounding us is not true at all! Aside from Greek life, while there are still stereotypes, everyone kind of does there own thing. It's nothing like high school where once you're labeled your stuck with it for four years...it's too big of a campus for that.

One of the biggest concerns I hear from students who are considering the University of Illinois is that all the students are from the Chicagoland area. While statistically that argument holds a lot of weight I don’t see it as an appropriate stereotype of U of I students. The University of Illinois was ranked second overall for the amount of international students last year, coming in at 8,000 students from 114 different countries. That being said, yes, there is a lot of students from the North, West, and South suburbs. These students come from all different backgrounds and though you won’t get the geological diversity that other campuses offer when it comes to students from the United States, U of I offers more diversity then meets the eye. In my two years as a U of I student I have made friends from all different backgrounds and I rarely see my high school friends as much as you would think. The University of Illinois is NOT high school all over again; it is just as big of an opportunity to make new friends as any other school. There are around 30,000 undergrads so making new friends should not be a problem.

Being at a school of 40,000 and more students, there is no "one" cookie cutter molded stereotype. In my opinion and what I've noticed from being on this campus for a year and a half, there are individuals in a multitude of groups and organizations on campus. Of course, you have the people who are wholly dedicated to their sorority or fraternity, but I can say the same about students who are dedicated in student organizations like Liberty in North Korea. If there was one "stereotype" that I've noticed, it's definitely within the Greek system. They stick together and you can usually tell who's in a sorority or fraternity by the way they dress, the type of clothing they wear and the groups of people they surround themselves with. I'm not saying every person in the Greek system is described like this but I can generally tell who's Greek just by observing them.

U of I has the biggest Greek system in the country. It's perceived that Illinois is really "fratty" and really Greek. This is partially true. However, the Greek system isn't only beneficial to the individuals, but to the community as a whole. Individuals in the Greek system get to meet many great people that will create a network that will last a lifetime. Fraternities and sororities continually hold philanthropy events that raise money for great causes in the surrounding community. My fraternity annually holds an event to help raise money for underprivileged kids in the community to attend summer camp. However, the Greek system isn't for everyone. Illinois, I believe, accommodates those who don't participate in Greek life. This is what outsiders don't really see. U of I is the perfect combination of Greek and non-Greek. People can still have social lives attending the several bars on campus. There are many great places to live where one can meet great people.

Lots of people in fraternities or sororities. It is true that there are a lot since greek like is so popular, but it is not true for everyone.