What is life @ Urbana Champaign like?

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Illinois - Urbana-Champaign
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Hi, I’m a male senior from Southern California considering going to UIUC for college for computer science. Some other colleges have accepted me as well (purdue, Georgia Tech, UCSD) but for now UIUC is definitely my top choice. If anybody could answer these questions, it’d be very helpful! ^^

  1. Is Urbana Champaign racially diverse? Especially asian, as I am chinese-american and am quite connected to my culture.

  2. How is the weather? Obviously not as good as socal, but tbh actually having 4 seasons would be nice lol

  3. What is there to do in the city? I know chicago and springfield is moderately close by, but is urbana champaign itself a dull, drab city or is it pretty vibrant? Good food?

  4. I’m completely turned off by stuff like football and the greek life. I’m also quite liberal – hobbies include playing piano, cooking, listening to tons of music. Will I feel very out of place?

Thanks in advance!

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There are many Chinese students at UIUC.

There are definitely 4 seasons, so you’ll need both a light jacket and a coat (and boots for winter (late fall and early spring semesters)). Whether you bring them, or purchase them in one of the shops on Green St, or the big box stores in the malls is your choice. Plenty of free bus transportation gets you anywhere in the area locally.

Champaign-Urbana are small towns, but cater the the college community (faculty, professional staff and students). So there is a lot to do both on Green Street, in one or more of the many student organizations, or in downtown Champaign. Great restaurants, as well as many lame restaurants, abound. You’re also a two hour train ride away from the downtown area of the world class city of Chicago with many theaters, museums, a symphony orchestra, opera, 4 star restaurants etc. You can easily do a Saturday by leaving in the morning, and returning in the evening (Check out the Amtrak train or bus schedules), or spend the night in a hotel (but that would be costly).

There is a big frat/sorority scene. Many participate. Many don’t. There’s no pressure to join.

You need to visit to get a better feel for the college and surrounding area. Check out some of the youtube videos about uiuc, in addition.

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@YuiHirasawa‌ Ha, saw your post on /r/uiuc too