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 - Mihir Mehta.jpeg)
 - Mihir Mehta.jpeg)
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19 Reviews Found
Likes
- Excellent programs, especially for STEM
- Beautiful campus, with many old buildings, and many libraries. Great public transport bus system.
- I love the weather! Even though it can get a bit cold in the winters, I don't mind it
Dislikes
- The CU area is small. It is a small town in the middle of cornfields, so not a lot happens outside of the campus areas for students.
- Socializing, especially as a grad student in one of the smaller majors is not the easiest
- Traveling to any other part of the US can be a bit annoying, as you would need to catch flights out of Chicago which is a 2.5 hrs road journey away
- For my first semester, I found someone's sublease on Reddit/Facebook. Afterwards, I moved into my new place by applying on a leasing agency website directly.
- USD 840, inclusive of all utilities. Unit is a studio, with a bathroom, kitchen (microwave, oven, fridge, stovetop), has an HVAC unit, desk, chair, and a twin bed.
- The main challenge is to find a unit well in advance, as most on-campus locations fill out very quickly (10 months before move in date)
- Based on preference! Off campus is quieter and cheaper, if you are willing to commute via bus, or have a car (might not be ideal when it is cold like -20C for a few days per year). On campus is louder, slightly more expensive, but close to classes and all the food joints, bars etc.
- My accommodation is just a 5 minute walk from the main part of the campus (the main quad). Indian students stay everywhere, but I think most graduate students prefer to be off campus in Urbana where it is quieter.









Likes
- One of the most important things about the college experience is the ability to have good experiences. This is an integral reason to pursue a degree abroad. At UIUC, there are numerous places where you can go in your free time and enjoy. UIUC is a prominent party college and the parties there live up to their reputation. There are also numerous activities on campus that one can do, like bowling, play all kinds of sports and take a stroll in the beautiful gardens.
- The academics are great. The teachers are extremely helpful and will give you extra attention if you need. The office hours are critical in revising certain difficult concepts. The professors are willing to put in extra efforts for individual students as well and questions are answered in class as well as after.
- The people are especially warm to everyone and there is not even a hint of racism. The community is very progressive and accepting of people from all walks of life.
Dislikes
- There is a lot of use of substances across campus, drugs and alcohol are prevalent so that is something to be aware about. People are also doing this in the open so it is helpful to be careful.
- The academics might be incredibly good but you also need to put efforts because it is equally difficult. The level of the students is extremely high and it is critical that you do not leave anything for the last minute. The grading is also extremely difficult.
- The food is great but it is quite expensive so it is good to keep a check on your spending. The dining hall is fine but not all too great. Additionally, there are minimal choices for people that are vegetarian.
- I opted for on campus accommodation for my first year and then continued to taking off campus accommodation. I found my apartment through a mutual friend and online platforms.
- The monthly rent is around 1000 USD with utilities and facilities include, a gym, a pool and a game room. The main challenge was finding a good place for a reasonable price which is quite difficult due to the large number of people trying to find off campus accommodation at UIUC.
- My recommendation for future students would be to start looking early and speak to your seniors about finding good places. My accommodation is approximately 10 mins away from campus and most indian students stay around where I am staying.

 - Mihir Mehta.jpeg)
 - Mihir Mehta.jpeg)
 - Mihir Mehta.jpeg)
 - Mihir Mehta.jpeg)
 - Mihir Mehta.jpeg)

 - Mihir Mehta.jpeg)
Likes
- Campus ,Faculty
- Small town allowing for quiet surroundings and low cost of living compared to other cities
- Flexibility in Curriculum
Dislikes
- Large Class Sizes
- Closest Marketplace is an hour away from campus by bus
- Weather Extremes
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Found accommodation online, there are several real estate agents website to search from to get a good house here in Urbana Champaign
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Monthly rent is 500$. including wifi and electricity cap of 110
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Biggest challenge was to trust the condition of the house and signing the lease without looking at it in person.
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To future students: Look for accommodations as soon as you get your acceptance
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My house is 11 mins walk from my campus. Most Indians stay here
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Likes
- A very big course, plenty of opportunities to do part time. Hundreds of professors, thousands of positions and a lot of scores for assistantships.
- A good campus, cheap housing, lots to do. Reputed university.
- Good reputation, helpful people, good student community
Dislikes
- It is too cold and weather becomes extreme
- It becomes a ghost town during breaks like winter.
- Commute is from the airport. Chicago is 3 hours away
It is a tedious task. Had to compare a lot of colleges. Checked college ratings, their syllabus, cost, tuition fees etc. It required lots of hours to commit in order to shortlist and finalize a university.
Likes
- Campus: The school is a home to many students. It has a really huge and beautiful campus with loads of fun things to do around, amazing restaurants, great places to hang around, and a huge library!
- Academics: The professors in my program are really knowledgeable and helpful. I really enjoyed the lectures!
- Course Curriculum: There were 3 compulsory courses out of 10. This gave me a leverage to take up any of the courses that aligned with my interests.
Dislikes
- Class size: There were around 90 students due to which sometimes the seats got full to a particular class of a particular professor too quickly and I had to take that course next semester.
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is a prestigious school. It is renowned for academic excellence, especially in my field, that is computer science and data analytics. The MSIM program that I had taken was a perfect blend of technology and management, which aligned with my career aspirations.
I chose this university because of Fees, reputation for CS, reputed Faculty and research and program Structure. Overall the experience is very good.
Likes
- UIUC has excellent research faculty and ample opportunities for someone to get the taste of academic research while keeping up to date with industry requirements.
Dislikes
- Weather can be a bit poor especially during the winter season. The campus is a bit out of nowhere, so not a great place for people looking for a busy city life.
I had to submit SOP and 3 LORs along with my CV. I highlighted my academic background and work experience in the SOP. University ranking, fully funded program and a good research group My overall experience at UIUC was excellent. I joined for a masters program and decided to continue with the PhD. I had an excellent advisor and research group. I learned a lot and made good connections. The overall campus life has something for everyone.
Likes
- Reputation of the university and access to a major city. College town with multiple sports teams, bars and accessible/affordable housing
My college experience so far has been very rewarding because I have grown tremendously as a person and as a learner. Been able to learn to adapt to new circumstances and adjust to variations to normal life and adversity. Been able to control mood swings from excitement to disappointment. Also formed great relationships with amazing people around me.
Likes
- I wanted a change that would make me become more mature and independent. This school was far from my house but not that far in the case I wanted to visit
It is going great, I’m still adjusting to the classes but honestly I feel behind in all of them. I need to gain a better understanding on all my courses, but other than that this university is so good. You have so many opportunities at your fingertips and you won’t get a better education than here.













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