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Studies > United States > Urbana-Champaign > University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign > Review by Matthias F 
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University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign (UIUC)

381 reviews
4.10 / 5 based on 381 reviews
Useful  |  3
Matthias F
Wirtschaftsuniversität Wien, Vienna, Austria
Economics, Undergraduate, University Agreement
Overall
I wish I had known...
One semester is not enough time. It takes a few month to become completely familiar with the new environment. By the time one can say he/she is really feeling like home, it is almost time to leave again. If I have the chance to study abroad again, it will be a full academic year.
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In my opinion:
Everybody loved it, you will too!
Important factors in my choice
(1) Unimportant – (4) Very important
Academic reasons
3
Culture
2
Costs
2
Activities
2
Campus life
3
Party / people
3
Weather / location
3
Personal recommendation
Don't panic if the courses you want to attend are already full. Students drop a lot of classes within the first few weeks of instruction. It is usually not necessary to attend a class from the first day on.
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During my experience abroad, I ...
(1) Never – (4) A lot
Became familiar with another culture
3
Traveled
4
Improved language skills
4
Met people from other countries
4
Became more independent
3
Partied a lot
4
Experienced a change in life
3
Advanced my studies & career
3
Final comments
Spending a semester in a town like Urbana-Champaign is the perfect evidence, that no matter where one goes to study abroad, it is a very good time and a great experience in any way. One meets nice people and new friends everywhere. The life on a big campus, that seems like an own town within a town, is quite impressive for European students.
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Useful  |  0
Matthias F
Wirtschaftsuniversität Wien, Vienna, Austria
Economics, Undergraduate, University Agreement
Academic
Course recommendations
courses are usually very time-consuming but not very difficult.
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My academic experiences
Quality of courses
Variety of courses
Access to resources
Interaction with teachers
Interaction with international students
Interaction with local students
Personal comments
it is hard enough to write all final exams within a few days. instructors should think about changing the due dates for term papers and (final) presentations. it is almost impossible to get sleep if these obligations add to the final exams.
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My opinion of the university assessment
Exams at end of course
Exams throughout the course
Essays and/or projects at the end of course
Essays and/or projects throughout the course
Overall
Useful  |  0
Matthias F
Wirtschaftsuniversität Wien, Vienna, Austria
Economics, Undergraduate, University Agreement
Languages
Language of instruction: English
Was learning English a key decision factor?
Yes, I wanted to improve my English
How much did you improve your English?
My level before: No problems in any areas (including slang)
My level after: No problems in any areas (including slang)
Language difficulties
Social
Educational
Administrative / Institutional
Overall
Personal comments
not being afraid to talk in a different language, both in class and in social life, is the most important thing. instructors understand all kinds of accent. Local students are rather surprised about the courage and skills of international students who communicate without any timidy. by participating in class the instructor will recognize you as a foreigner but at the same time respect and appreciate your language skills.
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Useful  |  0
Matthias F
Wirtschaftsuniversität Wien, Vienna, Austria
Economics, Undergraduate, University Agreement
Expenses
Main source of funding:
Family
Other sources of funding:
Family<br> Personal savings<br> Other
Work opportunities:
I didn't want/need to work
Personal spending habits
In spite of the favorable euro-dollar exchange rate housing is still more expensive than in Austria. The price level at the bars around campus is very low (probably due to the high competition between bars). Wireless telephone systems are backward compared to Europe and rather expensive. Local calls via landphones are free. Calling via the Internet (Skype) becomes an important way of communication (especially for making calls to Europe). The main reason for an overall increase of expenditures compared to the usual way of living is travelling.
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Travel, Overall, Housing:
was more expensive than at home.
Food:
was the same price as at home.
Nightlife, Telephone:
was less expensive than at home.
Accessibility of student needs
Second-hand text books
Second-hand household items
Computers / Internet
Administrative
Money from home
Personal comments
Almost everything is paid by credit card. This seems to be a good idea as it is cheaper than withdrawing cash. If cash is withdrawn, I'd recommend withdrawing a large ammount at once (due to the ATM fees)
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Useful  |  0
Matthias F
Wirtschaftsuniversität Wien, Vienna, Austria
Economics, Undergraduate, University Agreement
Housing
Type of housing: Apartment/House
Arranged by: Independently - My choice
If returning, I would choose: Apartment/House
Why?
Space, privacy, facilities
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Personal assessment
Cost
Facilities
Location
Cleanliness
Space
Personal comments
rents are usually higher than in Austrian cities
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Useful  |  0
Matthias F
Wirtschaftsuniversität Wien, Vienna, Austria
Economics, Undergraduate, University Agreement
Student life
Describe host city:
Student life dominates the city
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Activities, Nightlife: Takes place mostly within the university/student environment
Travel: Takes place both within and outside of the university/student environment
Personal social experience
Activities
Nightlife
Travel
Overall
Personal comments
Murphy's Pub, Brothers, Firehouse
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