Student Life
College is centered upon academics, but your life outside the classroom should not be overlooked as a factor in choosing a college that's right for you. With approximately 15 hours in class every week, there are 153 hours left in each week for studying, meeting new people, volunteering, working, hanging out with friends, sleeping, eating, et cetera. The opportunities and activities each college and surrounding community offers will be determined by that college's campus culture, size, and location. Depending on your interests, a variety of arts museums and concert venues, a very active volunteer-oriented student population, or other considerations may sway your decision about choosing a particular college.
The Illinois Advantage
Life at the U of I is non-stop with a plethora of activities to keep you busy. Located in a campus town, Illinois is the unofficial center of the community. You'll find many options to keep you entertained and busy. Following are just a few options:
- numerous dining options from coffeehouses to ethnic food
- shopping opportunities from bookstores and boutiques on Green Street and throughout campus
- a short bus ride away to off-campus restaurants and shopping centers
- art, theater, and entertainment venues, including student theater, world-reknowned artists, and exhibitions
- activities on the Quad in between classes – play frisbee or cricket
- intramurals at a Campus Recreation facility
- more than 1,000 student organizations that range in topic from professionally-focused groups to philanthropic and cultural organizations
- nation’s largest Greek community per capita with nearly 100 chapters