Details

• United States of America
• BaWiSo-23
• Undergraduate
• SoSe 2026
• Time spent at the partner university: 5 months

1. Preparation

Make sure to pack very warm clothes, especially if you arrive in January. Temperatures dropped to around -30°C during my first weeks, so a warm winter jacket, hat, scarf, gloves and suitable shoes are essential. Regarding the journey to Champaign, I only found out afterwards that there are direct buses from Chicago O’Hare Airport to Champaign. I stayed in Chicago for three nights to explore the city and then continued by Amtrak. Personally, I would not do this again in January, as Chicago was extremely cold, windy and rather quiet at that time of year. Taking a direct bus from the airport to Champaign is probably the easiest and most convenient option.

2. Accommodation

Since I studied at the University of Illinois during the spring semester, I had the opportunity to take over a room that had already been rented by another WU student during the previous semester. She was able to give me detailed information about the apartment, the location and the landlord, which made the whole process feel much safer. She posted the available room in one of the many WhatsApp groups for exchange students. This is quite common, especially before the spring semester, as many students look for someone to take over their room. I lived in a privately rented apartment rather than university accommodation. Although the university generally recommends using official housing options, most exchange students I knew lived in private apartments or sublets. The location was very convenient, roughly between Green Street, the ARC and the Business Campus. In general, I would recommend looking for accommodation close to Green Street, as this is the main area for restaurants, shops, bars and student life. It is also within walking distance of most important places on campus. Another WU student was already living in the apartment, which I would strongly recommend if possible. Especially during the first few weeks, it was very helpful to have someone to organize the apartment with, do the first grocery and household shopping, and meet other students together. It made settling in and building initial connections much easier.

3. Academic life at host university

The university has many different buildings, some of which are quite far apart. This was a little confusing at the beginning, so I would recommend checking the location of your classrooms in advance and allowing enough time to get from one building to another. The academic culture and teaching style are quite different from WU Vienna. At UIUC, you usually have to complete something for each course almost every week. This can include assignments, presentations, group projects, midterm exams, quizzes and attendance. The overall workload is therefore higher and more continuous, but the individual tasks are often less difficult than a major final exam at WU. The learning style is much more active. At WU, the final exam is often heavily weighted and students may study more independently throughout the semester. At UIUC, your final grade is usually based on many smaller assessments. This means that you have to stay engaged throughout the semester, but it is also less stressful if one assignment or exam does not go particularly well. I can recommend many 100- and 200-level courses. They are generally not extremely demanding, but they are often enjoyable, interactive and varied. I would also recommend BADM 320. The professor was very kind, supportive and made the classes interesting. In general, I had the impression that the professors genuinely wanted students to succeed. They were approachable, helpful and usually willing to support students if they had questions or difficulties.

5. Every day life in the host country

I rarely used public transport, although buses can be used free of charge with the student ID card. Most places were within a 10- to 15-minute walk, so I usually walked everywhere. I also found walking around Champaign and the campus area quite pleasant. Overall, I felt very safe throughout my stay. I did not experience any serious problems during the semester. Only during my final week, I witnessed a small argument that developed into a fight in a bar. However, the staff and security reacted quickly and handled the situation professionally. Apart from this isolated incident, I always felt comfortable and safe. There are many social and leisure activities, especially through the university. During the spring semester, basketball was particularly popular. We attended several games at the State Farm Center, which was one of the highlights of the semester. The atmosphere was great, and I would definitely recommend attending university sports events, as they are an important part of American campus life. The sports facilities were one of the most impressive aspects of the university. There are two large fitness and recreation centers with extensive gym facilities, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, basketball and badminton courts, and even a sauna. Students can also play sports such as golf and tennis. Another great option is participating in intramural sports. Students can create their own team with friends and compete against other student teams in organized tournaments with referees. These competitions are offered both indoors and outdoors and are available for many different sports, including football. Overall, the range of sports opportunities was incredible and far beyond what I had expected. The facilities and activities provided by the university were truly outstanding.

6. Testimonial

What made my exchange special was primarily the social experience and the opportunity to constantly meet new people from different backgrounds. Every day brought new conversations, friendships and opportunities, which made the semester incredibly varied and exciting. I especially enjoyed being part of a real student town, where university life continued beyond the classroom through sports, events and social activities. This unique campus bubble made the whole experience unforgettable.