Student Life
Student life at Illinois is active, connected, and full of moments that define the college experience.
Your Campus.
Your Town.
Campustown is the center of student life. It’s where you grab food, meet friends, study late, and take a break between classes.
See For Yourself
Get Involved
With more than 1,000 student organizations, there’s something for every interest: academic, cultural, creative, service‑based, and some just for fun!
Student Organizations
Show Your Spirit
Big Ten athletics and school spirit are a part of everyday campus life. From packed student sections to a campus full of orange and blue, Illini fans show up loud and proud all year long.
Go Illini!Be Part of Game Day
Illini Pride: The largest student cheering section on campus
Block I: Famous for halftime card stunts at football games
Orange Krush: The basketball student section that brings noise and raises money for charity
Enjoy the Arts
Across campus and the surrounding community, the arts are always within reach. Live performances, exhibitions, film, music, and cultural events offer countless ways to experience creativity in action throughout the year.
Venues for Arts & Performance
Krannert Center for the Performing Arts — A hub for live performances, featuring student, faculty, and visiting artists across music, theater, and dance.
State Farm Center — A major venue for large-scale concerts, touring performances, and campus-wide events.
Campus Museums & Galleries — A range of specialized museums and collections that bring art, history, and research together in unique ways.
Stay Active and Healthy
Campus Recreation offers 500,000 square feet of indoor space and 75 acres of outdoor facilities. Work out, join an intramural team, or take fitness or cooking classes in a way that works for you.
Campus Recreation
Carry On the Tradition
Traditions connect generations of Illini with a shared sense of belonging. You’ll see them, hear them, and eventually take part in them yourself.
Moments Every Illini Knows
Homecoming: One of the largest events on campus and a tradition Illinois helped start
Alma Mater: The heart of campus and a must‑photo spot for new students and graduates
Hail to the Orange: The song that brings Illini together at big moments
Marching Illini: Performing since 1907 and known worldwide for tradition and innovation
I‑L‑L! / I‑N‑I!: A call‑and‑response that needs no ticket or event, just school pride.
Iconic Landmarks and Legends
Altgeld Chimes: Daily bell concerts you’ll hear between classes
Morrow Plots: The oldest experimental cornfields in the Western Hemisphere
Lincoln’s Nose: Rub it for good luck before exams
Eternal Flame: A favorite study break spot with a long‑standing legend
The Squirrels: A campus staple since 1901 and legends in their own right
Create Your Next Opportunity
96 Fortune 100 companies recruit Illinois students each year
20,000+ unique employers hire Illini annually
#1 return on investment in the Big Ten (PayScale)
2nd highest average mid‑career salaries in the Big Ten (PayScale)
Top employers include: Deloitte, Amazon, Chase, Apple, Caterpillar, Microsoft, IBM, & PepsiCo
Illini SuccessConnect with Career Support
The Career Center is here to help you plan your future with professional advising like resume reviews, career coaching, and mock interviews.
The Career CenterReal Journeys.
Real Conversations.
Journeys: To College and Beyond features authentic conversations with students, alumni, and campus community members sharing experiences, insights, and the many paths that shape life at Illinois and beyond.
New episodes release monthly.
View the Podcast