Betsy
Overall my opinion is this school offers everyone anything they could ever need. The extensive list of classes, majors and clubs make sure every single student will find a niche. Though I went to college with no idea what I wanted to be when I grew up, I took a class called GS 101 Exploring General Studies that gave me the resources to understand each major a little bit better and choose one based on my academic strengths and personal interests. The University's academic advisors, Career Center and even professors are more than happy to help students with any questions they have whether they are related to class or not. The friendly feel at the University of Illinois and everyone's willingness to lend an ear or a helping hand give students the ability to truly discover who they are and shine during their time here.
Katelyn
For a student looking for a top-notch university at a great cost, nothing beats the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. U of I consistently has programs ranking in the top ten nationally and is a university known for its research. While the University of Illinois has an enrollment of over 40,000 students, it manages to still have a personalized, small-school feel. Due to it's size, there is a range of everything on campus. From class sizes to subjects, clubs to sports, the choices here are endless. In my time at Illinois, I was able to study under professors that were the experts in their field, participate in a variety of clubs, and cheer on our football and basketball teams to success. All of this combined to make my experience at U of I an unforgettable one.
Chris
The best thing about the University of Illinois is the amount of organizations and opportunities there are to get involved in. You have every social organization you can imagine. There are numerous professional business organizations or clubs. You can find virtually anything you want. In fact, you can even start your own organization and have it certified by the University. I wish that the University would publicize some of the opportunities more via social networking or email.
I believe the school is a great size as you can always find clubs, Greek organizations, committees, a job, professional organizations, etc to become involved in which allows you to develop a closer group of friends, while still being offered all of the opportunities that a large university of this size can offer.
Many people are impressed when I tell them that I go to the University of Illinois, but what impresses them most is all of the opportunities that I have taken advantage of. I have found a company to work for on campus that will build my professional skills, a committee to assist the University in making it better, a fraternity that I can have fun in, and many groups within my Department that I can be a part of.
My opinion of the school's administration is very positive, as I believe they are really trying to listen to students and the suggestions that they bring. Also, many of the recommendations that my committee has provided have been used by the University. We have made phone calls to prospective students, suggested a new minor in Business, and easier advising options.
I believe there is a lot of loyalty and pride about this University. Students seem very happy and proud that they attend a university like this. Many students take advantage of the organizations on campus.
I'll most always remember the Big Ten sporting events and the thrill of the atmosphere that is created at these events. The basketball student section, Orange Krush, is unique in that they raise millions of dollars for charity each year. They also create one of the best atmospheres in college basketball.
One frequent complaint is that TA's teach too many courses on campus; however, I believe TAs can be quite the wealth of knowledge if students go to their office hours.
Benjamin
The best thing about the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is the fact that everyone has the opportunity to find their niche and develop who they are. With a diverse campus boasting 40,000 students there are a wide array of majors and fields of study that can satisfy many students insatiable thirst for knowledge when they first arrive at Urbana-Champaign. UIUC's commitment to diversity is expressed in their use of affirmative action and their commitment to a liberal education that benefits everyone. I spend most of my time in classes, in the library, at coffee shops and at concerts and other social events. The biggest recent controversy at the University of Illinois has been the admissions scandal in which many of the members of the Board of Trustees, the President, and a few Chancellors resigned for unfairly admitting students with political connects. Now however, the administration has made clear its commitment to equal standards in admissions for all students.
Betsy
Overall my opinion is this school offers everyone anything they could ever need. The extensive list of classes, majors and clubs make sure that every single student will find a niche. Though I went to college with no idea what I wanted to be when I grew up, I took a class called GS 101 Exploring General Studies that gave me the resources to understand each major a little bit better and choose one based on my academic strengths and personal interests. The University's academic advisors, Career Center, and even professors are more than happy to help students with any questions they have whether they are related to class or not. The friendly feel at the University of Illinois and everyone's willingness to lend an ear or a helping hand give students the ability to truly discover who they are and shine during their time here.
Betsy
Overall my opinion is this school offers everyone anything they could ever need. The extensive list of classes, majors and clubs make sure that every single student will find a niche. Though I went to college with no idea what I wanted to be when I grew up, I took a class called GS 101 Exploring General Studies that gave me the resources to understand each major a little bit better and choose one based on my academic strengths and personal interests. The University's academic advisors, Career Center, and even professors are more than happy to help students with any questions they have whether they are related to class or not. The friendly feel at the University of Illinois and everyone's willingness to lend an ear or a helping hand give students the ability to truly discover who they are and shine during their time here.
Alexis
My favorite part of this school is the fact that it is very much so a "college town." Its reputation carries far and wide, nationally and internationally. I spend most of my time taking advantage of our large library system or hanging out at the Union student center. When you walk down the street, there is a strong sense of community and camaraderie with all those who go to Illinois.
Lauren
Many positive adjectives describe the University of Illinois, but I would say that "diverse" is way up there on my list. Not only is the student body diverse in culture and ethnicity, but there are also wide varieties of academic, extra-curricular, and volunteer opportunities to suit every students wants and needs. There is something for everyone at Illinois.
Alex
From an Computer Engineer's perspective:
The best thing about this school is actually the preparation and leg-up on your next stage in life. I came here because I wanted to have a job I love, and make a substantial salary at the same time. As an engineer, the school couldn't be a better fit for me. In my opinion, it is without a doubt the best bang for your buck when you look at all the yearly rankings. Continually, UIUC is on the top 10 lists for almost all of its Engineering departments. And when you are getting hired for the same positions as Berkley and MIT grads, how can you beat that?
UIUC brings roughly 500 individual companies to career fairs each year. And that's only counting Engineering employers, there's also a pair of huge fairs for Business students. As we are all looking for our jobs right now, I've interviewed with tons of great companies as a direct result of the notoriety and hosting of the school. If you're an average Engineering student, YOU WILL BE SOUGHT OUT by many companies. I would just about guarantee that even in this climate you'll have multiple options for a post-grad job. I spent last summer in Boulder where everyone on the west coast knew of this public, state school as one of the top in the field.
If I had to change anything, it would be the professor selection done by the school. Make no mistake, this is also a huge research university that has a renowned graduate program. Many professors are famous in their fields and the amount of large scale inventions or products that have come out of this campus rivals the Ivy schools. However, you will struggle with understanding some of these Non-American professors. If you're not someone who feels confident and enthusiastic learning material by yourself or with peers, you may want to evaluate if this is the right choice for you. Make no mistake - you will work your tail off. But as I'm experiencing now, its totally worth it.
chris
The university of Illinois has a small-town community feel to it, as well big city benefits. It has an incredible night life with plenty of exciting things to be entertained by, as well as a tight-knit community. You really get to feel like you a part of something great as an Illinois student.
Isabella
The best thing about Illinois is its size. RESOURCES! RESOURCES! RESOURCES! Because of the sheer size of the university, the possibilities are endless in terms of your experience on campus. Studying abroad, meeting new people, joining a student org, or just attending an event for fun. For geeks or Greeks...you'll always find something you like in Chambana.
Amanda
The best thing about Illinois is the school spirit and the friends I have made. I love how big it is but your friends make it small.
Jessica
It's just a great environment to be in. It's a college town so there's students/academic professionals everywhere. The social atmosphere is huge too. Some people think of Illinois as too big of a school, but the fact is it is huge. If you get involved and find ways to meet people it makes the campus so much smaller. School pride is big. Especially at athletic events like football and basketball games.
Taylor
The University of Illinois is so many things. It's a place where any student; no matter who they are, what they do or what they like, can find a place to fit in and grow. It's a place where you can find the biggest Greek Community in the country. It's a place where they conduct research that affects the entire nation. It's a place that's my home.
U of I while huge in size with over 40,000 students, can be made into a campus that makes you feel like you know every student walking on the main quad. We boast a huge campus with literally something for everyone.
The U of I is home to one of the largest arenas in the state of Illinois, Assembly Hall, where concerts and sports events are held every weekend. We have a world-renowned performing arts center, The Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, which can seat up to 4,000 people and hosts everything from Operas, to Dance Companies to commencements. Green Street, which is the main drag on campus, has tons of local food joints in addition to well-known favorites. The campus bar scene is centered around Green Street also, and every night the street is flooded with students looking for a good time.
While the recent news of the Clout List and the issues with the Board of Trustees has had a negative influence on the college in general, I have never been more proud to be a student and the University of Illinois. Every school has its ups and downs, and I believe I'm getting the very best education I can to prepare me for the future.
Andy
The best thing about the University of Illinois is its diversity. You can find anyone and anything you’d ever wanted from a school here. Whatever type of person you believe yourself to be, you’ll find a group of people that fit you perfectly. Because there is so much to do here (anything from fraternity life, to academic clubs to adventure clubs), you’ll never find the need to venture outside of the campus. Unfortunately, if you actually wanted to do something outside of the school, you’re only choices are eating out, a movie or the mall.
Jennifer
U of I is incredibly fun. There's just the right amount of people. You'll never know all of them, but you can always find incredible friends. One problem is that the only thing off campus to do is go to the mall, or movie theater. theres nothing around champaign-urbana, but the campus is really cool, and it's got a lot of fun restaurants to check out.
Stefanie
The best thing about Illinois is its balance. It's amazing school for sports and has outstanding school spirit and pride. It's also an amazing school to get a top notch education while having fun. A great balance like this is hard to come by at smaller schools..and I would know since I transfered from Northwestern!
Morgan
I love the school spirit at the University of Illinois. Everyone that goes to this school absolutely loves it and wants everyone to know it! One of my favorite things is sitting in Block I and the Orange Krush student sections. Even if we are not winning, the spirit is there and I have so much fun.
I love my professors and the classes I have taken. Everyone is extremely down to earth on this campus. I have had no problem relating to and talking to my professors. Even though some of the lectures are huge (upwards of 500-700 people) I feel like it is in a small setting because the professors make themselves so readily available.
I enjoy spending most of my time on the quad. In the spring and fall it is so pretty and everyone is out. People are playing music, studying, playing frisbee, tight-rope walking (what!?), and just socializing.
The school size is just right. I really do not consider it to be that large, although my friends from smalled colleges tell me it is HUGE! I love that it is large and I always meet new people every time I step outside. Everyone finds their place here. Although the campus is quite large, it is very easy to get everywhere. There is a free bus system that runs regularly throughout the day and it will take you everywhere you need to go on campus, and it's free!
I also spend a great deal of time at the bars. I love going to the bars to hang out with my friends and meet new people. I love that Illinois has such a diverse party scene. There are apartment parties, fraternity parties, and the bars. There is always something to do! Also the Canopy Club in Urbana is a great venue. It offers a different atmosphere than the bars in Champaign, as it brings in a lot of different musical varieties.
matt
what i liked most about illinois is the size. it is a really big school, but it gets smaller and smaller every year, until you can't go anywhere without knowing at least a few people. also, the size allows you to make and keep the friends you want to have. at a small school, you are forced to interact with the same people every day.
i also really liked the campus, not just the buildings and landscaping, but the feel of the area. everything a college student needs is within walking distance, food, bars, housing, shopping, etc. if you wanted to get a little fancier, the downtown area is a short bus ride away, with better food and bars.
Jesse
The best thing about Illinois is the diversity of what people are studying. I would change the small number of out of state students- I only know about one other! If you are into big schools then Illinois is just right! Most of my time on campus is spent in the theatres, libraries, or local coffee shops. Urbana-Champaign can seem like a college town unless you go out of your way to explore. I'm sure you could happily manage without ever exploring the rest of the town if you wanted to.