Details

• United States of America
• BaWiSo-23
• Undergraduate
• WS 2025
• Time spent at the partner university: 5 months

1. Preparation

Before applying, it’s worth talking to people who have actually attended the university. Expectations often differ from reality, and firsthand insights can help you avoid surprises. Consider whether you prefer a campus town or big‑city life—both have significant advantages and disadvantages. Your course selection can strongly influence how demanding or enjoyable your studies will be, so take time to read through the course descriptions before choosing. Start looking for housing as early as possible. If you can, opt for six‑month contracts or subleases—just stay alert for potential scammers. Committing to a full‑year lease can be frustrating if you can’t find someone to take it over later, leaving you stuck paying for the entire year or offering a steep discount. In the summer semester, finding a sublease at UIUC is usually straightforward. During the winter term, however, options disappear much faster, and securing a subtenant later can be challenging. The political situation also shifts frequently, which means application numbers for the next semester could drop unexpectedly. If that happens, the housing market becomes even tougher. Because of this uncertainty, avoiding a full‑year lease is wise—you don’t want to be stuck paying for months you don’t need. Apply for the Visa as soon as possible. Signing a contract before recieving the Visa might be risky therefore get it as soon as possible to be able to move on without uncertainty. Go to the Stammtische and make connections.

2. Accommodation

Several large dorm-style apartment buildings are available in Champaign. Even the privately owned ones are essentially on campus, so “off‑campus” housing often still means a very short walk to classes. I lived at The Rive in a 4‑bedroom, 2‑bath unit, and it was a great experience. The apartment had a spacious kitchen and living room, and both the bedrooms and bathrooms were in excellent condition. The building offered a yard with BBQ areas, a gym, a lobby, and study rooms. Everything was clean and well maintained, and I would absolutely recommend it. The location was perfect. If there’s availability, my preference order would be: The Rive, The Dean, The Hub, 212, and HERE. For subleases, Facebook is the main marketplace—search for “UIUC Housing” and you’ll find the three major groups. There are also university Snapchat groups where students post subleases. You can join those as soon as you receive your UIUC email, and they tend to be much safer with a lower risk of scams. On Facebook, be cautious: always ask for proof, request a video call, and double‑check details, as scammers are common. Aim to find housing close to Green Street, since that’s the center of student life. Try to avoid living in Urbana if possible—it’s usually farther from campus, and you’ll often need to rely on the bus. I´m not finding someone to sublease my appartment (as of January first) so I have to pay 7 more month, try to avoid taking a 12 month contract for the winterterm at all cost!! All dorms have their pros and cons. If you have questions reach out to me I have seen pretty much all of them and can definetly say what to look out out for if you have any questions. I would give The Rive 5 Stars. As I have to pay for seven more month if I don´t find a sublease soon I only give 3 stars.

3. Academic life at host university

Courses are generally on the easier side. The only ones that tend to be genuinely challenging are the finance classes. In my experience, the finance course was the most interesting but also the most demanding (I completed SBWL Finance I–IV). The rest of the courses were manageable and didn’t require too much effort to earn an A. There are a lot of small assignments to keep track of. They aren’t difficult, but they do take time, and you don’t want to miss them and lose easy points. Many classes don’t have final exams, so pay attention to that when choosing—finishing the semester early is definitely a perk. FIN 321 was comparable in difficulty to courses at WU. Most of the other classes were more flexible, with a stronger focus on group work and presentations. The instructors tend to be more approachable and often teach in a more engaging, entertaining style. The lecture halls are decent, though not as modern as those at WU. There are plenty of different libraries on campus, and it’s worth exploring a few to see which environment suits you best. Personally, I didn’t go very often and usually completed my assignments in my apartment. You can change courses in the first week(s?). After a certain point you can withdraw from courses but after a deadline that is also not possible anymore. You will then get a W in your transcript instead of a fail.

5. Every day life in the host country

Public transportation isn’t really necessary, but there are free buses available, and the bus system works very well. The campus has an extensive safety concept, and I always felt completely safe. There are three clubs (bars) and several additional bars, so you can go out and have fun any day of the week. There are plenty of sports events, especially during the winter term, including football, basketball, volleyball, and ice hockey. The gym is huge and fully equipped. There’s an outdoor and indoor pool, courts for basketball, badminton, and volleyball, a climbing wall, outdoor soccer fields, tennis courts—basically everything you can imagine.

6. Testimonial

My time at UIUC was the time of my life. I think this university is definitely underrated. Since it’s the biggest partner program, many people only choose it as their last option. But you really get a prime campus‑town experience. Sports culture is huge in Champaign, and the football stadium (65k seats) and basketball arena (15k seats) were often sold out. The bar culture is different, but a lot of fun. Courses are easy. There are lots of assignments, but getting all As is very doable. I traveled to Indianapolis, Chicago, Seattle, Miami, Mexico City, Puerto Vallarta, Punta Cana, and San Juan. Getting to the airport is a pain, but it works. Renting a car for the group is usually the cheapest option (bring a credit card). Overall, I spent around 17k USD (plus 8k because I didn’t find a sublease). It’s definitely expensive, but you can get by cheaper as well. For your money, you get much more than in the bigger cities. I don’t regret a single second of going to UIUC — it was a lifetime experience. ILL