The University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign is a public research university in Illinois and the flagship institution of the University of Illinois System. The land-grant institution is located in the twin cities of Champaign and Urbana. The University operates a Research Park, home to over 90 start-up companies and multinational corporations. The campus has two main recreation facilities for students to enjoy, the Activities and Recreation Centre (ARC) and the Campus Recreation Centre – East (CRCE). CRCE has an indoor pool with a water slide, volleyball, basketball, and a hot tub. This facility is "one of the country's largest on-campus recreation centres." The Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District operates the campus and community bus system; they are paid a transportation fee by the University to provide unlimited access for University students so getting out and about should be cheap and easy. Most of the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign campus is in Urbana, here you can find regular local events such as the Market at the Square, also known as the Farmers' Market. This is a community event held every Saturday morning from May to November, dozens of vendors set up shop in the Lincoln Square parking lot in downtown Urbana.
It will not be possible to complete a year abroad at this University if you have any assessments, such as supplementary or deferred exams, during the August assessment period at Swansea University.
Who can study here?
Swansea has a ‘university-wide’ partnership with this university which means that it is open to all subject areas except for Education, Criminology, Social Policy, Law, or Computer Science.
Spaces are not guaranteed, can be limited and all students on a semester/year abroad programme are subject to a university-wide, competitive selection process.
Important information
ACADEMIC YEAR: RUns from August to May.
COSTS: The cost of living in Illinois will vary depending on your chosen accommodation and lifestyle. More information on costs and additional fees can be found here.
VISA: You will need a J-1 Exchange Visitor visa to study at Illinois. As part of the visa application, you will need to evidence financial support. To apply for a visa, you will need to pay a SEVIS fee of approx $220 plus an application fee of approx $185. In addition, you should factor in the cost of attending a visa interview at the US Embassy (typically in London). More information is available on the US Embassy website. You must allow enough time to complete the visa application and for your visa to be sent to you. There can be significant delays so please do not leave this until the last minute as you cannot travel to the USA without it. Your host university will provide you with more information about the application process.
ACCOMMODATION: On-campus accommodation is available and you can apply once you have received your acceptance. Students who choose to apply for university housing should be aware that there is no guarantee that they will get the residence hall of their choice.
HEALTH INSURANCE: You will need to purchase mandatory health insurance to cover the duration of your studies at Illinois.
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