Admissions

YOU HAVE QUESTIONS—SEEK YOUR ANSWERS. 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.

The LAS Insider blog serves as a window into the lives of current LAS students. Through their personal narratives, you can gain insights into everything from academic pursuits to social events and cultural celebrations. LAS Insider—a liberal arts and sciences blog—highlights the backgrounds and passions of LAS students, showcasing how they navigate their college journeys and make the most of their time at the University of Illinois.

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Blog categories

Academics Admissions Advice Campus life Illini success Undergrad research

 

Picture of Nino Stezen, political science, rising junior
Building community and empowering voices
LAS First-Year Experience (FYE) equips first-year and transfer students with the knowledge and resources for academic success and personal well-being, building community through LAS Liftoff, first-year courses, and opportunities to connect with peers.
Academics Advice Campus life
LAS students in a classroom
Why choose LAS?
We asked current LAS students, “what do you love about being a student in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences?” From the real-world practicality of their majors to opportunities to explore outside of them, read what they had to say.
Academics
Frank Cui in graduation regalia
My most worthwhile experience at LAS
With graduation earlier this month, we asked LAS students from the Class of 2024 to reflect on their most worthwhile experience at LAS. From involvement in RSOs to internship experience, Frank Cui and Payton Jarzyna give us their insights into what made their LAS experiences unique and how they’re...
Illini success
Roger Ebert statue outside Virginia Theater
Some awesome music spots in Champaign-Urbana
When I enrolled at the University of Illinois, I didn’t realize I’d have so many options for watching live music. Champaign-Urbana has everything from clubs to theaters to music halls. If you’re a fan of live music, you should check out some shows in the area! 
Campus life
Students studying on the Quad.
What's the most popular LAS study spot?
An Instagram Stories series featured a competition among the most popular study spots in LAS to crown the Most Popular LAS Study Spot. Viewers of the stories were able to vote on their favorite study spots using Instagram polls.
Academics Advice Campus life
CU Adventures in Urbana
My favorite things to do in the Urbana-Champaign area
As a second semester senior, I’ve spent a lot of time finding fun activities at the University of Illinois. Whether it’s a fun way to pass time with friends, an opportunity to take pictures, or just a relaxing area to unwind, I’ve got a place for it. 
Campus life
Students in the School of Literatures, Languages, Cultures, and Linguistics give a presentation in a classroom in front of a screen
Why is critical thinking important?
What do lawyers, accountants, teachers, and doctors all have in common? These are all professions that require critical thinking skills. Why are critical thinking skills important? The importance of critical thinking can be found across a wide set of disciplines. They are not only used in the...
Admissions
Ryan Blake in Memorial Stadium
How LAS has enabled me to explore diverse passions
Through the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences and my majors’ departments, I have had countless life-changing experiences. How can I do all I do and still graduate in four years? I utilized the excellent resources that our college has to offer.
Academics Advice
Sushi and sandwiches at the University of Illinois
My favorite restaurants in Champaign-Urbana
When I began my freshman year at the University of Illinois, one of the things that surprised me most was the vibrant food scene. Walking down Green St., I could get any food I wanted, from ramen, to burgers, to falafel, to poke bowls, to chicken tikka masala. The food options were just as diverse...
Campus life
Alyssa Shih in front of a weather truck on the UIUC campus
So you want to get started with undergraduate research? Just ask.
Before I even started college, I knew I wanted to be involved in research. To me, direct involvement in something as hands-on as research would be how I figured out if my major was the right pick while also contributing to the scientific community.
Undergrad research