<p>Hi, I'm hoping to go to UIUC next fall and am wondering what the social life is like there for non-partiers? I'm not looking to go out to bars every night and want to know what else there is to do on a normal Friday night? Also, does the big school get overwhelming? I'm worried that I won't be able to find any small clubs or groups to hang out with and that everything will generally always be too crowded. </p>
<p>haha i feel ya. ^^ </p>
<p>College can be overwhelming for some. Take it slow at first. You’re there to learn. May sure you’ve got that portion of your existence squared away first. You’ll be moving into a dorm where you meet a lot of people. Stay away from the partiers. You’ll know who they are. They likely won’t be there in a semester or two. You’ll make friends in the dorm, in your classes, and in many other settings. That circle of friends will help each other, and make even the largest college seem small. There are a lot of clubs to get involved in. Don’t go overboard there until you feel comfortable with the academic workload, and definitely don’t overload yourself the first term. See how a 12-15 semester hour load goes that first term. Freshman year in college is not the 5th year of high school. You’re expected to show up in class, do the homework, and be prepared for exams. To do that, professors have office hours where you can go to get any questions you might need answered. That’s both very necessary and very helpful. Study groups, and Teaching Assistants are also good sources for test prep.</p>
<p>Know that you wouldn’t have been admitted, if they didn’t think you could handle things. If you do get into trouble, help is available, but you need to take advantage of it immediately upon recognizing the issue. If you’re sick, for example, and you take an exam getting a bad grade, seeking help after the fact is unlikely to be beneficial. UIUC has “Emergency Deans” who help students in those situations all the time. All sorts of help is available, but it’s up to you to take advantage of it in a timely manner.</p>
<p>If you have time, there are upwards of 1,000 recognized organizations on campus. </p>
<p><a href=“- Involved@Illinois”>https://illinois.collegiatelink.net/Organizations</a></p>
<p>Can’t find one you like? Start your own.</p>
<p>Just make sure you keep your primary reason for being there front and center at all time, and you’ll be fine.</p>
<p>Balthezar</p>
<p>Currently attending and I can answer your questions!
- Social life for non-partiers: There are lots of clubs you can join that don’t party very much. I’ve met a lot of my friends from these. There’s also things called Illinites which is a big get together every month or two that has games, food (non-alcohol) and other fun stuff for free.
- For me a normal Friday night consists of studying haha, but there are lots of events sponsored by Illinois, particularly in the dorms. Again, the clubs that you join (known as RSOs) are very helpful with providing a non-partying environment.
- Big school: personally I chose Illinois because it was so big. Yes, at times it does feel a bit overwhelming, but there is a big support network from teachers and administrators and I found it very easy to make friends and join RSOs to make the campus feel smaller.</p>
<p>I had the same anxiety as you did when I chose Illinois and it gets so much better when you find a good group of friends and join some RSOs. Illinois is a big party school, but you’re not pressured to do anything you don’t want to and nobody judges if you’re someone who prefers studying on a Friday night or doesn’t like partying every weekend.</p>
<p>@GeologyRocks Thanks for your input!! I appreciate it. </p>