emjas

Ok, I'm still deciding between UR and UIUC...
those are two totally different schools and I'm not sure which one is a better fit for me...

I've heard from my friend and teacher that living in Rochester is kinda boring and UR itself doesn't hold many activities or events. nor does is has many student organizations.

I have to say academic is really important to me, but I'm also hoping to get invovled in various activities, and meeting different people from all over the world, etc. in my college life.

can anybody provide more insight into what living in Rochester and studying at UR is like? I seem couldn't find enough detail info on the website.

thanks guys!

BandW

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).

emjas

thanks BandW, it's a really tough choice...I am an international student so it would be kinda hard to make a visit...I'll talk to my parents about this.

the thing is, I want to get into a really good grad school, and for this factor I think UR is a better choice. but, since after graduation I'll probably go back to my country for work, alumni network will play a crucial role. And to be honest, UR isn't as well-known as UIUC in my country.

well, I think visit the campus will be the best way for me to make a decision...
thanks!

BandW

emjas,

As an international student, you will have a difficult time visiting both colleges before the May 1 deadline. Have you tried to contact the college international student offices (International Services Office for the UR ISO) or the admission depts to see if they have students who are willing to correpsond with you?

Perhaps you can check out some of the campus clubs that host activities you are interested in and contact them. Ds#2 did check out the clubs and even contacted students whose contact info was posted, just to get some idea of activity levels.

Mind you, after all that's said and done, reality may till not fit the image you have formed from all the investigations. Just what you find and run with it.

As to graduate schools, you have 3-4 years before you need to worry about it. First you have to settle on a major. Then find yourself a mentor/advisor in your major to determine the best program for your field. It is the contacts you make during grad school that will be most helpful in finding work after graduate school. I do not know what country you are coming from and do not know if you would be considering academic positions after graduation. The overall reputation of a school may carry more weight with the general public but in academia, the strength of a departmental program is more significant. The example that comes to mind would be writing - U of Iowa has a great reputation as one of the best but the university itself would not be ranked as high as, say, Harvard in the public's mind. You may want to pose the question of where the foreign alums end up after graduation to the international student officers. My bias would be UR for undergrad and then look for the best program for grad.

Good luck with your decision.

Weilin37

While there is not much to do, the people in UR is what makes it fun. It really depends on who you meet. I agree that there is not much to do, but I am having a really good time solely because of the friends I make.