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BandW · 04-21-2008, 10:02 AM

How much do you want to be doing everyday? What would be considered "dull" to you?

I do not have much knowledge of UIUC. Just by the size of the school, I'd expect there'd be a lot of things to do. I'd leave that for you to investigate.

However, from my ds#2's description of what he and his hallmates are doing, there is plenty to keep them occupied and entertained. Ds#2 (a freshman) has signed up for 5 courses this semester (2 of them with lab sessions) but he has managed to see current movies, to get out to dine off campus, to keep busy 2 half days with 1 club activity (out of a possible 250 clubs on campus), tried different sports at the gym with hallmates, etc. Last semester without his lab sessions, he was able to do more and figured out a good blend of activities for himself. He did checked out greek life but was not inclined. He says there are frat parties every weekend. One of his friends is into theater and is kept quite busy. OTOH, ds#1 is less involved in the social scene. He attends one club regularly and one other off and on.

So, the bottom line is - how much do YOU need? Some people need to have 20 activities to choose from each day to be happy; some do not need quite as much or as constant a dose of stimulation. UR, for a university its size, has enough to keep most happy. I'd liken UR to a place with a quiet constant hum than one pulsing with strong loud beats. That said, bear in mind that you can only do one thing at a time.

As to meeting people from all over the world, you can check the stats on the % of internationals at each school. Are you OOS at UIUC? Some state unis have % quota on instate admits, OOS and internationals and that may affect how easily you bump into internationals. At UR, you may still find many Rochesterians and New Yorkers on campus. At both places, you will increase the likihood of bumping into internationals if you attend events sponsored by specific culture clubs.

Have you spend an overnight at both places? That may help.

You have 2 good schools to choose from. After your decision, focus on the best that school has to offer and bloom where you are planted (or have decided to land).

04-21-2008, 10:02 AM	#2
BandW Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Elkridge, MD Threads: 3 Posts: 112	How much do you want to be doing everyday? What would be considered "dull" to you? I do not have much knowledge of UIUC. Just by the size of the school, I'd expect there'd be a lot of things to do. I'd leave that for you to investigate. However, from my ds#2's description of what he and his hallmates are doing, there is plenty to keep them occupied and entertained. Ds#2 (a freshman) has signed up for 5 courses this semester (2 of them with lab sessions) but he has managed to see current movies, to get out to dine off campus, to keep busy 2 half days with 1 club activity (out of a possible 250 clubs on campus), tried different sports at the gym with hallmates, etc. Last semester without his lab sessions, he was able to do more and figured out a good blend of activities for himself. He did checked out greek life but was not inclined. He says there are frat parties every weekend. One of his friends is into theater and is kept quite busy. OTOH, ds#1 is less involved in the social scene. He attends one club regularly and one other off and on. So, the bottom line is - how much do YOU need? Some people need to have 20 activities to choose from each day to be happy; some do not need quite as much or as constant a dose of stimulation. UR, for a university its size, has enough to keep most happy. I'd liken UR to a place with a quiet constant hum than one pulsing with strong loud beats. That said, bear in mind that you can only do one thing at a time. As to meeting people from all over the world, you can check the stats on the % of internationals at each school. Are you OOS at UIUC? Some state unis have % quota on instate admits, OOS and internationals and that may affect how easily you bump into internationals. At UR, you may still find many Rochesterians and New Yorkers on campus. At both places, you will increase the likihood of bumping into internationals if you attend events sponsored by specific culture clubs. Have you spend an overnight at both places? That may help. You have 2 good schools to choose from. After your decision, focus on the best that school has to offer and bloom where you are planted (or have decided to land).