Epitome of a University

Introduction
There are all kinds of students on campus, however, the vast majority of the student population are what could be deemed main stream: wear the 'popular' clothes, listen to 'popular' music, and hit the bars 3 or so nights a week. It seems that the more main stream you're considered the easier time you will have finding a niche. The best advice for incoming freshman is to try to live in "the 6-pack" of dorms. Nearly everyone who lives there loves the experience, and everyone is bound to find people they fit in with.

Campus Life and Social Life
The best part about the social life is that there is ALWAYS something to do: bars, house parties, frat parties, planned events on campus, restaurants, concerts, the list goes on. Drinking is a big part of the social life, but if you don't drink there are plenty of organizations that plan social activities. A typical weekend (Wed., Thurs., Fri., or Sat.)night includes: 'pregame' party at a friends apartment, hit the bars about 10 or so, stay until the bars close at 2, getting some late night food (especially Antonio's where you can get a slice of ANY kind of pizza you want), and then hang out at a friend's place for after hours until 3:30. Not a bad deal. Academics
Overall, University of Illinois has a great reputation, especially as a strong school in "the Big 10". Business and Engineering are what it is known for, however, it has a great Journalism, Advertising, and teaching program as well. I don't know of any bad programs, and even the programs that don't have a well known reputation are great. The work load fluctuates from extreme to relatively easy, and is definitely most intense for Engineering majors. Overall, the professors are great. The TA's usually are very knowledgeable, helpful, or a combination. However, some don't have a clue what they're doing and are impatient with students.

Student Body
Greek life is HUGE, which is good and bad. Certain Greek houses will have a lot of employees work at certain bars, and then can let their friends/acquaintances cut long lines and get hookups. However, its so large that if you are not part of the Greek system, you can't walk a block without a frat guy or sorority girl parading around in their letters like it's a competition. However, Greek life isn't nearly everyone or everything. Most people find a niche on campus, and talk to everyone at parties.

In Closing...
Illinois is the epitome of what most students envision their college experience to be. It is definitely a work hard play hard school, situated in a college town that has pretty much everything a student could need. One distinct thing about the school is that the student body takes an amazing amount of pride in their school. Stickers on cars, school apparel, and sporting event support are widespread on the campus all the way through to the Chicago area. The only let downs are the not so fabulous weather and that it is rural, but it is only 2 1/2 hours from Chicago. Students are the ones who make their experience here, but the social and academic opportunities it provides are endless.