LAS Insider blog for prospective students

Blog categories

AcademicsCampus life

How LAS 101 will help you transition to campus

As an incoming College of LAS student, you are required to take an 8-week, 1-credit hour, course during your first semester on campus. For most students, this class will be LAS 101: Design Your First Year Experience. This class is organized to aid newly-minted LAS freshmen in feeling more comfortable while kicking off their time at UIUC.

Illini success

My opportunity to write for the Green Observer

Sophia Beem is a double-major in creative writing and global studies. She is involved in Students for Environmental Concerns, where she reports on environmental news through the Green Observer.

AcademicsAdmissionsAdvice

Working with LAS advisors

Muskaan Siddique explains how working with LAS advisors led her to find a unique path that fulfills her interests.

AcademicsAdmissionsAdvice

How I found my path to LAS

Brian D'Souza, a senior studying geophysics and English, recalls how he transferred into UIUC’s Division of General Studies and eventually found his path to LAS.

Academics

Looking back – a college experience filled with endless opportunities

Ailaa Ippensen is a senior in communication with a minor in public relations. She reflects on three and a half years as a student in the College of LAS.

AcademicsCampus life

How my time at UIUC has prepared me for a future career in social activism

Emily's double majors in psychology and gender & women’s studies—as well as her experiences with FYCARE, the Stalking Prevention Summit, and the Women’s Resources Center—will help prepare her for a future career in social activism. Read how.

AdviceCampus life

How I manage my schedule as a student athlete

Zoe Caryl is currently a sophomore majoring in atmospheric science and minoring in political science. She is a catcher on the varsity softball team. She provides tricks for navigating a heavy schedule.

Campus lifeUndergrad research

My view on research and life outside the lab

MCB major Neha Arun shares her experiences working as an undergraduate researcher in Professor Collin Kieffer's lab in the Department of Microbiology, as well as a look at life outside the lab at the University of Illinois Urbana

AcademicsUndergrad research

Completing political science undergraduate research

Thomas Ballard and Tyeese Braslavsky are Class of 2022 graduates of political science. While at the university, they both completed research through their major; in September, they received the 2022 Senior Thesis Award for their work.

Campus life

A sustainable fashion show at Siebel Center for Design

What was your favorite moment of the semester?

There are so many things to love about being a student in the College of LAS. We asked LAS students about their favorite moment of the Fall 2022 semester. Read what some had to say.

AcademicsAdviceCampus life

How an RSO helped me adjust to UIUC

Mi Pueblo elevated my mood so much to be able to be with people who also enjoyed speaking Spanish, and to do it in a less formal setting that wasn’t so high-stakes and that wasn’t really a classroom setting.

AdviceCampus life

Navigating accommodations at UIUC

As a student with a disability, entering college is both difficult and intimidating; between struggling to find a new support system, figuring out a new routine, and navigating the various accommodations one might need, balancing a challenging academic avenue on top of it all seems impossible. However, the University of Illinois makes it so no one has to face things alone.

Your gateway to a world of possibilities

In the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences at the University of Illinois, our constant curiosity propels us to investigate so that we can seek a better tomorrow, today. From the innovative labs of biology to the celebrations of culture through world literature, LAS students use their curiosity to find creative solutions that improve our world. See just how they achieve these breakthroughs in the LAS Insider blog.

Real student experiences

Featuring authentic accounts from LAS students who share their challenges, triumphs, and everything in between, LAS Insider can help you envision your own journey and how you might fit into the vibrant LAS community.

Diverse perspectives

LAS encompasses a wide range of disciplines, attracting inquisitive students from various backgrounds. The LAS Insider blog captures this diversity, showcasing unique perspectives that can enrich your understanding of what it means to be part of LAS. Whether your interests lie in the sciences, humanities, or social sciences, you’ll find voices that resonate with your own.

Academic insights

Curious about specific programs or courses? The LAS Insider blog includes posts that delve into specific academic opportunities within LAS. From hands-on research in biology to thought-provoking discussions in literature, you’ll uncover detailed insights that can influence your college decision-making process and inspire your future pursuits.

Campus life and the LAS community

Beyond academics, LAS Insider covers essential aspects of campus life. See how LAS students engage with their community through experiential learning opportunities, student organizations, and cultural events.

Helpful resources

From academic advising and tutoring services to mental health support, understanding college and campus resources can empower you to seek help when needed. Plus the LAS Insider blog addresses future opportunities, showcasing internships and networking events that prepare LAS students for life after college.

Every LAS student has a unique journey, and the LAS Insider is an excellent way to explore these varied paths. Whatever you’re curious about, there’s a place for you in LAS.