University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Top Questions

Being an Illini and feeling Illinois spirit all over campus and in the surrounding community is the best part of Illinois. I love how big U of I is because it offers so many great opportunities. While its size may be overwhelming to some, not a day goes by that I don't see at least 5 friends on my way to class or to workout.

The school is pretty awesome. There is a lot to do, even if you don't know all the hot places to check out. If you take time to explore the campus there are lots of neat little niches and cool places to find, especially in downtown Champaign. People are pretty cool, and Greek life is huge so if you rush a frat or sorority then you're walking into a crazy social scene. The school isn't too big, and it isn't small either. It's a large campus, but it's easy to make it smaller. Lots of different people to make friends with.

Although it's a big school, it's not hard to find a place to fit and a way to make it seem smaller. Because it is so large, there are opportunities that appeal to everyone and tons of ways to get involved in extra-curricular activities. Joining student organizations makes the campus feel like home and helps establish a base group of friends with similar interests.

The U of I is a great Big Ten University. We have tons of spirit here, and there are always people willing to go out no matter what day of the week it is. We are a very active campus, and the second it gets above 60 degrees everybody is outside playing football and frisbee. Our Quad is the most beautiful quad in the country! The Chief is still very much alive...

I like the atmosphere at Illinois. The campus is big, but you feel as if you are in your own littel community. I first waled on this campus thinking how big it was, but now it's hard to not see people you know. People usually tell me that I go to a very good school and I should be proud. I spend most of my time in the pool on this campus or at home. I really have no opinion on the Illinois administration. Teh biggest recent controversy on this campus in my opinion still deals with the Chief. It happened awhile ago, but people still talk about it. Illinois has more school pride then any other Big Ten school I've been too. I've been to eight out of the eleven. I take pride in that. Illinois is just so so so flat is the only thing I think is unusual. The experience I'll always remember is my first orange and blue swim meet. And the most frequent student complaints I hear or at least mine are is it's too windy and cold sometimes.

What makes Illinois "Illinois" is by far the atmosphere. It's truly the college town. Something is always going on, and it's very easy to find a group or niche you can relate to, whether that be through the Greek life, Student Government, or various clubs. I've been extremely impressed with the active Christian life on campus, particularly FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes). It's a remarkable program, and it has changed so many lives, including my own. I'm also impressed with the school pride. Attendance at sporting events is a must-do, wearing nothing but orange and blue.

The best thing about U of I is its size. There are so many wonderful people and programs to choose from! You can find somone with an opinion on a topic, a group that is passionate about what you're passionate about, friends with the same interest, and a major that fits your interests. The only drawback is that you sometimes have to search pretty hard to find these people/groups.

I love this campus, it has a huge Greek system and many Greek houses so people are always out in the yards and people are always on "the quad" (heart of campus) just relaxing or throwing a frisbee around. On most Friday afternoons in the spring, my roommate and I take walks around campus and just enjoy the people out and about.

The best thing about Illinois is that it really is a "campus town;" everything about the area is oriented towards the university. If I had to change one thing about Illinois, it would be to ban "Unofficial;" it is a stupid pseudo-holiday. When I tell people that I go to Illinois, I either get blank stares because they haven't heard of it, or I get a congratulations and overwhelming praise from people who have heard of it.

U of I is the perfect size, in my opinion. I can see people I want to see easily, and find my way around without too much trouble, but you don't feel like you are seeing the same faces and same building every day. Illini Pride is a VERY big part of the school. Our athletic teams are nationally competitive across the board. I will probably always remember being on the cross country and track team.