A world-class education in a vibrant city, close to home

Urbana-Champaign is an energetic city full of fantastic restaurants and a vibrant culture. Enjoy small city advantages like affordable living in an area full of cozy coffee shops to study in, scenic areas on campus and breathtaking natural areas within driving distance, and pretty much every cuisine you can crave available for order.

Enjoy the countless opportunities that come with attending a large university—things like acclaimed professors, undergraduate research, amazing libraries, and more—all while learning in small, supportive communities within your major and the College of LAS.

Learn about life in Urbana-Champaign

Interior of Espresso Royale at the University of Illinois
Best coffee shops
"One of the best parts about living in a college town is that there are plenty of coffee shops nearby. Whether you’re looking for a sleek modern coffee shop, or a homey Instagrammable café, Champaign-Urbana has it!"
A student sits in a hammock near Boneyard Creek
Under-the-radar places
"I come from a big city, so when I was picking between colleges, one factor I considered was the number of fun activities in the surrounding area. U of I ended up being the perfect balance between the city and small-town lifestyles."
The University of Illinois Japan House while the cherry blossoms are in bloom
Best places to relax
"I love to go to the Japan House to de-stress. It’s a beautiful place to walk around, and I find taking the time to take pictures of the flowers and the water extremely relaxing."
Green Street at the University of Illinois
Favorite restaurants
"When I began my freshman year at the University of Illinois, one of the things that surprised me most was the vibrant food scene. The food options were just as diverse as a street in Chicago or New York City!"

 

 

Hear from more LAS students

From blog posts on campus resources to videos showcasing a day in a specific major, the LAS Insider blog and LAS social media channels have all the information you need about life at the University of Illinois.

 

 

Accept your admission

We can't wait to see you this fall! If you haven't done so yet, don't forget to accept your admission to the University of Illinois.

Students on the Quad