Details

• United States of America
• BaWiSo-19
• Undergraduate
• WS 2025
• Time spent at the partner university: 4 months

1. Preparation

For the application, I would recommend being honest in the interview and showing that you are really interested in doing an exchange semester. Also, try to apply to as many universities as possible, especially the ones that are realistic for you to get into. The Intercultural Competence course helps a lot to prepare for the exchange. Besides that, I would try to get as much information as possible about welcome days, courses, and housing forms. Start looking early, as it reduces a lot of stress. If other students are going with you, I recommend connecting with them before the semester starts, because it makes the beginning much easier and smoother.

2. Accommodation

Three friends from WU and I looked for an apartment together. We first tried GreenStreet Realty, but they gave us the wrong apartment, so we switched to Smile Housing, a private provider. Our apartment was in a great location (At the Frat Park) close to the university, bars, and the ARC and it was very safe. Most leases are for a full year, so finding a sublease can be difficult. I recommend looking in Champaign rather than Urbana, as there is more going on there.

3. Academic life at host university

The campus at UIUC is much bigger than WU, which makes it feel very different at first. Courses are a mix of attendance and non-attendance classes, so you have some flexibility. Professors often let their TAs give the lectures, sometimes just going through the slides. There are usually a lot of assignments during the term, but as a result, there aren’t as many exams at the end. Overall, the classes feel more practical and close to real-world situations, which I really liked.

5. Every day life in the host country

Champaign is generally very small, and you can reach almost everything on foot. There is also a bus provided by the university, so you don’t have to pay extra for transportation. There are many social activities available. For example, the main university building has bowling and billiards, and there are a lot of sports events. I also highly recommend joining an intramural team, where you can form a team with friends in sports like basketball, soccer, or volleyball. Besides that, there are many clubs you can join. I was in the waterski club and went to 2–3 tournaments on weekends with them.

6. Testimonial

What made my exchange semester truly special were the people I met. The locals and other students were all very warm and welcoming, but most of all, it was the other exchange students I spent my days with who made the experience unforgettable. We shared classes, meals, and free time together, and I made friendships that I know will last long after the semester. I had four amazing months and I’m grateful to have shared so many memorable moments with them. If you’re reading this, it probably means you’re thinking about doing an exchange in Illinois. My advice is simple: definitely do it. I had the best time of my life there and I wish I could experience it all again.