Champaign-Urbana
Champaign-Urbana is the ideal setting for your college education. As an active micro-urban community, C-U maintains an intimate small-town feel while sacrificing none of its big city advantages. Mike Ross, Director of Krannert Center for the Performing Arts and self-proclaimed ‘enthusiast’ of C-U defines a micro-urban community such as Champaign-Urbana as, “a population center of under 200,000 that possesses a set of attributes that are usually reserved for and associated with large metropolitan centers.” This means that you get a wide variety of restaurant choices, a diverse live music scene that continually brings in national and independent acts, and an active visual and performing arts community within Champaign-Urbana.
Life at Illinois gives you the best of both worlds. Our cities, like our campus, can feel as big or as small as you want. With a diverse population, vibrant downtown areas, and excellent cultural resources, it’s easy to see why Champaign-Urbana proudly boasts a micro-urban environment.
The unique blend of local artists and local businesses makes Champaign-Urbana a great place to live and learn.
How to get here
I-72, I-74, and I-57 lead directly to Champaign-Urbana if you plan to drive. You can also travel by train or bus. The station is located two miles from the main campus. Or, you can fly directly to Champaign's Willard Airport, which is five miles from the campus. Click here for more travel information.
Want to know more?
For more info about the Champaign-Urbana area, check out:
Note: This is not an endorsement of any company or event, nor is it a complete list. Champaign-Urbana offers numerous selections for whatever you want. This list only serves as an example of the wide variety of options you have off-campus and was compiled by University of Illinois student interns for the Office of Admissions.