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University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has an enormous atmosphere of opportunity. There is so much to be involved with socially, recreationally, and academically. I was a pre-med biology major. There is so much opportunity for research and volunteering. Outside of my major, I was also exposed to some of the best engineering and agricultural resources, which was really eye-opening to see other career paths and innovation. The social scene is incredible. Greek life is massive, but so many options... Read More if you decide to go another route, no one is left out socially. The surrounding area is a bit scarce in activity. You won't be climbing mountains or skiing, but there is so much to do on campus and through school, that the isolation of Urbana-Champaign feels more like a home away from home rather than isolation.

University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign is a really great school as long as you apply and utilize the resources you are provided. From the range of classes to the extracurriculars, there is something for someone to progress them down the path of success. There’s even fun classes like bowling just so you can show off in social groups! From my experience, even though I was not able to utilize the degree in my career as I chose different paths, even just having a degree from this school put me above... Read More others.

I spent six and a half years at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, completing both my undergrad and two masters degrees. While I attended, I had the opportunity to discover independence in everyday life, which meant that I could do anything I set my heart to, but also manage the consequences of whatever I chose. Being at such a large school meant that there were people I could see everyday that I had never seen previously. At the same time, it felt welcoming in that it felt like a small... Read More city filled with people of similar ages and life statuses. With the number of people coming from diverse backgrounds, I also felt like I could make numerouse connections, but I could also engage in competition with smart and talented people. Courses are challenging yet fulfilling. The goal of college may not be to fully prepare you to hit the ground running when you start working, but it allows you to develop how you think and gives you the tools to succeed. The recreation facilities are state of the art. There are plenty of activities around campus and off to do by yourself or with other people. Late nights studying, late nights partying, sports crowds, and wonderful memories along the way... Of course, no school is perfect and everyone has a fit for them, and while I enjoy being able to make money after graduating, I definitely miss being on campus, whether it be with friends or myself. Its a feeling and experience like no other you'll find in life.

The U of I offers a wide range of programs, services, and community that allows for many students to find their calling, friends, and personality in a manner that is organic and meaningful. However there was a distinct disconnect between what was taught in the classroom versus what mattered in the professional world, at least in the ChBE department. Theory was emphasized over practicality until the senior year, and even then that was a rushed and not-well handled transition that left many inexperienced... Read More students struggling. Also, many professors prioritized their own research over teaching, causing many fundamental concepts to be poorly taught to and received by the student body. Other schools like University of Michigan Ann Arbor, Northeastern University (Boston), and University of Colorado Boulder offer many virtual resources that are used by many students in the ChBE program to learn the material that they should be learning in the classroom, as they are taught better or are more accessible and approachable. What I did appreciate and carry with me from my time at the U of I was what I earned outside of the classroom, which was my relationships with my friends, community members, and myself. The environment of the U of I campus and its existing community brought many people and opportunities into my life that I am extremely grateful for, as it brought meaning and rootedness for me during a time that I was unrooted. Also there were gem-like classes that I found outside of my immediate major that helped shape my thinking and experience with the world around me, and for those courses and professors I am eternally indebted to.

I would recommend this school to anyone, however, I went to two years of junior college elsewhere before I went to the University of Illinois. In fact, the only reason I went to the University of Illinois is because I had already taken classes there through my junior college. For whatever reason, my junior college offered those credits for students who intended to go to the U of I. I took advantage of that because it was much cheaper, and I didn't have to live in Champaign-Urbana as long. That was... Read More a much smaller town than the one I was coming from. So, if you're looking for a good education, go to U of I. If you're looking for a party school? That's not the answer. Trust me.

Attending University of Illinois was a life changing experience for me. I grew into the man I am today and set myself up for the future. The well-rounded experience at UIUC was the reason why. It's not just academics. It's not just extracurriculars. Its not just the social scene. It's all of it combined together. Few universities around the country offer top notch education, the #1 party school, and a diverse and intricate student body to interact with. I would highly recommend the University of... Read More Illinois at Urbana-Champaign!

I thoroughly enjoyed my time as a student at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. It was a transformational experience that allowed me to pursue not only a rigorous academic environment, but an engaging, humanistic one too. Studying in the College of Agriculture, Consumer, and Environmental Studies was the best option for me. I loved the people across the college from administration, professors, and fellow students. What we study is relevant, targeted, and research-based. Furthermore, it... Read More is a very well-connected community that allowed me to travel, take on leadership roles, and form lasting friendships with everyone I met. I would highly recommend studying at the Univ. of Illinois (College of ACES) for the impact it gave me both professionally and personally.

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign offers competitive programs for high-achieving students. While better known for their Business and Engineering degrees, they also have a strong Liberal Arts program for a variety of majors. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is a very large University, and that should be kept in mind when applying. If you are looking for a small classroom setting with a small student to professor ratio, then this might not be the best fit for you. If you are a self-managed... Read More individual that is comfortable with a large lecture, then you will do well in this setting. The school is set on a very large campus, and almost all of Urbana / Champaign feel like they are a part of the campus. The school also offers many opportunities to be involved, whether it is through their athletics, student organizations, internships, or volunteer opportunities. Events are often held on campus, and there is a large and involved social life. University of Illinois also boasts one of the largest Greek experiences of any University. Another great aspect of this University is the expansive offering of study abroad opportunities. I took advantage of studying abroad in New Zealand, which is only one example of the wonderful locations you can choose from. Whether it is for a Winter break program, semester, or year-long program, I highly recommend taking advantage of this program. You will also get to meet many international students at the University, as many students choose to study abroad at the University of Illinois from other countries. Overall, if you are looking for a large University experience, you will enjoy your time at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.