Exchange Report

Try to join the "Stammtisch" before you leave Vienna. It is an easy way to connect with other people from WU, who are sharing the exchange semester with you. Additionally you will be able to connect with Americans, who can help you before arriving at campus and also show you around during your first days at UIUC. Having familiar faces when you arrive can make the start of your exchange much easier and a lot more enjoyable. Once you’re at UIUC, I really recommend joining different sports clubs or student groups. These are great places to meet new people quickly, discover new hobbies, and become part of the campus community right away. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. That’s exactly what makes a semester abroad so exciting. Overall, stay open‑minded, say yes to new experiences, and enjoy every moment. Your exchange semester can easily become one of the most memorable times of your life.

I shared a house with three other students from WU. It was located off campus, but we could easily reach the university by bus. The place was very affordable, and we had a great time living together. We found the house through Airbnb, which made both the arrival and departure extremely relaxed. We didn’t need to worry about finding new tenants or dealing with complicated contracts. One big advantage was the amount of space we had. We could invite friends over whenever we wanted, cook together, or simply enjoy our privacy. Unlike many student dorms, where rooms are small and you often share common areas with many people, our house gave us enough room to feel comfortable and at home. Looking back, I’m really glad we chose this option. More space, more freedom, and far fewer problems with moving in and out.

The academic atmosphere at UIUC was very relaxed and welcoming. Even though I took two finance courses alongside three lighter classes in sports management, the professors were always friendly and created a positive learning environment in every session. Their teaching style felt less formal than at WU, which made it easier to participate and connect with the topics. For me, the combination of challenging finance classes and the more creative, interest‑driven management courses was the perfect mix to get the most out of my exchange semester. On the one hand, I could benefit academically from excellent finance professors and deepen my knowledge in a field that is highly relevant for my studies. On the other hand, I was able to choose subjects that truly interested me, topics that are not offered in the same way at WU. Of course, this mix made the semester a bit more intense at times. But looking back, it was absolutely the right decision. It allowed me to grow academically and personally, and I ended up experiencing a semester that was both enriching and memorable.

Public transportation off campus is quite limited, which is generally the case in many parts of the United States. Buses work well around the university area, but once you leave the campus zone, getting around becomes more difficult without a car. Still, for everyday life as a student, the system is manageable. In terms of safety, I always felt secure. UIUC is located in a relatively small and quiet college town, and there are usually people walking around the campus at all hours. The constant student activity creates a very safe atmosphere, even in the evenings. Social life is also a big plus. You can go out almost every day if you want to. There are plenty of events, bars, and things happening on or near campus. It’s very easy to meet new people and have a fun night out. One of the highlights at UIUC is definitely the sports environment. The university offers a huge variety of facilities and activities: from gyms and fitness classes to outdoor recreation. If you enjoy playing sports, you can join almost anything: basketball, soccer, volleyball, tennis, swimming, and much more. Even if you prefer to watch rather than participate, UIUC sports culture is amazing. The university has strong athletic teams, and attending games is a big part of student life. There’s always something going on, so staying active is never a problem. Overall, the mix of a lively campus, a safe environment, and excellent sports opportunities makes UIUC a great place to study and experience student life.

I really got the full American experience I was hoping for, with the perfect balance of traveling, university life, fun, and sports. The semester abroad gave me so many unforgettable moments and allowed me to grow both personally and academically. It was an incredible experience overall, and I can only recommend it to anyone considering studying abroad.